Job Description
Software Engineering Manager
Location: Cheadle, full-time hybrid working with 3 days in the office
Step into a role where your software leadership shapes mission‑critical defence technology!
What the role has to offer
Lead the Software That Powers Mission‑Critical Defence Systems
Own the Delivery of Complex, High‑Value Software Work Packages
Grow Your Career in a World‑Class Engineering Environment
Our Opportunity
We’re looking for an accomplished software engineering professional ready to elevate their impact by combining deep technical expertise with strong delivery leadership. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the crossroads of software engineering, project management and technical direction - shaping how software is built while ensuring complex work packages land successfully.
You’ll operate across two closely connected domains: Software Engineering Management and Software Work Package Management. Together, they give you the scope to influence engineering strategy while owning the delivery of critical software outcomes. In Software Engineering Management (SWEM), you’ll define and embed the processes, practices and standards that enable high‑quality, reliable software development. You’ll select the right methodologies, lifecycles and tools, and ensure the technical and human resources are organised effectively to deliver at pace and scale. In Software Work Package Management (SWPM), you’ll take full ownership of delivering a clearly defined scope of work - meeting customer expectations within agreed cost, schedule and quality commitments. You’ll plan, coordinate and monitor progress, manage risks proactively, and keep delivery aligned throughout the entire lifecycle.
The role may involve occasional travel to client sites and other Thales UK locations, so flexibility and confidence working across different environments will serve you well.
We welcome applications from experienced Senior Software Engineers and Senior Software Developers ready for their next step, as well as established Software Development Team Leads, Software Engineering Team Leaders, Software Supervisors, and Software Engineering Leads seeking a fresh challenge and greater delivery responsibility.
Building a Future, we can all trust.
Defence Mission Systems (DMS) delivers cutting‑edge products, solutions and services across electronic combat systems, airborne surveillance and reconnaissance, and both above‑water and underwater combat capabilities. At the heart of these advanced systems lies one critical discipline: Software. From satellite control to secure transaction platforms for banking and cloud environments, software engineering plays a defining role in the performance and reliability of our technology. Joining this area means working on diverse, high‑impact projects that challenge you, develop your expertise and contribute directly to mission‑critical capability.
What we offer you
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:
Performance related annual bonus (VCP)
Pension – match like-for-like up to 7% of annual base salary
Life Assurance – 2 x base salary minimum (8 x salary if part of the pension scheme)
Income Protection – 50% of salary less state benefits for 5 years
Annual Leave – 201 hours, bank holidays, plus 1 company day
Private Medical Insurance - Couples cover
Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 1:00pm
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
24 hours paid leave for volunteering activities
Access to flexible benefits and discounts – dental insurance, buying & selling annual leave, cycle to work, and many more
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
Ensure relevant department/product/project management plans are kept up to date and the correct level of governance is executed for the products/projects
Ensure development is performed in accordance with these plans
Liaise with Project Customers as required
Plan, coordinate and monitor the performance of the work, identify and manage risks during all the Work Package lifecycle until the closure
Deliver work package to timescales and budget ensuring any scope changes are identified and managed
Capture and monitor metrics appropriate to each stage of the project's/product's lifecycle, and enact plans to continuously improve the project/product development
Review Engineering Forward Load with SWEM and Head of SW Delivery
Contribute to bid activities regarding estimates, project scheduling and bid gate review inputs
Proactive in expanding your professional knowledge; seeking opportunities both within and outside of Thales to develop your professional knowledge in software, engineering and management
Develop necessary skills and experience through training (on the job, classroom, e-learning), mentoring and feedback
Encourage innovation of ideas as common practice encouraging new technology and techniques
Provide support to less experienced members of the team, ensuring they are performing to the correct procedures and are not struggling in their work
Lead by example and utilise the Thales Leadership model to create a high performing and culture and coaching environment
About You
At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.
Essential:
Degree‑qualified or equivalent professional experience
Strong background in Software Engineering with hands‑on experience across the full Software Development Lifecycle
Demonstrated ability to apply engineering project delivery processes throughout the complete project lifecycle, with awareness of commercial considerations
Practical experience with agile methodologies and associated practices
Proficiency in configuration control and change management
Experience in requirements management, software design, and software development
Involvement in Integration and Verification activities
Experience identifying, assessing, and managing project risks
Exposure to bid management and estimation techniques
Solid understanding of current trends, tools, and technologies in modern software engineering
Competence with industry‑standard software engineering toolsets
Beneficial:
Extensive, proven experience in a software delivery role, including oversight of outputs from multiple integrated Software Development, Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification teams
Experience managing multi‑million‑pound software work packages
Background in multi‑site and multi‑country development within complex stakeholder environments
Experience managing software‑related sub‑contracts
Familiarity with specific management toolsets such as Atlassian Jira and Windchill PLM
Step into a role where your expertise truly matters. Apply now and be part of building a future we can all trust!
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)
#LI-VG1
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.
Great journeys start here, apply now!
