Contracts Manager - ICSM

Location: Crawley, 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. 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, Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their careers with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people daily, making life better and keeping us safer. We innovate across Aerospace, Defence, Security, and Space industries.

We support flexible working patterns to suit your lifestyle, including part-time hours, job sharing, home working, and flexible start and finish times.

Integrated Combat System Mast (ICSM) is a Critical Project with contract cover for design, development, and supply of systems for the first Dreadnought Class submarine, which will replace the Vanguard Class submarine as the UK Royal Navy's ballistic missile submarine, essential for maintaining the UK's Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent.

The ICSM contract, awarded in April 2023 by BAE Systems to Thales UK, is valued at approximately £250M, likely doubling with additional contract cover for Boat Sets 2-4. The contract includes the supply of a Periscope & Mast System, Radar Electronic Support Measures (RESM), and Communications systems.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Contracts Manager to join the dedicated Commercial team on the ICSM Project, reporting directly to the ICSM Commercial Lead.

The Contracts Manager must be experienced, commercially aware, and confident in engaging with stakeholders within the customer community, project delivery team, and Business Lines. The role requires developing a thorough understanding of the contract (technical, programmatic, and commercial aspects) and driving contract amendments and claims to completion.

This role requires on-site presence in Crawley and willingness to travel across the UK as needed.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in a commercial role, preferably within Defence, Heavy Engineering, Construction, or IT sectors;
• Experience working with UK and/or international Governments and Prime Contractors;
• Experience in proposal delivery, negotiation, and contract agreement;
• Knowledge of UK MoD DEFCONs and contracts.

Security Clearance statement:

This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It is advantageous if currently held; otherwise, the successful candidate must undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance before employment. For guidance, visit the UKSV website.

Eligibility for full SC generally requires residence in the UK for the past 5 years, or in some cases, at least 3 years within the last 5 years, with additional overseas checks.

Candidates will need to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment/education history for up to three years. Some roles may require further security clearance, which involves additional checks.

At Thales, we offer careers, not just jobs. With 80,000 employees across 68 countries, our mobility policy supports career development at home and abroad, in current or new fields. We embrace flexible working to foster a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process, providing reasonable adjustments for neuro-diverse applicants or those with disabilities or long-term conditions. For adjustments or inquiries, contact Resourcing Ops or the Early Careers Team.

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