General Manager Bendigo

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

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.

This key leadership role is responsible for the performance, growth and strategic direction of our Protected Vehicles business.

As the nominated Site Executive, you will lead a complex Defence manufacturing and engineering site, driving site modernisation and operational excellence, workforce engagement and continuous improvement.

Working across a matrix environment, you will partner with senior leaders and functional teams to ensure safe, efficient and commercially successful outcomes while building a high-performing culture.

Located in and working from our Bendigo site on Dja Dja Wurrung land, your role purpose is to –

• Act as the nominated Site Executive for the Bendigo facility, providing overall leadership and accountability for site performance.

• Drive safe, compliant and efficient operations through close collaboration with Quality, HSE, Engineering and Project teams Enable delivery of the Protected Vehicles portfolio and development initiatives aligned to customer and business objectives.

• Lead continuous improvement, site modernisation and business transformation initiatives.

• Build strong employee and customer relationships

• Develop leadership capability and foster a culture of accountability, engagement and high performance.

• Strengthen governance, risk management and operational decision-making.

About You

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent demonstrated experience).

• Leadership experience managing a medium-sized business, site or operational function.

• Proven success delivering complex business outcomes in a regulated environment.

• Strong stakeholder management and customer engagement skills.

• Operational and governance expertise, including risk and financial management.

• Demonstrated ability to develop talent, lead change and build high-performing teams.

• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.

• Defence industry experience and understanding of the Defence customer environment highly regarded.

As part of our commitment, we offer:

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Recognised leader in reservist employee support

• Veterans Leave

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

• Access to a network of the best people (A Nobel Prize winner on our staff list!)

• And much more!

Good to Know

Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and (role dependent) medical checks.

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.

The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are 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.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.