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- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team in configuration management across multiple sites.
- Company: Babcock, a leader in defence and engineering with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, matched pension scheme, health benefits, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of configuration management and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in regulated industries and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a company that values inclusivity and offers excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Configuration Manager across our Bristol, Plymouth and Tewksbury sites.
The Role
As Principal Configuration Manager you will play a critical role in embedding industry best practice, ensuring consistency, and enabling scalable support for our Products and Services. This is a newly created strategic role that will shape how configuration management is delivered across Mission Systems. It offers the opportunity to build a legacy of excellence, drive consistency, and ensure our products and services are supported by world-class configuration practices.
The role is seeking a visionary and delivery-focused Principal Configuration Manager to establish and lead a centralised Configuration Management Team that will service our three Business Units: Sense and Connect, Effectors, and Space with Babcock Mission Systems.
- Build & Lead a High-Performing Team
- Shape the future of Configuration Management by designing and leading a world-class Service Delivery Team.
- Define structure, roles, and responsibilities to meet evolving business needs.
- Recruit, onboard, and develop top talent to support Mission Systems today and tomorrow.
- Drive Strategic Impact
- Partner with senior leaders across all Business Units to understand and anticipate configuration requirements.
- Influence demand planning and embed configuration support throughout programme and product lifecycles.
- Ensure resources and budgets are aligned to deliver success in Business Winning and Organic Growth activities.
- Champion Process & Tooling Excellence
- Set the standard for configuration management by developing strategies aligned with industry best practices (Def Stan 05-57, ISO 10007, CMMI).
- Deploy cutting-edge tools and systems to enable scalable, efficient operations.
- Lead continuous improvement and standardisation across the organisation.
- Ensure Governance & Assurance
- Establish robust governance frameworks, including Configuration Control Boards (CCBs), audits, and reviews, in line with global engineering processes.
- Safeguard data integrity, traceability, and compliance.
- Provide expert guidance and assurance to engineering and delivery teams.
- Be the Voice of Configuration Management
- Act as the senior authority and trusted advisor for configuration management.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Programme Management, and Delivery teams to ensure seamless integration.
- Represent the discipline in strategic forums and influence key decisions.
This role is full time, 37 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with up to 3 onsite and 2 days working from home.
Essential Experience of the Principal Configuration Manager
- Proven experience in leading configuration management functions within complex, regulated industries (defence, aerospace, nuclear, rail).
- Demonstrated success in building and scaling teams and services.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
Qualifications for the Principal Configuration Manager
- Formal engineering qualifications (Level 5 or higher); CMII or CMPIC certification desirable.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions.
What We Offer
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee share scheme
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day’s paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing
Babcock International has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal. We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing Date: 07/01/2026
Principal Configuration Manager in Bristol employer: Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
Contact Detail:
Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Configuration Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their mission, especially in configuration management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Configuration Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Configuration Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading configuration management functions and how it aligns with Babcock's mission and values.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves building and leading a high-performing team, don’t forget to share examples of your past leadership experiences. We want to see how you've successfully scaled teams and influenced stakeholders.
Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Familiarise yourself with industry best practices like Def Stan 05-57 and ISO 10007. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, as this will show us that you're serious about configuration management excellence.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in configuration management principles, especially those relevant to the defence and aerospace sectors. Brush up on industry standards like Def Stan 05-57 and ISO 10007, as these will likely come up during your chat.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Configuration Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build and lead high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully scaled teams or improved processes in previous roles, and be ready to discuss your vision for leading a centralised Configuration Management Team.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills. Think about times when you've influenced key decisions or collaborated with various teams. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your ability to work across different business units and drive strategic impact.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Babcock’s approach to configuration management and how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.