Sector Lead - Directed Energy Weapons (DEW)

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Thales 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.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Job title: Sector Lead / Programme Manager – DEW (Directed Energy Weapons)

Location: Belfast (hybrid working arrangement – 3 days per week on site)

Are you a Programme Manager / Portfolio Manager / Sector lead, with experience and a passion in the Science and Technology field of Engineering?

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Sector Lead to join our Integrated Airspace-protection Systems (IAS) UK team in Belfast. As Sector Lead, you will manage the DEW (Directed Energy Weapons) sector of the IAS business, guiding multi-disciplinary teams to achieve growth, customer satisfaction, and financial goals.

Core Benefits:

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

• Performance-related bonus

• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)

• 24 hours volunteering paid for

• Private healthcare (grade dependent)

• Pension scheme

• Life cover

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app

• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

• Gym membership discounts

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute sector strategy for business growth and customer satisfaction.

• Lead sector strategy, business development, winning contracts, delivery, and support.

• Build, inspire, and manage diverse teams to address business challenges and opportunities effectively.

• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships, acting as their representative within the company.

• Collaborate with IAS product teams to ensure project delivery and meet contractual obligations.

• Establish and communicate sector strategy aligned with IAS goals.

• Oversee business development through the Sales and Bid Management Organisation.

• Manage project delivery and robust contract management.

• Report performance against financial and strategic targets.

About you:

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience in delivering large complex projects in the Science and Technology field of Engineering

• Experience in leading bids and/or business winning initiatives

• Excellent professional project management knowledge, commercial, financial and business acumen.

• The ability to provide strategic overview and direction to drive the successful delivery of projects across complex multi-faceted organisational and stakeholder boundaries.

• An ability to successfully lead teams during change

Security Clearance statement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. 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. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

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.

#LI-DNI

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!