Discipline Manager - Software

About Thales Singapore

Thales is a globally recognized technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises for addressing complex challenges. Our innovations span from quantum computing and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G advancements, all supporting critical decision-making empowered by human intelligence. Operating at the vanguard of aerospace, space, cybersecurity, and digital identity sectors, Thales has been a steadfast partner in Singapore since 1973. With a workforce of 2,000 across three locations locally, we provide advanced solutions in aerospace—including air traffic management—defense, security, digital identity, and cybersecurity, helping customers protect communities and fuel progress.

Role Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the Head of Discipline and fellow Discipline Managers to establish and implement software engineering strategies tailored to regional goals.
• Contribute to governance of the Software Engineering Discipline.
• Regularly evaluate competitiveness by benchmarking cost models within Thales and related disciplines, scrutinize bidding quotations, and maintain discipline cost models leveraging capitalization and metrics.
• Conduct technical reviews pertinent to software bids and projects.
• Implement strategies such as Make Team Buy and plan workforce allocation based on forecasted workloads.
• Champion the standardization and communication of discipline processes, ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Enforce software quality standards while supervising their deployment across teams.
• Lead adoption of innovative technologies, including digital tools, cloud computing, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization technologies aligned with business needs.
• Collaborate with Discipline Managers and engineers to promote continuous learning, skills development, and upskilling initiatives.
• Analyze current and projected soft and hard skill requirements to forecast discipline trends and propose targeted training or coaching programs.
• Support engineers’ career progression through regular engagement and mentorship.
• Provide leadership that motivates and guides team members towards peak performance.
• Oversee recruitment processes and selection of contractors.
• Assist in resource allocation ensuring appropriate staffing to fulfill both current and future project and product demands.
• Supervise projects and product software practices, ensuring adherence to objectives, milestones, and continuous improvement in quality and timeliness.
• Identify and manage major risks within the discipline’s scope for projects, products, or bids.
• Ensure adherence to local and international regulations and standards in software engineering and advise on achieving compliant, cost-effective design solutions.
• Serve as liaison to non-engineering departments (e.g., HSE, HR, Facilities) to ensure smooth flow of information.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, IT, or a related field; postgraduate qualification in Systems Engineering is preferred.
• Over seven years of senior software engineering leadership experience in large, international organizations.
• Proven ability managing teams larger than 20 members, demonstrating mentorship and leadership skills.
• Experience delivering software products and projects in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Background in working within multidisciplinary, multi-site, international organizations.
• Familiarity with safety-critical development and software assurance is an advantage.
• Strong skills in building high-performing teams, fostering continuous improvement, coaching, and sharing expertise.
• Excellent interpersonal, motivational, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Ability to manage complexity, make sound judgments, and take independent decisions as necessary.
• Positive attitude with accountability, transparency, and curiosity as key personal traits.
• Knowledge of Air Traffic Management systems is desirable.

General and Special Requirements

• Promote a positive, harmonious work environment aligned to Thales’ core values.
• Support and actively participate in diversity, inclusion, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing initiatives.
• Comply with all relevant Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental policies and company procedures to ensure safety and well-being.
• Must be eligible for Security Clearance from the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs (Category 2).
• Occasional international travel may be necessary.

Work Culture

At Thales, you will be part of an inclusive and empowering environment that encourages respect, trust, collaboration, and passion. Join us to help reshape technology, creating impactful solutions for a safer, greener, and more inclusive future.