Head of Projects

Location: Tubize, Belgium

Thales people architect solutions at the heart of the defence-security continuum. Interoperable and secure information and telecommunications systems for defence, security, and civil operators, are based upon innovative use of radiocommunications, networks, and cybersecurity. We are ground breaking new digital technologies such as 4G/5G mobile communications, cryptography, cloud computing and big data for use in physical protection systems, and critical information systems.

Thales Belgium SA, Belgium competence center of Thales, is a company located on 2 sites, one in Tubize (near Brussels) and the other one in Herstal (near Liège). Thales Belgium, which employs more than 280 collaborators, is specialized in the design, development and supply of critical information systems for customers in the sectors of Defense, Security (including Cyber) and Aerospace.

At Thales Belgium, we have an exciting opportunity for an exceptional individual to join our organization as Head of Projects. In this role, you will contribute to the continuous growth of our Protection Systems, Radio Communication Products and Sovereign Cyber Technologies Business Lines.

As Head of Projects, you will provide dynamic leadership to the Project Management team across our diverse Country Business Unit. Your main responsibility will be to ensure the implementation of best practices in Project Management, focusing on the development of people, processes, and tools.

We are seeking a dynamic leader with a proven track record of driving successful project delivery. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, along with the ability to build and nurture high-performing teams. If you are passionate about project management and thrive in a challenging and fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish solid project governance, including Commitment Control, Launch, and Project Reviews, to ensure clear visibility of project status (cost, schedule, risks).
• Take functional accountability for the successful delivery of projects to the CBU Business and Operations Management.
• Drive strategic capability planning for Program Management, ensuring readiness for present and future needs, with a focus on leadership capability and future requirements.
• Provide strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring to enhance team confidence, competence, and talent within the project management community.
• Establish effective networks and frameworks to drive development, improvement, and learning opportunities for the advancement of the CBU’s project management capability.
• Evaluate project delivery strategies and play a leading role in assessing and mitigating risks while maximizing opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to defined Group processes, policies, and standards within the project team.
• Continuously improve local processes in line with Group policies and industry best practices.

Educational Background

• Civil or industrial engineer, Business School Master Degree, MBA or equivalent by experience
• Trilingual: French / Dutch / English

Skills

• Proven experience leading significant/critical programs in a high-tech and complex environment, including Contract and Change Management with customers and subcontractors.
• Strong asset: Experience in hardware and software development projects for the Defence sector.
• Advantageous: Experience within international groups working in the public sector.
• Knowledge in program management methodologies (preferably, IPMA certification, Prince II, or PMI).
• Proficiency in MS Office, Project, SharePoint.

Required Abilities

• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to drive continuous improvement in a complex matrix environment (function vs. business).
• Extensive stakeholder management capability, both internally (cross-functional collaboration) and externally.
• Proven track record in providing coaching and development for managers and future leaders.
• Ability to work under stress, autonomous, and proactive.
• Versatility and flexibility.
• Interdisciplinary and creative approach, with a commitment to project completion, focus, and persistence.

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. Great journeys start here, apply now!

Interested?

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Diversity Statement

We actively support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. That means that equal opportunities, inclusion and an informal culture are integral to our success. It also means that your well-being and happiness matter to us! That’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, remote working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.