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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product support for cutting-edge air defence systems and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Company: Thales, a global leader in defence, security, and aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Annual performance bonus, matched pension, generous leave, and wellness programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in air defence while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in air defence, strong leadership skills, and technical expertise.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and opportunities for global travel.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Service Development Manager
Location: Belfast (Hybrid working – the role may involve extensive travel overseas)
Our Opportunity
We have an excellent opportunity for a Service Development Manager within the IAS UK (Integrated Airspace Protection Systems UK) business line of Thales, based out of Belfast. This is a Product Support related role where the jobholder is responsible for the development, implementation and delivery of all Product Support aspects of Services, including the tactical and technical aspects relating to the operation, deployment and support of IAS UK Products and Systems. The objective of this role is to build and maintain Customer relationships with both the Customer and End Users, ensuring that customer satisfaction is delivered across all aspects of service delivery.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) Product Support, both internally within Thales and externally within the Customer and User communities, providing detailed tactical and technical knowledge of the operation and deployment of Company Products.
- Undertake full responsibility for Lead End User interface across all aspects of Product Support at all levels of seniority.
- Provide expert guidance into the design, development of each support element, including the transition of prime equipment into service.
- Act as the lead customer interface for all Product Support related issues, ensuring that customer requirements are clearly understood, defined and customer satisfaction is delivered.
- Support design, development and delivery of Product support including Training and Technical publications.
- Lead investigations into and resolution of system operational and performance issues, ensuring suitability of any resultant actions.
- Liaise with OEM/DA, Training Team, Customer and End Users regarding future missile and platform software upgrades and their implementation.
- Provide technical advice relating to the concept of use and concept of operation at both the individual and collective systems level.
About You
- Significant experience as a SME within Air Defence and the Force Protection sector.
- Current and competent on Air Defence, concepts of use and concepts of operations, ideally from a military background having left the services within the last 24 months.
- Significant experience in the design, delivery and validation of Product Support solutions.
- Technical experience, including significant direct interface with customer personnel and end users across the customer organisation.
- Strong leadership and motivational qualities to direct and achieve results from teams of people over whom you have no direct authority.
- Assertiveness with an approachable manner and strong interpersonal, presentation and communication skills.
- Ability to work autonomously for sustained periods overseas and adapt to varying circumstances, such as differing technical competence of the Customer, language difficulties and poor facilities.
- Ability to influence customer perception of the company products and services and deal with customer problems in an autonomous manner.
It is desirable that the candidate is competent in developing, planning and delivering Product Support solutions, interfaces effectively with IAS UK customers, including senior military personnel, and has detailed practical knowledge of a range of THALES products, sufficient experience to conduct practical technical support on system operation, equipment maintenance, detailed testing, troubleshooting and setting-to-work procedures.
Security Clearance Statement
Due to the nature of the work, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. If you do not currently hold SC, it is a requirement to undergo, achieve and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years (or a minimum of 3 years in the last 5 years with additional overseas checks). For further details, please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency – United Kingdom Security Vetting – GOV.UK.
What We Can Offer
- Market‑leading training, development and career opportunities within a global organisation.
- Opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including Annual Performance Bonus, matched pension up to 7%, 201 hours annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), life cover equivalent to 2X times annual salary, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and access to mental wellbeing app, employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers, gym membership discounts.
Equality and Diversity
Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.
Additional Information
Our mobility policy enables employees to develop their careers at home and abroad. We support flexible working patterns that suit your lifestyle and help you reach your ambitions.
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Service Development Manager employer: Thales
Contact Detail:
Thales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Thales on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Dive deep into Thales' products and services, especially in Air Defence. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a future expert who can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience and how it aligns with the role of Service Development Manager. Confidence is key!
✨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 the Thales team.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Service Development Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in Air Defence and Product Support, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: As a Subject Matter Expert, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical knowledge and leadership abilities. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully managed customer relationships and delivered product support solutions.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us without any hiccups, and you'll have access to all the latest updates about the role and our company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Air Defence concepts and Thales products. Being a Subject Matter Expert means you should be ready to discuss technical details and operational tactics confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and motivational qualities. Think about times when you've directed teams or resolved conflicts, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills to manage customer relationships effectively.
✨Understand the Customer's Needs
Research Thales' customer base and their specific requirements. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure customer satisfaction and address any product support issues, demonstrating your ability to act as the lead customer interface.
✨Be Ready for Travel Talk
Since this role involves extensive travel, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and past experiences with international work. Highlight any adaptability you've shown in different environments, especially if you've worked with military personnel or overseas clients.
