Manager, Engineering & Operations

In fast changing markets customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each aerospace transportation defence security and space our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrows possible.
For decades Ottawa has been a global technology leader. Voted as Canadas best place to live 2017 by Macleans Ottawa offers a low cost of living with a high quality of life. The Thales Ottawa office has been a major supplier and long-term trusted partner to DND enabling the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard to achieve mission success.

This role is Hybrid Halifax Fredericton Ottawa or Victoria

Head of Engineering Operations (HoEO)

Thales Canada Defence & Security (TCDS) is looking for a Head of Engineering Operations (HoEO).

The HoEO is responsible for ensuring operational excellence within the Engineering function supporting the successful delivery of projects products and bids across the Engineering Competence Centre. The HoEO oversees workforce planning resource allocation Engineering budget management process governance and operational performance. This role champions digital transformation continuous improvement compliance and trainingensuring engineering teams are equipped to meet business objectives efficiently effectively and with the highest standards.

The HoEO reports to the Director of Engineering.

Bid Project and Product Delivery: Oversee planning and tracking at the team level to ensure on-time on-quality delivery effective risk management and proactive issue resolution. Engineering Budget Management: Manage the engineering budget monitor expenses and implement corrective actions to align actuals with financial forecasts.
Process Governance and Continuous Improvement: Own and maintain engineering processes ensuring standardized methodologies tools and practices. Lead and implement process improvements based on feedback and lessons learned.
Operational Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Establish track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as chargeability and resource utilization providing regular updates and insights to leadership.
Ensure compliance with Thales policies customer requirements and industry standards supporting successful completion of internal and external audits.
Champion the selection adoption and effective use of engineering tools. Drive digitalization initiatives to enhance the productivity and efficiency of engineering teams.
Resource Planning: Oversee resource management aligning team skills and capacity with project priorities. Lead workforce planning and Labour Forecast Report meetings and manage engineering overhead labor.
Training and Competence Management: Monitor and address training needs in relation to processes tools and standards. Develop training plans to maintain and enhance team competencies and operational capability.
Operational Risk and Change Management: Lead the implementation of operational changes and proactively identify assess and mitigate operational risks across engineering functions.

Bachelors degree in engineering Science or a related technical discipline
At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in Engineering operations project management or engineering leadership roles
Proven experience managing budgets operational performance metrics and workforce/resource planning
Strong familiarity with engineering processes methodologies and quality standards
Experience with process improvement initiatives and change management
Proficiency with Engineering management tools and digital platforms
Expertise in at least one Engineering Discipline
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Masters degree in engineering Science or a related field
Management of budget worth at least 1MCAD
Fluency in French
Direct experience with Make or Buy analysis footprint strategy and digital transformation programs
Formal training or certification in project management Lean/Six Sigma or process improvement methodologies
Experience supporting audit processes and ensuring compliance with international standards (e.g. Knowledge of Thales engineering policies and tools

Travel: Occasional domestic or international travel about 4 times per year.

Total Target Cash (TTC) 132829.88 - 234100.80 CAD Annual

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents including the following:

Company paid Extended Health Dental HSA Life AD&D Short-term Disability Cancer Care Program travel insurance Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.
Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP DCPP TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP with no vesting period.
Company paid holidays vacation days and paid sick leave.
Voluntary Life AD&D Critical Illness Long-Term Disability.
Employee Discounts on home auto and gym membership.

Thales is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List the Canadian Controlled Goods Program the Canadian Industrial Security Program the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access including eligibility to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.