Engineering Early Careers Manager Engineering Graduates (Software, Systems, and Hardware)
Join to apply for the Engineering Early Careers Manager Engineering Graduates (Software, Systems, and Hardware) role at Portal Londrinatur
Location
Templecombe / Belfast
Department
Engineering
Reports to
Head of Engineering Operations
Role Overview
Thales is seeking a dynamic and experienced Engineering Early Careers Manager to lead and develop our engineering graduates and apprentices across Software, Systems, and Hardware disciplines. This pivotal role is responsible for the functional management of our early careers professionals, ensuring they receive the support, guidance, and development opportunities necessary to thrive within the Thales graduate scheme and progress confidently through their engineering careers.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage the early careers engineering population (graduates and apprentices) across Software, Systems and Hardware disciplines throughout their scheme duration.
* Facilitate regular check‑ins, performance reviews and annual appraisals tailored to early careers individuals.
* Collaborate with the Head of Hardware, Head of Software, Head of Systems and Engineering Resource Manager to ensure appropriate placement of early careers engineers aligning with business needs and personal development goals.
* Develop and implement structured development and upskilling plans to enrich technical and professional skills.
* Act as the main point of contact and advocate for early careers engineers, ensuring they feel supported and engaged.
* Monitor progress and provide timely feedback, coaching and mentoring to help individuals overcome challenges and maximise their potential.
* Coordinate with HR and Learning & Development teams to deliver training, rotational assignments and career development initiatives.
* Support recruitment activities for engineering graduates and apprentices, contributing to talent acquisition strategies.
* Maintain comprehensive records of early careers development activities, performance outcomes and career progression.
* Keep abreast of emerging trends and best practices in engineering education and career development to continuously enhance the graduate scheme.
* Foster a culture of continuous learning, inclusivity and innovation within the early careers cohort.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
* Proven experience managing early careers engineers, graduates or apprentices in an engineering environment.
* Broad understanding of the engineering lifecycle with practical exposure or knowledge spanning Software, Systems and Hardware engineering disciplines.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to support and motivate early careers individuals.
* Demonstrable experience conducting performance reviews, appraisals and delivering constructive feedback.
* Experience working collaboratively with senior engineering leaders and HR functions.
* Passion for talent development and mentoring.
* Ability to balance strategic workforce planning with hands‑on people management.
* Degree or relevant qualification in Engineering, Technology or a related field.
Desirable Skills
* Experience within a technology‑driven or defence/aerospace sector.
* Project management or organisational skills related to managing development programmes.
* Familiarity with competency frameworks and career pathways in engineering.
* Knowledge of relevant engineering software tools or platforms.
Security Clearance
This role requires SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if you currently hold it; if not, the successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain SC Clearance.
Benefits & Development
At Thales UK we provide flexible working options and support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle. You will receive training and development opportunities, career progression pathways and a supportive environment for engineering coaching.
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