Location: Belfast, 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.

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 the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, 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; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Primary Purpose of the Role:

The IAS UK Product Line Manager – Weapon Systems reports into the IAS UK Head of Capability Development – Weapon Systems and is responsible for offering the best Product response to market expectations, business and technical strategic directives, technology capabilities and funding capacity, by managing the Product Line Strategy for IAS UK Weapon System Products in conjunction with the IAS UK Product Line Architect – Weapon Systems. The role spans the IAS UK Weapon Systems Product Line including:

Mounted Weapon System Products: RAPIDRanger & SP HVMDismounted Weapon System Products: SL/LML & LML-NGWeapon Integration Kit ProductsTrainer ProductsKey Weapon System Building BlocksNew and developing Weapon System Products

Principal Relationships:

IAS UK Head of Capability Development – Weapon Systems (Line Manager)Sector Leads (Customer)IAS UK Product Line ArchitectsIAS UK Capability Development Weapon Systems TeamIAS UK Solution PLMsProduct TeamsCapture Leads / Sales teamsBid Managers / Bid Teams

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

Guarantee the Product suitability to Customer expectations and profitability goals; according to return on investment, propose the SFRD / CFRD allocation in bid gates and at Product Management Reviews in collaboration with the IAS UK Product Line Architect – Weapon SystemsAnalyse the world market, customer needs and trends for Weapon System Products, identify and monitor competition (strategy, products, competitiveness) from marketing data and business intelligencePrepare and present Product Plans and Decision Reviews, then manage the resulting action planSupport Bid Teams and Product Teams in the tender building and in the commercial Gates preparation, validate the tender compliance to Product Policy and identify the possible gapsWork closely with the IAS UK Product Line Architect – Weapon Systems to validate the product compliance to user requirements, participate in Monthly Product Reviews as requiredWork closely with Sales & Marketing to coordinate and validate the Sales strategy for Weapon System Products by supporting the marketing, business development and commercial teams for the Weapon Systems product promotion and marketing activitiesContribute to the control and measurement of the Product Policy implementation across the Weapon Systems Product Line against product profitabilityIdentify the Intellectual Property Rights (IP) and decide the means of protecting the IP for Weapon System ProductsWork closely with the Product Teams and Procurement to define and manage critical supplier strategies

Skills and Experience

Product Knowledge – significant knowledge and experience of developing and delivering IAS UK Weapon System productsResearch Proficiency – experience of researching / understanding the CONOPS and CONUSE of weapon system products, understanding of market opportunities, potential new customers and marketing strategiesProduct Lifecycle Management – experience of delivering across various phases of the product lifecycle from concept and design, through to development, production and supportCommunication Skills – ability to engage proficiently with Customers, Suppliers and internal teams, with ability to define complex strategies clearlyProblem-Solving – Experience of in identifying and assessing problems to develop solutions that improve operational processes and customer satisfactionLeadership Skills – Experience in leading a team to ensure efficient and profitable product development

Qualifications:

Essential

Bachelor’s or Masters (preferred) degree (or equivalent) in relevant Engineering disciplineUK SC

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In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

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. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

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