At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex projects in electronic warfare and drive innovative solutions.
- Company: Join a growing tech company focused on defence and surveillance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, half-day Fridays, 28 days leave, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical programme with career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale projects and leading high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Location: Crawley, United Kingdom. Hybrid role with 3 days a week in the office, occasional travel to Prime (Glasgow)/BL (France) & Customer/Supplier facilities.
About the Role
Do you have experience of managing the effective delivery of complex projects/programmes and would like to join ISR to lead their most exciting and critical programme? Do you have a passion for driving innovative solutions within electronic warfare?
What the role has to offer:
- Opportunity to work within a growing business line particularly within electronic warfare
- Exposure to an extensive network of key stakeholders and the opportunity for professional development and career progression
- Opportunity to help improve continuous improvement and explore new ways of working
- This role is a key succession position and a solid development opportunity for future senior programme leadership
What we offer you:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Performance‑related bonus
- Half‑day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
- Pension scheme
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Life cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental well‑being app
- Employee discount schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
- Career development support
Our Opportunity
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Projects to join our Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) team in Crawley. The successful candidate will be responsible for the successful delivery of a large, complex programme. The role requires a hands‑on leader with experience in managing multi‑disciplinary, high‑profile design and development programmes and an ability to oversee Programme Managers (PMs) and Engineering Delivery Managers (EDMs) that manage the key phases on the programme. You will champion delivery performance, project controls, financial predictability, stakeholder engagement and serve as a key successor for future programme leadership roles.
Key Areas Of Responsibilities:
- Programme Leadership – Provide strategic direction, leadership and governance of the programme.
- Project Controls & Metrics – Establish, monitor and report on programme metrics.
- Financial Management – Ensure financial predictability and manage budget, cost forecasts and funding.
- Stakeholder Management – Engage and influence senior stakeholders at UK and international levels.
- Team Development & Motivation – Inspire, motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
- Risk & Issue Management – Identify, assess and mitigate programme risks and issues.
About You
Significant recent experience delivering large‑scale, complex defence or engineering programmes, preferably with a naval or electronic warfare focus. Demonstrable leadership in programme/project environments with practical oversight of project controls, scheduling and financial management. Proven success motivating, inspiring and developing high‑performing teams. Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to engage credibly at senior management, partner and customer levels, both UK and international. Skilled in stakeholder management and building effective working relationships. Highly analytical, with a pragmatic approach to problem solving. Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational and tactical programme needs.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work we do at Thales, many roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if already held, otherwise the applicant must undergo, achieve and maintain SC clearance prior to commencing employment.
Equal Opportunity
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. We support diversity and inclusion in our workplace.
Head of Project Management - Weever in Crawley employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer located in Crawley, offering a dynamic hybrid work environment that fosters innovation and professional growth within the electronic warfare sector. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including a half-day every Friday, and a strong commitment to employee development, Thales provides a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion while empowering its team members to lead complex projects and advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Project Management - Weever in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. 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. Understand their mission and values, especially in areas like electronic warfare. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Project Management. Highlight your leadership skills and past successes in managing complex programmes to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get those applications in and let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Project Management - Weever in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Project Management role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects and your leadership skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about electronic warfare and how you can drive innovative solutions. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams and manage project controls. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the outcomes. This will show your depth of experience and ability to lead complex programmes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged and influenced stakeholders in previous projects. Think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills and ability to build relationships at various levels.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Share stories that highlight how you've motivated and developed high-performing teams. This will help the interviewers see how you can inspire others and drive project success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the focus on electronic warfare and complex engineering programmes, brush up on relevant technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you manage project controls, financial predictability, and risk management in a technical context.
