Location: Arlington, United States of America

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 other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

Knowing what Thales does today, means asking where technology is taking us tomorrow. We are creating the waves of digital transformation that will cary our customers into the future. Where these transformations intersect and interfere is where the most interesting and innovative tomorrows are being built. Thales operates at the intersection of these technologies to find every tomorrow.

Director, DOD Programs

Arlington( Hybrid)

Position Summary

The Director, DoD Programs will assist the VP, Defense Programs [DOD Strategic Account Manager (SAM)] for the Pentagon/DoD account. This position will support Thales USA outreach to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment in the Department of Defense, to include the Offices of the Assistant Secretary (Acquisition), the Assistant Secretary (Sustainment), the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Industrial Policy, the Executive Director, International Cooperation and other DoD offices as required.  This role will primarily focus on outreach to the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines Acquisition mid-level leadership and the Program Executive Offices and focused Program Management Offices.

Essential Functions

The responsibilities for this position would include relationship building and broad engagement on program and policy decisions of importance to Thales.  As necessary, this position will coordinate engagement with other offices in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and military services headquarters staffs.  This position will also participate in TUSA outreach to external organizations on matters of defense program and policy issues, including the Aerospace Industries Association, the National Defense Industrial Association, and others as determined.  Where directed, this position will support targeted engagement with capture team leads for specific national security program pursuits for TUSA in the United States.  For all engagement related to defense policies and programs, close coordination with Thales Defense & Security, Inc. will be essential to ensure awareness of all efforts and ensure deconfliction where necessary.  In addition, this position will be responsible for aligning internal Thales stakeholders’ interests in support of policy messaging to DoD and in support of important program pursuits with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Joint forces.

Minimum Requirements

US citizen.Bachelor’s degree from accredited university or college in Engineering/Economics/Business or related field20 years of overall military and/or (combination of) defense business experienceDesired at least 5 years work experience in business development/sales DoD interface role(s)  Deep experience working in and with the US Dept of Defense (either as uniformed military, civilian DoD and/or direct industry supplier to DoD) with a corresponding robust network of contacts in these communitiesStrong interpersonal skills and problem solving abilitiesTeam player who can communicate equally across multi-functional internal and external teamsBusiness level written and verbal fluency in EnglishCollaborative style of management and leadership with peersExcellent communications skills both written and oral, including presentation skillsDetail oriented and capable of analyzing complex financial / operational data Able to appropriately manage confidential and sensitive informationMust be a U.S. Person as defined in applicable law, or otherwise authorized or eligible for   authorization, to access to hardware, software, and technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Must exercise solid judgment across multiple stakeholders when executing his/her dutiesPositive demeanor in order to interact at all levels of influence both internal and external to ThalesExperience in an international and/or complex matrix business environment is desirable Ability to work through significant change management

Preferred Qualifications

Proven background and experience in a defense acquisition role in a military serviceMaster’s in Business or Public Administration preferred

Physical Demands

Minimal physical demands other than travel and light lifting in an office setting.

Special position Requirements

Travel: Please select this box if this position will require domestic and/or international travel to perform the essential functions of the position.  If checked, please indicate the frequency or percentage of travel. Ability to travel up to 25% outside of the greater Washington DC area required.

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following: 

•Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance.

•Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period. 

•Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off. 

•Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program. 

Why Join Us?

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US - Access to Trade Controlled Hardware, Software, Technical Information & CUI

Must be a US Person as defined in applicable law
N/A (because US Persons are already authorized to access ITAR and EAR technical info).

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.