Manufacturing Transformation Manager
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 4, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 3, 2026. Thales Group scores B on the Alion truth index.
At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive - driving this technology are our people.
It takes talented people to build and power the systems and solutions that communities depend on every day. So, we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view.
From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries - and working together to build a future we can all trust.
Our Benefits
- Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Free Medical Insurance
- Annualised Performance Review Process
- ThalesFlex - Hybrid work environment
- Fitness Passport Discount - Access to a network of Gyms across AUS from $15 P/W
- Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)
- Modernised Paid Parental Leave
- Veterans Leave
- Novated Lease options
- Personal & professional training development opportunities
- Sonder - Wellbeing & Support Partner
- We are proud to be endorsed as a Work180 Employer and recognised as a Family Friendly Employer
Our Team
Our Protected Vehicles team works closely with clients to design, manufacture, maintain and upgrade protected vehicles that keep people safe, all around the world. Our state-of-the-art workshops are set up to help us deliver Hawkei and Bushmaster military vehicles to strict defence standards and set our people on rewarding career paths.
Working from our Bendigo site on Dja Dja Wurrung land, your role purpose is to:
- Lead the development and execution of the Protected Vehicles industrial modernisation strategy, ensuring our manufacturing capability is future ready, scalable and aligned to business objectives.
- Drive digital transformation, advanced manufacturing technologies and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational performance and support program growth.
Key objectives are:
- Champion industrial transformation programs including automation, Industry 4.0 technologies, ERP optimisation and manufacturing innovation across the Bendigo site.
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to improve productivity, reduce operational inefficiencies and build sovereign manufacturing capability for current and future defence programs.
Your Experience
On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:
- Proven experience leading manufacturing transformation, industrialisation or operational excellence initiatives within a complex manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement methodologies and digital manufacturing technologies.
- Demonstrated capability influencing senior stakeholders and leading organisational change across multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience delivering strategic improvement programs involving manufacturing systems, automation, ERP platforms and operational performance improvement.
Australian Defence Roles & Security
A Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.
Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/. In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role. The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.
We Encourage you to apply
After you have applied, you will receive an email acknowledging your application. We'll then provide a personalised experience for suitable applicants as we progress the selection and assessment process. Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and depending on the role type, medical checks as well.
It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right - no matter your background or personal circumstances - please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.
We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.