Engineering Work Package Manager

Thales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air. Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems.

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.

Primary Purpose of Role

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Work Package Manager to join our Engineering team. This role will be responsible for managing the delivery of engineering work packages, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required technical specifications. The growth of the Underwater Systems (UWS) business has resulted in increased utilisation of both Thales entities external to UWS and external to Thales suppliers to deliver projects. Therefore, the ideal candidate will have experience in technical supplier management, and will act as the liaison between internal teams and external suppliers, ensuring alignment of engineering and supplier activities.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Work Package Management: Develop, manage, and track detailed engineering work packages (EWPs) to ensure successful execution. Ensure that work packages align with project timelines, scope, and budget. Coordinate cross-functional teams, including design, procurement, and quality assurance, to ensure the timely delivery of each work package.
• Supplier Management: Act as the primary point of contact for external technical suppliers and subcontractors, managing the relationship and communication. Oversee the technical and performance aspects of supplier agreements, ensuring suppliers meet contractual obligations and quality standards. Evaluate and monitor supplier performance to ensure compliance with specifications, delivery schedules, and cost constraints. Collaborate with procurement and legal teams to negotiate contract terms with suppliers.
• Technical Oversight: Provide technical oversight and guidance on the execution of work packages, ensuring they meet technical requirements and industry standards. Review and approve engineering documentation, drawings, and other deliverables from suppliers to ensure they meet quality and specification requirements. Assist with the resolution of technical issues that arise during the delivery of work packages, in collaboration with engineering and supplier teams.
• Risk and Issue Management: Proactively identify potential risks or issues within the work package scope and manage mitigation plans. Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to address any delays or technical problems that could affect the overall project timeline or quality.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare regular progress reports and updates for internal stakeholders, including project managers and senior leadership. Maintain comprehensive documentation of work package execution, including technical and contractual details, milestones, and deliverables.
• Collaboration: Work closely with project management, engineering, and procurement teams to ensure alignment and smooth delivery of work packages. Facilitate meetings with internal teams and suppliers to ensure ongoing communication and coordination.

Experience and Skills

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in an engineering or project management role, with at least 3 years of experience in managing work packages in a technical or supplier management capacity. Proven experience in managing and coordinating relationships with external technical suppliers, contractors, or subcontractors. Experience in managing complex engineering projects, including overseeing the delivery of technical work packages and ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Skills & Competencies: Strong technical understanding of engineering principles, systems, and processes. Excellent project management skills, with experience using project management tools and software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, etc.). Ability to manage multiple work streams and suppliers simultaneously. Strong negotiation and supplier management skills. Analytical mindset with the ability to identify and mitigate risks in project delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Education and Qualifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or similar project management certification is a plus. Certifications in supplier management or procurement are beneficial.

Please note this role requires UK Eyes Only security clearance therefore we can only consider UK Nationals. 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.

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