At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major UK campaigns and shape underwater systems for defence.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader in defence and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and flexible working.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while shaping future underwater technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in military maritime environments and strong sales leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Templecombe, 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.
Mine Countermeasures Domestic Capture Lead Location: Templecombe, Plymouth, Bristol, Cheadle (any Thales office)
Other: full-time, hybrid, with 50% domestic travel
Join a growing, globally connected defence business where you’ll shape major strategic programmes and influence the future of underwater systems.
What the role has to offer
- Established customer base - strong existing demand and active equipment support contracts provide a solid platform for growth without the need for cold‑start business development
- International liaison – close co-operation with our French BL colleagues, working with the International Mine Warfare (IMW) team to ensure resources and technologies are available to support and implement your Capture Plans
- Strategic commitment to expansion — Leadership backing, ensure clear investment, visibility, and momentum for growth
Our Opportunity
The Mine Countermeasures Domestic Capture Lead drives growth across the UWS IMW business by securing major UK captures, shaping customer decisions, and expanding through‑life support across the mine warfare domain. Reporting to the UWS Sales Director, the role leads senior defence engagement, builds a high‑quality pipeline, represents the full UWS Services portfolio, and identifies new opportunities across the global installed base to maximise customer value. It also provides leadership to a growing team and plays a key role in extending UWS’s reach building on the success of MMCM (maritime mine countermeasures) the Thales supplied autonomous mine warfare solutions entering service in the RN and Marine Nationale, strengthening long‑term customer partnerships.
Current pipeline for this role has a stake value of over £700m spread over 34 opportunity lines out to 2035. These lines are at various sale stages and so need a mix of skills covering business development through to closure.
The ideal candidate is a senior defence‑sector leader with strong credibility in the maritime environment experience of mine warfare operations, able to influence high‑value programmes through use of established network of customer contacts and guide diverse teams across international settings. They bring strategic sales leadership, stakeholder management strength, and the technical understanding needed to shape solutions and lead major captures, supported by sound commercial judgement and the security clearances required for sensitive defence work.
Building a Future, we can all trust. At Thales, customer focus and innovation drive everything we do. Our Strategy, Marketing and Sales teams lead the way, powered by advanced digital technologies such as AI, Quantum, 6G, Cybersecurity and Neuroscience. Joining us means becoming part of a community committed to making the world safer through purposeful, customer‑focused innovation.
The Underwater Systems Business Line (UWS BL) delivers a comprehensive range of underwater warfare capabilities, including sonars for all major naval and airborne platforms, mine‑countermeasures systems, underwater security solutions, and through‑life customer support. UWS is a global leader and one of the world’s largest exporters of sonar and associated systems. Its broad portfolio spans submarines, surface vessels, mine‑countermeasures platforms, unmanned vehicles, and maritime aircraft, supporting navies worldwide with advanced, mission‑critical undersea technologies.
What We Offer You
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:
- Performance-related bonus
- Car cash allowance
- 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
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Life cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
Main Responsibilities
- Shape and deliver the long‑range UWS growth strategy in partnership with senior leadership, ensuring sustained order‑intake performance
- Lead major UK campaigns and capture activities, aligning global UWS teams to present unified, high‑value offerings
- Build and manage senior‑level customer and industry relationships, using insight to strengthen win probability and guide strategic decisions
- Own customer intelligence, driving accurate forecasting, high‑quality bid planning, and clear direction for product and capability development
- Ensure internal alignment across Thales by resolving strategic conflicts and guiding coherent positioning and partnering behaviour
- Represent UWS at key events with compelling messaging that enhances market presence and customer engagement
- Produce and secure approval for capture plans through internal governance while sharing best practice across the wider UWS sales community
About You
At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience in a similar role, or clearly transferable skills suited to a military maritime environment, with advantageous experience in the maritime mine warfare domain
- Demonstrated success leading major sales captures and bid campaigns over £10m for defence, government, and industrial clients in UK markets
- Proven ability to manage cross‑functional, multi‑national teams delivering complex engineering solutions across platform, sensor, and combat‑system domains in underwater services
- Acquired and broad knowledge of Thales service portfolios, including, new equipment supply, modifications, spares and repairs, ILS, deployed support, training and CONOPs development
- Demonstrated capability in building trusted senior‑level relationships and managing diverse internal and external stakeholders
- Proven skill in shaping complex customer solutions from early concept to contract, and in coaching internal teams to drive strong outcomes
- Acquired expertise in contract negotiation, bid and project management, and new product introduction, supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience
- Consistent demonstration of Lead@Thales behaviours – Think Big, Make it Happen, Together – while fostering strong teams and enabling impactful, entrepreneurial decision‑making
- Holding SC clearance with the ability to achieve DV
If you’re ready to lead high‑value campaigns, build senior‑level partnerships, and make a real impact in a complex defence environment, we’d welcome your application.
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. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.
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.
For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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!
Mine Countermeasures Domestic Capture Lead in Crawley employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Templecombe that fosters innovation and collaboration within the defence sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, Thales empowers its team members to make a meaningful impact on global security while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mine Countermeasures Domestic Capture Lead in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector, especially those who have experience with mine warfare. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Thales and its UWS business line. Understand their projects and values so you can show how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in leading major sales captures and managing teams can drive growth for Thales. Confidence in your abilities can make a huge difference during interviews.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thales team.
We think you need these skills to ace Mine Countermeasures Domestic Capture Lead in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the maritime mine warfare domain. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Mine Countermeasures Domestic Capture Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and managing senior-level relationships, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led major sales captures or bid campaigns in the past. We love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still conveying your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Thales' products and services, especially in the mine warfare domain. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and how they align with the role of Mine Countermeasures Domestic Capture Lead. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading teams and managing senior-level relationships, be prepared to discuss your past experiences in leadership. Share specific examples where you've successfully led campaigns or projects, highlighting your ability to influence decisions and drive results.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and future projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if Thales is the right fit for you. Remember, they want to see if you’re a good match just as much as you do!
