Lead Subcontractor Manager

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive - and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries - and working together to build a future we can all trust.

**The Company**:
Thales Above Water Systems Business Line (AWS BL) provides design, delivery and through-life support for a comprehensive set of maritime warfare capabilities, involving ship repair, platform upgrades and ancillary services.

**The role**:
Opportunity for a Lead Subcontractor Manager to join our dynamic team based in Garden Island. In this role, you will lead and manage a team of Subcontractor Managers, ensuring the successful engagement and performance of subcontractors across multiple projects. You will play a key role in the end-to-end subcontracting process, driving efficiency, performance, and value-for-money solutions, while fostering strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external subcontractors. Additionally, you will oversee the subcontractor selection process, drive vendor performance improvements, and provide support to your team to ensure they meet their objectives and contribute effectively to the program.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- ** Team Leadership & Management**: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Subcontractor Managers, ensuring alignment with program goals and driving performance to meet objectives.
- ** Subcontractor Engagement & Selection**: Oversee the end-to-end Request for Pricing (RFP) process, including collaborating with program teams to establish task requirements, selecting subcontractors, and evaluating their proposals to ensure optimal solutions.
- ** Performance Management**: Drive continuous improvement in subcontractor performance, building on strengths and addressing any performance issues. Foster a collaborative, results-driven environment between subcontractors and internal teams.
- ** Stakeholder Management**: Work closely with key stakeholders across Thales, including AWS PPM and Procurement Category Buyers, to negotiate terms, resolve disputes, and ensure contractual obligations are met.
- ** Strategic Planning & Cost Optimisation**: Ensure the allocation of tasks to subcontractors achieves value for money, meets all contractual obligations (e.g., Australian Industry Content, FSU utilization), and optimizes the overall solution’s competitiveness.
- ** Resource Planning & Risk Management**: Coordinate resource planning and mitigate capacity issues to ensure adequate subcontractor support for program delivery.

**Key Requirements**:

- ** Leadership & People Management**: Strong experience in leading and managing teams, with the ability to inspire and support Subcontractor Managers to achieve targets and improve performance.
- ** Procurement or Project Management Experience**: Proven background in subcontractor management, procurement, or project management, with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience.
- ** Technical Knowledge**: Background in Electronics, Mechanical, or a related field preferred. Understanding of commercial contracts and general terms and conditions.
- ** Strong Negotiation & Communication Skills**: Ability to challenge suppliers, negotiate favorable terms, and clearly communicate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- ** Problem-Solving & Resilience**: A proactive, results-driven approach with the ability to manage complex issues and demonstrate resilience under pressure.

**Good to Know**:
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) apply, and your nationality may impact your eligibility for this role.

Prior to an offer, you will need to complete a pre-employment police check and medical assessment.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right - no matter your background or personal circumstances - please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.