Configuration Manager

Location : Crawley, United KingdomThales people provide armed forces customers with operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission.

Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defence mission systems solutions at land, sea, and air.

Our platforms extend across the battlespace including Above and Sonar, Electronic Combat, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, 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 five major industries; Aerospace, Defence, Ground Transportation, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that's why we offer you the flexibility to do what's important to you, We have a great opportunity for a Configuration Manager to join Thales Above Water Systems (AWS) business line at Crawley, Bristol or Reading.

As a Configuration Manager you will support Thales AWS-UK's activities in the early stages of capture as well as in programme delivery and into in-service support.

You will be responsible for tailoring and realising the Configuration Management System of their perimeter against the applicable requirements.

You are accountable for the consistency of the related perimeter configuration information.

Key tasks / Responsibilities :

• Perform CM planning for new and existing projects, defining an effective tailored CM Implementation.


• Support the identification of contract / subcontract requirements to ensure effective CM performance of partners and suppliers


• Create, maintain and implement the CM Plan in accordance with policies and contractual / tender requirements


• Specify, maintain and ensure compliance of CM Contractor and Supplier requirements.


• Audit & Assess Contractors and Suppliers to ensure CM processes, systems and deliverables meet requirements.


• Ensure the correct definition of the product and its defining data.


• Participate in the design / stage reviews (PDR, CDR ).


• Responsible for the establishment & maintenance of configuration baselines (FBL, ABL, PBL)


• Participate in the selection of configuration items and subsequent product breakdown structures and Bills of Materials.


• Establish and maintain the configuration change management system, including internal and external CCBs.


• Co-ordinate and control the configuration change process for design change including item change, document change, deviations and waivers, concessions and trial modifications.


• Ensure design change is traceable throughout design and implementation.


• Establish, maintain and release the CSR used to describe the configuration management phases and milestone achievement to track design evolution and implementation.


• Capture, verify and control as built', as installed', as tested' and as maintained' configuration information.


• Plan and conduct configuration verifications and configuration audits (PCA & FCA).


• Support a pro-active, 'can-do' attitude within the function and encourage innovative thinking.


• Perform CM team task delegation within the team.


• Provide feedback on the efficiency and effectiveness of the development environment.


• Report on CM Key Performance Indicators.


• Support the generation of estimates.


• Ensure a flow of information downwards of the main issues being addressed by Engineering.


20% travel required to other Thales sites within the UK and occasionally travelling to Thales Netherlands site in Hengelo.

Are you an inquisitive individual that has a passion for configuration and integration? Do you have an interest in System Engineering?,
• You master the standard configuration management processes and tools, particularly those linked with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).


• You will ideally have a degree in an engineering or science or mathematics discipline, or demonstrable equivalent vocational experience of working with complex problems.


• You have a good knowledge of the operational processes and methods (Bid & projects, Engineering, Production and Services)


• You have great knowledge of system integration principles (System, Hardware and Software)


• You are able to adapt and assess the configuration management system as well as the contractual and commercial requirements within your scope


• You know how to adopt Lean Management approach and apply Agile principles to the management and development of the team


• You are able to manage complexity & thrive in changing environments


• You have knowledge in Hardware & Software CM practices and tools


• You are able to create buy-in explaining / detailing your needs and initiatives


• This role will require full SC clearance, either current or ability to gain full clearance is essential. For more information and guidance please visit the UKSV website


Desirable :

• Previous Experience with configuration management in either defence or engineering organisations or experience in delivery of MOD projects


• Experience in working to standards such as DEF Stan 00-057


• Experience working with Windchill PLM software
  
  At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields.


Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

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.


• Alongside a competitive base salary, we offer a variable compensation plan bonus and benefits package, which includes;


• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13 : 00pm


• Pension Scheme


• 28 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)


• Life Cover and private health cover


• Progression and Development Opportunities


• 24 / 7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app


• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers


• Development focused targets and relocation support can be provided if required along with a variety of learning, development and career enhancement opportunities.


Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.