Site Manager - Industrial at Thales in IN

Location: Remote India, India

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

Present in India since 1953, Thales is headquartered in Noida and has other operational offices and sites spread across Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru and Mumbai, among others. Over 2200 employees are working with Thales and its joint ventures in India. Since the beginning, Thales has been playing an essential role in India’s growth story by sharing its technologies and expertise in Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Thales has two engineering competence centres in India - one in Noida focused on Cyber & Digital business, while the one in Bengaluru focuses on hardware, software and systems engineering capabilities for both the civil and defence sectors, serving global needs. The Group has also established an MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facility in Gurugram to provide comprehensive avionics maintenance and repair services to Indian airlines and support the growth of the local aviation industry.

Position Title - Industrial Site Manager

Industry– Electronics & Avionics Manufacturing

Location - Bengaluru & Mysore

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Industrial Site Manager to lead the planning, construction, commissioning, compliance, administration, and operational management of a greenfield manufacturing facility specializing in electronic assemblies, PCBA production, avionics products, and other high-reliability aerospace and electronics components.

The role requires a seasoned professional with 18–20 years of industrial leadership experience, including successful management of greenfield projects from concept through operational readiness.

The candidate must possess deep knowledge of Indian statutory regulations, factory compliance requirements, industrial infrastructure development, manufacturing operations, supply chain management, project execution, and workforce leadership.

The Industrial Site Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the facility is delivered on time, within budget, fully compliant with regulatory requirements, and capable of meeting aerospace-grade quality, safety, and production standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Greenfield Project Development & Site Operations Management

• Lead the end-to-end development of the manufacturing facility from site selection through operational handover.
• Coordinate land development, civil construction, utilities installation, and infrastructure readiness.
• Manage EPC contractors, consultants, architects, and engineering teams.
• Oversee factory layout planning, production flow design, warehousing, utilities, and office infrastructure.
• Develop and monitor project schedules, budgets, milestones, and risk mitigation plans.
• Ensure timely commissioning and operational readiness of all manufacturing areas.
• Establish and manage manufacturing operations for:
  • Electronic assemblies
  • Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) lines
  • SMT and through-hole manufacturing
  • In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems
  • Avionics products and subsystems
  • Aerospace-grade electronic equipment
• Develop production strategies to achieve quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
• Ensure production capacity planning and resource optimization.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable Indian laws, regulations, and statutory requirements, including:
  • Factories Act and related State Factory Rules
  • Industrial Safety Regulations
  • Labour Laws and Employment Regulations
  • Environmental Regulations and Pollution Control Board requirements
  • Fire and Life Safety requirements
  • Electrical Safety Regulations
  • Hazardous Waste Management Rules
  • Building approvals and occupancy certifications
  • ESI, EPF, Professional Tax, and other statutory requirements
• Manage interactions with government authorities and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain all permits, licenses, approvals, and certifications required for factory operations.

3. Real Estate Project Management & Execution

• Develop comprehensive project plans and governance structures.
• Manage project budgets, capital expenditures, and resource allocation.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to executive leadership.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution.

4. Site Management, Infrastructure and Maintenance:

• MUST Oversee operation and maintenance of:
  • HVAC systems
  • Cleanroom environments and compliances
  • Compressed air systems
  • Power distribution systems
  • Backup power systems
  • Water treatment facilities
  • Fire protection systems
  • Security and access control systems
• Ensure uninterrupted utilities and facility support for manufacturing operations.
• Manage Facility management company and provide end to end guidance to support local business sites including FM leadership in terms of managing local supplier relationships specific to the local business sites. Must be expert in soft skills including management of site security, physical security, housekeeping, offce boys etc for smooth functioning of complete Thales facility.
• Expertise in security systems including CCTV and access systems, housekeeping and office maintenance including zeal to drive innovation, transformation, change and efficiency strategically within organization.
• Understanding of Building infrastructure & back up source to provide non-stop service to the site in regards of Electrical, Water, power redundancy, Building Genset failures, electrical panel failures, Earthing, Air Conditioning etc.
• Day to Day Office Facilities and Maintenance, Vendor Management & rate contracts.
• Expertise in handling critical infrastructure like critical labs, SFC (frequency convertors) isolation transformers, various powers frequencies, UPS, VRF, VRV, PAC Fire System, WLD, Humidity control and HEPA filters given technical work site etc..and all associated AMC contracts.
• Make sure to take care of security of office employees at site, manage accidents, issues and complaints, and handle medical emergencies for the office through continuous improvements.
• Take initiatives including use of technology to improve site efficiencies, managing KPIs and continuous improvement in administration operations.
• Propose & Implement cost saving measures at site.
• Stakeholder Management
• Ensure all site related compliances are checked and adhered.
• Exemplary behavior in regards with Business Ethics and patience levels.
• Must exercise solid judgment and perform as a team player while executing duties.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, be detail and results oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with employees at all levels in the organization.
• Problem Solving Approach, highly organized and analytical strong work ethic.
• Possess a collaborative personality and be open to suggestions.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint presentations, excel reporting’s, word, Outlook, software’s like autocad, 3D graphics etc.
• Workplace 5S
• Timely monitoring and ensuring of calibration / servicing for essential equipment
• Inventory Management (e.g. all kind of Inventory management, Storage 5S, Cycle-count, Support Inventory Audit, etc)
  • Maintain accurate records of repair orders, Invoices, inventory, transactions
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to enhance overall operational efficiency.
  • Oversee the maintenance of tools and equipment, ensuring they are in optimal working condition.
  • Collaborate with the finance team to manage budgetary aspects related to all suppliers, vendors timely payments.
  • Ensure strict HSE and Quality compliances including ESD lab related with safety regulations and industry standards processes.
  • Ensure to adhere the timelines for different tasks.
• Proactive approach to identifying process improvements and cost-saving opportunities

5. Support for Aerospace Quality Compliance

• Support implementation and maintenance of:
  • AS9100 Quality Management Systems
  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 45001
  • ESD Control Programs
  • IPC Standards for Electronics Manufacturing
  • Aerospace customer requirements
• Ensure readiness for customer, regulatory, and certification audits.

6. Supply Chain & Vendor Management

• Develop strategic relationships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Manage procurement activities related to facility setup and operations.
• Evaluate vendor performance and ensure contractual compliance.
• Support localization and supply chain development initiatives.

7. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Establish and promote a strong safety culture.
• Implement occupational health and safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Lead emergency preparedness and business continuity planning.
• Drive incident prevention and risk management initiatives.

8. Financial & Administrative Management

• Manage site operating budgets and capital expenditure plans. Need to prepare annual budget, Site CAPEX, Site opex and actuals In conjunction with MYB (Multi Year Budget), the REM shall optimize and propose the real estate budget as a whole (rent payments, charges, investment and conversion work, transfer).
• Drive cost optimization and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Oversee site administration, security, logistics, and support services.
• Ensure effective asset management and inventory control.

9. Physical Security & Site Protection

• Design and management of complete industrial security architecture.
• Perimeter security, fencing, gates, and guard force management.
• Security policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Visitor, contractor, and employee access management.

Electronic Security Systems

• RFID and Smart Card Access Control Systems.
• Biometric Access Control Systems.
• CCTV Surveillance and Video Analytics.
• Security Control Room Operations (24×7).
• Intrusion Detection Systems.
• Alarm Monitoring Systems.
• Security Event Investigation and Incident Management.

Security Technologies Knowledge

• PIR (Passive Infrared) Motion Sensors.
• Glass Break Sensors.
• Door and Window Contact Sensors.
• Panic Alarms and Emergency Response Systems.
• License Plate Recognition Systems.
• Visitor Management Systems.
• Integrated Security Management Platforms.

10. Asset Protection & Business Continuity

• Protection of high-value inventory and electronic components.
• Intellectual Property (IP) protection.
• Prototype and engineering asset security.
• Crisis Management and Emergency Response.
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning.
• Theft prevention and loss-control programs.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related discipline).
• Master's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or MBA preferred.

Experience

• 18–20 years of progressive industrial manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 10 years in senior plant management, site leadership, or factory management roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading greenfield manufacturing projects from concept through production startup.
• Experience in electronics manufacturing, PCBA operations, aerospace electronics, avionics, or related high-reliability industries.
• Proven track record managing large industrial facilities and multidisciplinary teams.

At Thales, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you’ll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.