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- Tasks: Lead configuration planning and manage change control for exciting defence projects.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader with a focus on security and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, half-day Fridays, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of configuration management and systems engineering principles.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
About the Role
Step into a role where your curiosity, care and diligence make a real difference. You will be part of a collaborative community working at the heart of system integration, building strong relationships across the business while developing your own skills in a supportive, people‑focused environment.
Location: Templecombe or Cheadle or Crawley (3 days required in the office)
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.
Responsibilities
- Lead configuration planning and maintain CM plans, baselines and documentation across the project lifecycle.
- Manage configuration change control, including CCB coordination, traceability and approvals.
- Ensure product definition accuracy, including Bills of Materials and “as built / as installed / as tested” records.
- Conduct configuration audits and verifications (PCA/FCA) and assess supplier/contractor CM compliance.
- Maintain PLM data integrity, ensuring correct registration, release and lifecycle traceability of all configuration items.
Required Skills
- Strong understanding of configuration management processes, PLM tools and hardware/software CM practices.
- Knowledge of systems engineering and system integration principles.
- Comfortable navigating complexity, adapting to change and applying Lean/Agile approaches.
- Experience in defence, engineering or MOD‑related projects; familiarity with DEF Stan 00‑057 is beneficial.
- Confident communicator who builds positive relationships and supports effective supplier/partner collaboration.
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package, including performance‑related bonus up to 10%. Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00. 28 days annual leave.
Configuration Manager employer: Thales
Contact Detail:
Thales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Configuration Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Thales. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Thales and their projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their mission. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, relate it back to configuration management and how you've tackled challenges in past roles. We love hearing about your problem-solving abilities!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Thales. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Configuration Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Configuration Manager role. Highlight your experience with configuration management processes and any relevant PLM tools you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background in defence or engineering makes you a great fit. Remember, we love a good story that connects your experience to our mission.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Configuration Manager, you'll need to build strong relationships across the business. In your application, give examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with others in past roles. We value confident communicators!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Thales.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Configuration Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of configuration management processes and PLM tools. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in defence or engineering projects. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Thales values adaptability and problem-solving, so prepare examples of how you've navigated complex situations in previous jobs. Think about times when you had to manage change control or conduct audits, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
As a Configuration Manager, you'll need to build strong relationships across the business. During the interview, focus on being personable and engaging. Ask questions about their team dynamics and share your own experiences of collaboration to demonstrate your communication skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Thales' Values
Research Thales and understand their mission and values, especially around security and social value. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in the context of underwater systems and defence.