Field Services Manager ASW - Devonport in Plymouth

We are looking for a Field Services Manager ASW to manage the onsite Field Services team maintaining ASW equipment for the RN. Reporting to the UWS UK Head of Field Services, you will be the primary point of contact for sonar activities at Devonport for Thales UK, responsible for liaising with the dockyard teams and managing your resources to ensure the highest RN platform availability, and contractual KPIs are met.

Under Water Systems (UWS)

Our purpose is to be the leading provider of underwater sensors and decision superiority, helping navies across the world keep our friends, families and all of us safe. We cover four sectors: Mine Counter Measures, Anti-Submarine warfare, Services and Future Capabilities.

What will you deliver?

• Resource management of the UWS ASW team onsite at Devonport, meeting the task requirements and ensuring contractual KPIs are met.
• Coordinate all activities at the dockyard in support of Thales UWS products.
• Liaise with dockyard authorities where required, attending and representing Thales at all relevant planning and support meetings.
• Assume responsibility for all HSE requirements on base for Thales engineers and equipment, maintaining vigilance within the workplace to ensure that the working environment remains safe at all times and ensure QA standards are met.
• Ensure that any product safety requirements are not compromised by work carried out and that all safety procedures are adhered to.
• Manage STTE, equipment and vehicle fleet.
• Ensure all Jira and other reports are completed and submitted in a timely manner.
• Maintain regular communication with UWS UK Head of Field Services, Customer Support Managers, WPMs, and other stakeholders as required to ensure timely reporting of maintenance progress and information.
• Ensure all training, both technical and HSE, is carried out to maintain compliance of the FSE team.
• Provide performance management, mentoring and coaching to the FSE team, encouraging and ensuring their continuing development with regular high‑quality appraisals.
• Contribute to regular technical appraisals of the FSE team.
• Provide base access for visitors, and ensure HSE requirements are met for visiting personnel.
• Provide hands‑on support to FSE activities when required.
• Perform additional ad‑hoc duties consistent with the nature of this managerial position.

Who are we looking for?

• Strong leadership and management capability, with proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams in high‑pressure operational environments, preferably gained within the Royal Navy Submarine Service (Essential).
• Deep operational understanding of submarine sonar systems, including tactical employment, performance optimisation and interpretation of acoustic data to support mission success.
• Strong technical background, with significant hands‑on experience on at least one TUK sonar system (e.g. Sonar 2076 or 2087), including fault diagnosis and system interaction (Desirable).
• Ability to translate technical complexity into clear operational insight, enabling effective decision‑making by command teams and senior stakeholders.
• Experience in training, mentoring, and developing personnel, driving high standards of technical competence, operational readiness and professional conduct.
• Proven experience operating within safety‑critical, regulated environments, demonstrating sound judgement, risk management and adherence to military and engineering standards.

What can we offer you?

• Performance‑related bonus.
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00.
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata).
• 24 hours volunteering paid for.
• Life cover.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app.
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers.

Security Clearance Requirement

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. 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.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.