At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a talented Systems Engineering team while ensuring top-notch tools and processes.
- Company: Join Thales, a global tech leader shaping the future across defence, space, and digital security.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, annual bonuses, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workplace that values your unique strengths and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and employee well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience in systems engineering and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 58950 - 72050 £ per year.
Location: Cheadle, 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.
Primary Purpose of the Role:
To serve as the strategic leader and advocate for the entire Systems Engineering craft across UWS Hardware. This role is responsible for ensuring UWS has a reliable, high-quality supply of talent (permanent, contingent, and external partners) and that the working environment (tools, processes, and standards) is optimal for professional excellence and well-being within the dual-reporting matrix structure.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
- A. Talent Strategy and Resource Supply Management
- Total Talent Supply Owner: Own the strategy and delivery for all forms of tradecraft supply. This includes managing permanent headcount, defining requirements for contingent workers, and vetting specialist external partners to ensure quality and continuity of the Systems Engineering craft.
- Capacity Planning: Work closely with Sector/Portfolio Engineering Leadership to forecast future demand for Systems Engineering skills. Ensure the Group's talent mix (permanent, contingent, external) is appropriately scaled and skilled to meet anticipated project needs across all UWS sites.
- Contingent/Partner Quality: Support, influence & enforce quality standards and onboarding processes for all non-permanent practitioners to maintain the integrity of the craft.
- Recruitment and Retention: Lead the recruitment lifecycle for permanent employees and implement targeted retention strategies, leveraging development and pastoral care to make the functional group the employer of choice for the trade.
- B. Craftsmanship and Technical Enablement
- Tooling Advocacy and Influence: Act as the key driver and influencer for tooling and infrastructure budgets. Proactively define the UWS needs in addition to Group strategy, building strong business cases to secure necessary funding for software, hardware, and infrastructure.
- Fit-for-Purpose Assurance: Responsible for ensuring the deployed tools and infrastructure remain fit for purpose for the Systems Engineering craft. Identify gaps, manage stakeholder expectations under existing constraints, and drive positive outcomes regardless of Group strategy potential limitations.
- Craft Standards and Quality: Define, maintain, and continuously improve the Systems Engineering Craft Standard (best practices, technical specifications, and quality gates) in accordance with the Thales Engineering Fundamentals. Ensure compliance through the Technical Leads across all sites.
- C. People Leadership and Development
- Career and Professional Development: Own and manage the long-term career development and formal training for all permanent employees. Partner with Hw Delivery Leads to ensure project assignments support individuals development action plans (DAPs).
- Pastoral Care and Well-being: Provide dedicated support, mentorship, and pastoral care to employees navigating the complexities of the matrix structure. Act as the primary escalation point for personal and structural conflicts, prioritising employee well-being and psychological safety.
- Functional Performance Management: Conduct formal performance reviews focusing on craftsmanship competency, adherence to standards, and professional growth (as distinct from project delivery performance).
- Technical Leadership: Direct, coach, and support the site-based Technical Leads in their daily roles of coaching, mentoring, and quality assurance, ensuring consistency of the craft across all geographical locations.
Principal Relationships:
- Head of Hardware Engineering
- Hw Delivery Managers
- Heads of Engineering Delivery
- Head of Engineering Operations
- Hardware Architects
Travel Percentage: Up to 10%
Role Reports To: Head of Hardware Engineering
No. Direct Reports: Up to 40
Additional Information: Requires UK Government Security Clearance
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!
Systems Engineering Group Manager employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Crawley where innovation meets social responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to market-leading training and mentorship from industry experts, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare, a robust pension plan, and opportunities for career advancement within a diverse global organisation. Join us to contribute to cutting-edge projects in defence and aerospace while enjoying a supportive culture that values your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineering Group Manager
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Systems Engineering Group Manager role you’re after at Thales.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Thales a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Thales.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Systems Engineering Group Manager at Thales, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineering Group Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Systems Engineering Group Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Thales a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Thales specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Thales, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Thales want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
