Head of Programmes

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

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.

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.

Location: Belfast (preferred), would consider Crawley / Templecombe with regular travel to Belfast

Hybrid working arrangement: 3 days per week on site (based on full time hours)

We are looking for a Head of Programmes. In this role you will be responsible for leading the Programme Management function within the UK IAS Domain. This senior leadership role is pivotal in shaping project delivery excellence, driving strategic capability development, and ensuring that complex, high‑value programmes are delivered to the highest standards of quality, governance, and performance. As a key member of the IAS BPMO leadership team, you will play a central part in defining future Programme Management capability, developing high‑performing teams, and working closely with senior stakeholders across the business.

Core Benefits:

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

• Performance-related bonus

• Cash car allowance

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

• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)

• 24 hours volunteering paid for

• Private healthcare (grade dependent)

• Pension scheme

• Life cover

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

• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

• Gym membership discounts

• You can read about some of our other benefits here: UK benefits | Thales Group

Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS)

Our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space.

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Main Responsibilities:

• Lead Programme Management strategy and capability development across IAS.

• Ensure strong project governance and clear oversight of cost, schedule, and risk.

• Drive successful delivery of all programmes within the IAS portfolio.

• Lead, coach and develop Programme and Project Managers to build a high‑performing team.

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the UK and Business Line.

• Evaluate and improve programme delivery strategies, processes and tools.

• Oversee portfolio‑level reporting and ensure high‑quality inputs to executive reviews.

Ideal Experience & Skills:

• Extensive experience leading complex programmes in a technical or engineering environment.

• Strong programme management expertise and knowledge of industry‑standard methodologies.

• Proven people leadership skills including coaching, mentoring and capability development.

• Experience applying best practice and driving process improvement.

• Strong stakeholder management and commercial awareness.

• Broad understanding of the full project and business lifecycle.

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.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!