At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead configuration management for cutting-edge naval communication systems.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader in defence and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, bonuses, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: STEM degree and experience in configuration management required.
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.
Thales has been awarded a major contract to maintain the Royal Navy’s internal and external fleet communications for the next 10 years. We will be supporting the fleets communications systems to support combat capability after one of the largest investments in naval communications across Europe.
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 & 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 & 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.
- Familiar with Product Lifecycle Management tools (e.g. Windchill, PALMA, etc.).
- Experience of Data Management (DM) and Document Management tools.
- An ability to work with customers, subcontractors, and partners, as well as mentor internal staff members to increase capability.
- 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.
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.
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 & Data Management Lead – Defence Systems in Reading employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Reading that fosters innovation and collaboration within the defence sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including private healthcare and generous bonuses, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Thales empowers its employees to thrive and grow in their careers while contributing to critical national security projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Configuration & Data Management Lead – Defence Systems in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at Thales. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to Configuration Management. We all know that confidence is key, so role-play with a mate or in front of the mirror to nail your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of your past work or projects that highlight your experience in Configuration and Data Management. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the Thales team.
We think you need these skills to ace Configuration & Data Management Lead – Defence Systems in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Configuration Management, especially in Defence or Safety Critical environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements in Configuration and Data Management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead audits, manage change, and ensure compliance with CM processes.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Thales.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Configuration Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Configuration Management principles, especially as they relate to Defence systems. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully implemented CM processes or led audits.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Since the role mentions Product Lifecycle Management tools like Windchill and PALMA, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with these platforms. If you have experience using them, prepare to share how you utilised these tools in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems related to configuration and data management. Think about challenges you've faced in the past and how you overcame them, particularly in high-stakes environments like Defence.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, focusing on how you foster collaboration and improve team capabilities in Configuration Management.
