Senior Project Manager

Thales; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm based in Reading seeks a Senior Project Manager to oversee innovative defense projects. This role offers a hybrid working environment with competitive salary and extensive benefits. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management capabilities and must achieve Security Clearance. Join us to make a significant impact in defense technology.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Extra half day holiday on Fridays

28 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Gym membership discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior/Project Manager in Engineering/Defence/Manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt leadership style for team dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Ensure successful delivery of projects with effective KPIs and planning.
• Manage key relationships across customer and industry networks.
• Advise project and bid management community proactively.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Job description

Overview

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar. We offer opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. We research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. We support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Job title: Senior Project Manager

Location: Reading (hybrid working arrangement – 3 days per week on site for full time)

Role summary

Are you an experienced Project Management professional looking for your next high-profile Project Management role, working on innovative projects that shape the future of defence technology? We have a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Project Manager to join our cutting edge teams as we continue to expand our Thales Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME) business unit.

What the role has to offer

This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to develop and make a real impact in a supportive environment. You will be working in a truly demanding and interesting role where you will gain significant exposure across the programme. This is a great opportunity to gain experience and develop a long-term career in Project Management.

Core Benefits

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

• Performance-related bonus
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare (grade dependent)
• 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

Key responsibilities

Apply leadership and direction to ensure the successful delivery of projects. This will typically include the following:

• Monitor and control the performance of the control account using effective planning methodologies and KPIs
• Be the overall point of reference to ensure key relationships are being effectively managed and that vital customer, industry and business knowledge and networks are being effectively utilised to deliver the projects
• Work across organisational boundaries to ensure best practice and consistency in project management is applied
• Provide pro-active advice and direction to the project and bid management community within the programme
• Maintain an effective strategic relationship with the relevant product and functional teams

About you

• Proven experience working as a Senior/Project Manager, ideally within the Engineering/Defence/Manufacturing sector
• The ability to adapt leadership style to achieve the desired results from interactions with team members and stakeholders
• The ability to provide strategic overview and direction to drive the successful delivery of projects across complex multi-faceted organisational and stakeholder boundaries
• An ability to successfully lead teams during change
• Excellent professional project management knowledge
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to deal with customers, partners, suppliers and other parts of the business
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with written presentation and report writing skills
• Strong, organisational, leadership skills
• Commercial, financial and business acumen
• The ability to adapt personal style of management and communication to achieve the desired results from interactions with team members and stakeholders

Security clearance statement

Due to the nature of the work at Thales, many roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a sole British National from birth and to achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held; however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UK Security Vetting guidance for further information. Eligibility for full SC generally requires residence 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.

In line with Thales Baseline Security requirements, candidates may be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment/education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence. For details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to official guidance from the DBS NSV Agency.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We 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. To request an adjustment, or if you need this job advert in an alternative format, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

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