Location: Belfast, United Kingdom
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
Business Area Director – UK
Location: Belfast (with responsibility for Thorney Island)
Business Unit: Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS)
We’re seeking an exceptional Business Area Director – UK to lead the UK IAS portfolio, build strategic customer relationships, and drive profitable growth in defence and high-tech sectors. The director will collaborate with the UK MOD and internal stakeholders to deliver long-term value, lead multidisciplinary teams, and foster innovation and commercial success.
This position offers a significant opportunity to impact UK national defence by managing critical air defence products that protect all deployed UK air bases, while contributing to a rapidly growing business with new product developments.
What you’ll be doing
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Lead the IAS UK portfolio, overseeing programme delivery, customer satisfaction and commercial performance.
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Drive business growth, contributing to 2027 targets of ~£500m in orders and ~£200m in revenue.
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Translate customer vision into strategies that deliver sustainable, profitable outcomes for IAS.
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Engage senior UK stakeholders across DE&S, Front Line Commands, DSTL and wider defence organisations.
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Lead multi‑disciplinary teams with end‑to‑end accountability for orders, sales, EBIT and cash.
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Deliver complex bids and programmes using cutting‑edge technologies and innovative approaches.
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Strengthen industry partnerships with suppliers, partners and trade bodies.
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Ensure governance and compliance across bids, projects, ethics and conduct.
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Forecast and align resources with functional heads to ensure capability meets forward load.
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Create an environment for innovation where teams can develop and deliver breakthrough solutions.
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Contribute to IAS leadership as a key member of the IAS Executive Team and BL (Business Line) COMEX.
What you’ll bring
If you thrive in complex environments, build trusted relationships and lead with clarity and purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
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Substantial experience leading large‑scale, complex programmes in defence, aerospace or high‑technology sectors
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Proven delivery of multi‑million programmes or portfolios, with accountability for financials, performance and customer satisfaction
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Proven executive‑level relationship management and influencing skills
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Experience establishing governance frameworks, managing risk and ensuring compliance
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Demonstrated ability to lead high‑performing teams in matrix or multi‑disciplinary environments
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Strong commercial acumen, with hands‑on experience in contract management, bidding and financial control
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Advanced programme management capability (PMI, PRINCE2 or equivalent)
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Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and cost control
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Outstanding communication skills, able to convey complex information and lead sensitive discussions
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Highly developed analytical and critical thinking skills, with sound judgement under pressure
Why this role matters
The UK MOD landscape is complex, fast‑moving and technically demanding — often leading our most advanced developments. You’ll be at the centre of this environment, shaping strategy, enabling innovation and ensuring our teams deliver solutions that meet the UK’s most critical needs.
This is a role for a leader who can navigate complexity, adapt to change, inspire confidence and build the future of IAS UK.
Security Clearance Requirement:
Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.
To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.
Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.
Closing date for applications is Thursday 3rd September.
First stage assessments are planned to take place w/c 14th September.
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At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.
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