Head of Engineering Operations

This role is Hybrid Halifax Fredericton Ottawa or Victoria

Head of Engineering Operations (HoEO)

Position Summary

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.

Key Areas of Responsibility

The main responsibilities are:

• 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. Participate in and contribute to program reviews.
• 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.
• Compliance and Audit Readiness: Ensure compliance with Thales policies customer requirements and industry standards supporting successful completion of internal and external audits.
• Tooling & Digitalization Support: 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.

Minimum Requirements

• 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
• Excellent organizational analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functional teams
• Proficiency with Engineering management tools and digital platforms
• Expertise in at least one Engineering Discipline
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in engineering Science or a related field
• Management of budget worth at least 1MCAD
• Experience in the Defence industry
• Fluency in French
• Experience in a large matrixed and/or multinational organization ideally in aerospace or defence
• 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. ISO CMMI)
• Knowledge of Thales engineering policies and tools

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Travel: Occasional domestic or international travel about 4 times per year.

Why Join Us

Say HI and learn more about working at Thales click here.

( reference Total Target Compensation(TTC) market range for this position inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target is between

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. Thales is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.