Location: Templecombe, 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.

Business Development and Sales Manager
Templecombe (BA8 0DH) - Hybrid

Thales Integrated Airspace-protection Systems (IAS) UK designs and manufactures a range of cutting-edge technologies ranging from air surveillance and mission planning systems to missiles. The company specialises in lightweight missiles and the integration of weapon systems into various platforms along with the systems to manage and exploit critical mission planning and air surveillance data.

Job Overview:

Thales is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Business Development Manager to lead the development of key digital business opportunities within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) sector. This role is pivotal in advancing our strategic objectives, managing long-term sales pipelines and ensuring successful business capture from concept to contract signature (and beyond). The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of the MOD’s digital domain, including C4I and data analytics, and foster strong relationships with senior stakeholders.

Primary Purpose of the Role:

Achieving business objectives within designated perimeter in terms of Order Income, Gross Margin, portfolio, and region.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development:

Formulate and execute business development strategies aligned with Thales’ overall objectives, focusing on MOD digital opportunities, digital services, data analytics and AI.Analyse market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

Sales Pipeline Management:

Manage and maintain a robust long-term sales pipeline, ensuring key opportunities are tracked and prioritized.Develop forecasts and reports to outline the status of prospective deals.

Business Capture:

Lead the business capture process, collaborating with cross-functional teams from initial concept through to contract signature.Develop compelling proposals and presentations that effectively convey solutions to MOD stakeholders.Anticipate complex negotiation closing including partnerships.

Stakeholder Management:

Build and maintain strong relationships with senior MOD stakeholders, ensuring their needs are met and aligned with Thales offerings and project delivery.Serve as the primary point of contact for senior MOD representatives throughout the business capture lifecycle.

Team Leadership and Motivation:

Inspire and motivate cross functional business winning teams.Create and present innovative ideas and solutions.Lead and mentor a team of business development professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

Domain Expertise:

Stay abreast of developments in the MOD digital domain, including C4I systems, data analytics, and AI technologies, to effectively position Thales as a leader in these areas.Engage with technical experts to ensure proposals and strategies leverage cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

Proven experience in strategic business development within the Defence sector, particularly related to the MOD.Strong understanding of MOD digital domain such as C4I and data analytics.Experience with capture management processes such as Shipley or similar frameworks.Demonstrable background in digital services, AI, or related technologies is highly desirable.Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.Leadership capability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams towards achieving common goals.Proficient in managing complex contracts and navigating the intricacies of the Defence procurement process.A relevant degree or equivalent experience in a related field.

Security Clearance Statement

This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance.  Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

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.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What we can offer

We are committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you’ll have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.

Our packages will include significant bonus, car allowance, a strong pension contribute, private healthcare, development focused targets and relocation support can be provided if required along with a variety of learning, development and career enhancement opportunities. Further support can be provided towards academic and membership attainments.

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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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