Defence Project Manager Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Location: Salt Lake City, United States of AmericaThales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Operations Manager

Salt Lake City, UT (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for an Operations Manager, whose role is to serve as a senior operational leader responsible for driving process improvement, operational efficiency, and business performance initiatives across complex, cross-functional environments. This role operates with a broad organizational mandate to evaluate business operations, identify improvement opportunities, and implement scalable solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness, optimize performance, and support long-term strategic objectives.
In this position, you will lead moderately complex to complex operational initiatives focused on process optimization, business system enhancements, operational planning, and performance measurement. Leveraging advanced analytical methodologies, project management expertise, and continuous improvement principles, you will deliver operational strategies that strengthen business performance, improve cross-functional collaboration, and support enterprise transformation initiatives. You will work closely with leaders across Operations, Engineering, Finance, IT, and Supply Chain to align operational priorities, establish reporting frameworks, improve business processes, and drive sustainable operational excellence, while providing strategic guidance on governance matters and escalating enterprise-level decisions to senior leadership as appropriate.

Regulatory Compliance Requirements

• US - CUI Regulatory Compliance Requirement - Must be a US Person as defined in applicable law.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead cross-functional operational improvement initiatives by evaluating business processes, workflows, and systems to identify inefficiencies, mitigate operational risks, and implement scalable solutions that enhance organizational performance.
• Analyze operational data, business trends, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to develop actionable recommendations that support strategic planning, resource optimization, and informed business decision-making.
• Drive business transformation and process improvement projects by leading requirements gathering, workflow analysis, solution evaluation, implementation coordination, and post-implementation performance assessments.
• Partner with stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, and IT to align operational priorities, resolve process challenges, and ensure successful execution of enterprise initiatives.
• Develop and maintain operational reporting frameworks, dashboards, and executive-level presentations that communicate business performance, project status, operational insights, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by standardizing processes, supporting organizational change initiatives, ensuring compliance with company policies and quality standards, and leveraging industry best practices to improve operational effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations, process improvement, business systems, project management, or a related operational support function.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational improvement initiatives, process optimization efforts, and cross-functional business projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate operational data, identify trends, and develop actionable business recommendations.
• Experience with business intelligence and reporting tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar analytics platforms.
• Working knowledge of business systems (ERP, CRM, workflow automation) and continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or Kaizen. Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

Special Position Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Professional certifications such as Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt), PMP, CBAP, Agile, or other process improvement credentials.
• Experience working within complex, matrixed, or highly regulated industries such as aerospace, defense, manufacturing, transportation, or technology.
• Demonstrated experience supporting cross-functional operational improvement, business transformation, or enterprise system implementation initiatives.
• Knowledge of change management principles, KPI development, operational dashboards, and performance measurement frameworks. Proven ability to drive operational standardization, facilitate stakeholder collaboration, and coordinate initiatives across multiple business functions or locations.
• Travel: 20% of the time

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

If you're excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between

Total Target Cash (TTC) 86,250.00 - 149,523.00 USD Annual

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including - but not limited to - the employee's career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company's annual salary budget, the customer's program requirements, and the company's internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's status protected by local, state, or federal law.

(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please raise HR request through MyThales)

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period

Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off

Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program