Product Programme Manager

About the team

Thales Nederland is a part of the Thales Group, with 83,000 employees in 68 countries, one of Europe’s largest professional electronics companies. In the Netherlands, we employ over 2,000 colleagues in our four locations: Huizen, Delft, Eindhoven and Hengelo (HQ).

The Thales unit in Huizen, with ~300 colleagues, is an international player and leader in the network & communications for the defense sector, cyber security and critical systems, including the development and production of high-tech integrated complex systems. Product innovation and efficiently deploying the latest technologies are what motivates us.

The Product Programme Manager (PPM) will be positioned within the Bid & Projects organization, with a functional reporting line to the Director Bids & Projects.

The Bids and Projects department consists of three teams: bid managers, project managers and the project management office, bringing together around 35 people from 6 nationalities, all working closely to deliver mission-critical projects.

In this role, you will also be a member of the multi-disciplinary Product Line Core Team, collaborating closely with the Engineering department to drive execution and alignment across the product lifecycle.

About your future job

Within the business unit “Secure Communications & Information Systems”, our local entity specializes in the SOTAS product line: a multi-media system providing audio, networking and computing capabilities to the crews of military vehicles (e.g. armored personnel carriers or battle tanks) during their missions. Based on a solid legacy as solution for voice communications, SOTAS is now expanding its horizon with networked computing technologies to support the next generation integrated mission systems.

Supported by a combination of Self-Funded R&D and external budgets, the development of this product line is performed in a phased approach via a set of Bids (budget capture) and Projects (execution) that are interdependent and must be managed in a coordinated way. This is by definition a Programme.

As Product Programme Manager, you will be in charge of the internal programme developing the SOTAS product line, and play an important role in managing the product lifecycle.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Structuring the programmatic approach of the development of the product and the associated governance
• Managing the programme and providing clear consistent reporting to internal stakeholders
• Supervising the bids/projects or work packages developing product elements

This role requires close interaction with our engineering teams (hardware, software, systems & IVVQ) as well as active participation in the Product Line Core Team working alongside the Product Line Manager and the Product Line Architect. While you’ll stay closely connected to the technical dimension, you will be supported by work package managers (Engineering Delivery Managers) to interface the technical teams and drive the execution of each product element.

At the same time, the role has a strong strategic coordination component: you’ll act as a key link between internal product development and the needs of customer-facing projects, ensuring alignment between the product roadmap and project commitments. You’ll be expected to balance between implementing Thales project management frameworks, and engaging effectively across multiple internal disciplines and technical managers to drive progress and success in the development.

Why you'd be a good match:

• You hold an engineering university degree, and bring 10 years of relevant working experience in complex technical environment, of which at least 5 spent in a project or programme management position.
• You have a technical or engineering background, with a strong interest in high tech systems. Prior experience in a product development context is a significant advantage.
• You have a keen interest in products & technology, with a strong desire to stay closely connected to the technical and development aspects throughout the program lifecycle.
• You have excellent communication- and language skills (English required, Dutch is a plus);
• You understand the specific responsibilities and constraints of working in the defense industry, and are comfortable operating in a sensitive, regulated environment.
• You easily collaborate with a variety of stakeholders at operational, tactical and strategic level.

What's in it for you

• A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environment. Includes the freedom for initiative and good ideas;
• Room for personal and professional growth within our organization, for example in regards to technical, commercial or international skills;
• Valuable international collaboration with coworkers, from 68 different countries around the globe;
• A comfortable work space in a modern environment, with a focus on flexibility and the right work life balance;
• Flexibility of work: within Thales, we aim for a 60/40 balance, where you work from home two days a week, when your role allows this;
• A good salary, fitting travel allowance, and the ability to personalize your employment conditions: for instance, you can trade PTO for internet costs, our bicycle plan, company fitness and relocation costs.
• 40 days off per year (PTO).

We vinden dat je baan de juiste work/life balance moet ondersteunen en het platform is om jóuw ambities waar te maken. Dat betekent dat gelijke kansen, inclusiviteit en een informele cultuur een essentieel onderdeel uitmaken van ons succes. Maar ook dat jouw gezondheid en geluk voor ons erg belangrijk zijn! Daarom bieden we je de flexibiliteit om te doen wat voor jóu belangrijk is; of dat nu parttime werken is, of werken vanuit huis, of de mogelijkheid om flexibel te zijn in je start- en eindtijden, we denken met je mee.

Security Requirements

In lijn met de basisbeveiligingsvereisten van Thales vragen wij kandidaten mogelijk om bewijs omtrent identiteit, werkvergunning en arbeids- plus opleidingsgeschiedenis. Sommige vacatures vereisen ook een security clearance die verdere informatie vereist. Voor meer informatie over wat er nodig is voor bepaalde security clearance, raadpleeg dan de General Intelligence and Security Service.

“Bij Thales krijg ik alle kansen en de ruimte om mijzelf verder te ontwikkelen, en dat als onderdeel van allerlei gave processen en projecten binnen de organisatie!”
Anoek Trainee

“Wat het voor mij aantrekkelijk maakt om hier te werken, is de diversiteit in opdrachten en het werken in verschillende teams met diverse disciplines. Zo blijf je jezelf ontwikkelen binnen het cyberdomein.”
Maurits Cyber Engineer

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