Job Title: Principal Configuration Manager
Location: Ashton Vale, Bristol + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF
At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Configuration Manager across our Bristol, Plymouth and Tewksbury sites.
The Role
As Principal Configuration Manager you will play a critical role in embedding industry best practice, ensuring consistency, and enabling scalable support for our Products and Services.
This is a newly created strategic role that will shape how configuration management is delivered across Mission Systems. It offers the opportunity to build a legacy of excellence, drive consistency, and ensure our products and services are supported by world-class configuration practices.
The role is seeking a visionary and delivery-focused Principal Configuration Manager to establish and lead a centralised Configuration Management Team that will service our three Business Units: Sense and Connect, Effectors, and Space with Babcock Mission Systems.
Build & Lead a High-Performing Team
1. Shape the future of Configuration Management by designing and leading a world-class Service Delivery Team. Define structure, roles, and responsibilities to meet evolving business needs. Recruit, onboard, and develop top talent to support Mission Systems today and tomorrow.
Drive Strategic Impact
2. Partner with senior leaders across all Business Units to understand and anticipate configuration requirements. Influence demand planning and embed configuration support throughout programme and product lifecycles. Ensure resources and budgets are aligned to deliver success in Business Winning and Organic Growth activities.
Champion Process & Tooling Excellence
3. Set the standard for configuration management by developing strategies aligned with industry best practices (Def Stan 05-57, ISO, CMMI). Deploy cutting-edge tools and systems to enable scalable, efficient operations. Lead continuous improvement and standardisation across the organisation.
Ensure Governance & Assurance
4. Establish robust governance frameworks, including Configuration Control Boards (CCBs), audits, and reviews, in line with global engineering processes. Safeguard data integrity, traceability, and compliance. Provide expert guidance and assurance to engineering and delivery teams.
Be the Voice of Configuration Management
5. Act as the senior authority and trusted advisor for configuration management. Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Programme Management, and Delivery teams to ensure seamless integration. Represent the discipline in strategic forums and influence key decisions.
This role is full time, 37 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with up to 3 onsite and 2 days working from home.
Essential Experience of the Principal Configuration Manager
6. Proven experience in leading configuration management functions within complex, regulated industries (defence, aerospace, nuclear, rail).
7. Demonstrated success in building and scaling teams and services.
8. Deep understanding of configuration management principles, standards, for whole engineering lifecycle.
9. Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
Qualifications for the Principal Configuration Manager
10. Formal engineering qualifications (Level 5 or higher); CMII or CMPIC certification desirable.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance for this role.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at