At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead configuration management for the Royal Navy's fleet communications and ensure compliance.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader in defence and digital security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, bonuses, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career growth and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: STEM degree and experience in configuration management within defence or commercial sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, United Kingdom
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
As part of our expanding operations, we are recruiting for Configuration and Data Management Lead. You would lead and ensure the consistent application of the principles of configuration management across the project both within the programme development and within the in-service support.
We’re looking for an individual that focuses on putting high quality Configuration and Data Management at the heart of every Engineering development through proactive leadership and influencing at all levels of the delivery programme.
Key tasks and responsibilities will include:
- Specifying, maintaining and ensuring compliance to CM and DM requirements, including leading audits and assessments of all levels of programme data to ensure CM processes, systems and deliverables meet defined requirements.
- Ensuring the correct identification and definition of the product and its defining data, including participation in engineering design reviews.
- Establishment and maintenance of configuration baselines (FBL, ABL, PBL), selection of solution Configuration Items (CIs).
- Creation and maintenance of the change management system, including coordination and facilitation of internal and external Configuration Control Boards (CCBs), ensuring all changes are traceable throughout design and implementation.
- Creation and maintenance of the Configuration Status Accounting Report (CSAR) used to describe the configuration management phases and milestone achievement to track design evolution and implementation; captures, verifies and controls ‘as built’, ‘as installed’, ‘as tested’ and ‘as maintained’ configuration information.
- Planning and completion of configuration verifications and configuration audits (PCA & FCA).
- Identifying, developing and deploying improvements to the CM Process.
The ideal candidate we are looking for will:
- Be experienced in implementing Configuration Management (CM) within Defence, Safety Critical and/or Commercial environments.
- Hold STEM qualifications, ideally bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Proven experience in Configuration and Change Management across product lifecycles (concept through to support) for System, Hardware and Software Configuration Management processes.
- Be familiar with Product Lifecycle Management tools (e.g. Windchill, PALMA, etc.).
- Have experience of Data Management (DM) and Document Management tools.
- Have an ability to work with customers, subcontractors, and partners, as well as mentor internal staff members to increase capability.
- Be familiar with delivering training in CM Process, Practice and Tools.
Security Clearance Statement:
This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance.
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.
What we can offer:
We are committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you’ll have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.
Our packages will include significant bonus, a strong pension contribution, private healthcare, development focused targets and relocation support can be provided if required along with a variety of learning, development and career enhancement opportunities. Further support can be provided towards academic and membership attainments.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
Configuration Management and Data Management Lead employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering market-leading training and mentorship from industry experts. Located in Reading, the company fosters a diverse and inclusive work culture, providing a range of benefits including private healthcare, generous pension contributions, and opportunities for career advancement within a global organisation. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and a focus on innovation, Thales is dedicated to creating a rewarding and meaningful workplace for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Configuration Management and Data Management Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in what they do, especially in areas like Configuration Management and Data Management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently, especially when discussing your background in CM and DM.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Configuration Management and Data Management Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Configuration Management and Data Management Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in CM and DM, and show us how you can bring value to Thales.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that relate to the key tasks and responsibilities mentioned.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Configuration Management Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the core principles of Configuration Management (CM) and Data Management (DM). Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in defence or safety-critical environments. This shows you understand the importance of CM in ensuring project success.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Make sure you're well-versed in Product Lifecycle Management tools like Windchill or PALMA. If you have experience with specific tools, be prepared to share examples of how you've used them effectively in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems related to configuration baselines or change management systems. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically. This will help the interviewers see how you approach challenges and make decisions.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a lead, you'll need to influence and mentor others. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or improved processes. Be ready to discuss how you can foster a culture of high-quality CM and DM within the team, as this aligns with what Thales is looking for.
