Field Services Manager - Devonport

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.

At Thales, we deliver advanced underwater defence technology that helps navies maintain operational advantage and protect what matters most.

We're seeking an experienced Field Services Manager to lead our Devonport-based engineering team supporting Royal Navy platforms. Reporting to the UK Head of Field Services, you'll be the key Thales representative for sonar support activities at HMNB Devonport, working closely with Royal Navy personnel, dockyard stakeholders and internal teams to ensure high levels of platform availability and customer satisfaction.

This role is ideal for candidates with a Royal Navy Submarine Service background, sonar expertise, or experience leading technical teams within complex, safety-critical environments.

Under Water Systems

Our mission is to be the leading provider of underwater sensors and decision superiority, helping navies across the world remain operationally ready and mission effective.

Our business spans:

• Mine Counter Measures
• Anti-Submarine Warfare
• Services
• Future Capabilities

Location - HMNB Devonport, Plymouth

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and develop the Devonport Field Service Engineering team.
• Deliver customer requirements and contractual performance targets.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Thales sonar support activities on site.
• Coordinate maintenance and support activities with Royal Navy and dockyard stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Leadership experience within complex operational or engineering environments.
• Experience managing and developing technical teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working within regulated, safety-critical environments.
• Understanding of risk management, governance and engineering standards.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to a range of audiences.

Desirable

• Royal Navy Submarine Service background.
• Understanding of submarine sonar systems and their operational application.
• Experience with Sonar 2076 and/or Sonar 2087.
• Fault diagnosis and maintenance experience on complex sonar systems.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing technical specialists.

Why Join Thales?

Join a highly skilled team supporting some of the UK's most critical maritime defence capabilities while developing your career within a global technology and defence organisation.

Benefits include:

• Performance-related bonus
• Half day every Friday (typically finishing around 13:00)
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy additional leave
• 24 hours paid volunteering leave
• Matched pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions.  This role requires Security Clearance (SC). 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. 

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided 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.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

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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. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

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 the Talent Community here.

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