Contracts Manager - ICSM

Location: Crawley, 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, 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.

Integrated Combat System Mast (ICSM) is a Critical Project. We currently have contract cover for design, development, and supply of a Periscope & Mast System, Radar Electronic Support Measures (RESM), and Communications systems for the first Dreadnought Class submarine. The Dreadnought Class submarine will replace the Vanguard Class submarine as the UK Royal Navy's ballistic missile submarine and is integral to maintenance of the UK's Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent.

ICSM is the subject of a Framework Agreement awarded in April 2023 by the prime contractor (BAE Systems) to Thales UK on a single source basis. It subsumes the original Optronic Mast Visual System (OMVSD) Contract between Thales UK OME and BAE Systems and now also comprises the supply of RESM and Communications systems supplied by ISR and UWS BLs. OME is the lead BL and provides the PMO function and the Contract Manager. The current contract value is some £250M. This is likely to double once contract cover is added for Boat Sets 2-4.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Contracts Manager to work as part of the dedicated Commercial team on the ICSM Project. This role will report directly into the ICSM Commercial Lead. The Contracts Manager must be an experienced and commercially aware individual, one who is confident interfacing with a variety of stakeholders within the customer community, the project delivery team, and the three participating Business Lines.

The successful applicant will be expected to develop a solid understanding of the contract (technical as well as programmatic and commercial aspects) and to have the ability to identify and drive contract amendment and contract claim opportunities to a conclusion. This role demands an on-site presence in Crawley and a willingness to travel throughout the UK as required.

The successful applicant will have:

• A background in a commercial role, preferably within the Defence, Heavy Engineering, Construction, or IT sectors;
• Experience of working with the UK and/or international Governments and Prime Contractors;
• Experience of delivery of proposals, and negotiation and agreement of contracts;
• A working knowledge of UK MoD DEFCONs and contracts.

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 Security Clearance (SC). 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. 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.

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.

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