Chapter Lead IT

Location: Hengelo, Netherlands

In fast‑changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Our architects design secure digital foundations that support aerospace, transportation, defense and space systems. At Thales Netherlands, you join an international community of talented professionals who collaborate, innovate and push technology forward.

Within our IS/IT department, a group of 180 skilled specialists supporting 3000 colleagues. You contribute directly to the digital transformation of Thales. We work closely with the business, value autonomy, and foster a culture built on security, collaboration and continuous improvement.

As Solution Architect Security & Identity Access Management (SIAM), you help shape the architecture that secures our digital landscape. You work alongside Enterprise Architects, Security experts and international Thales teams to modernize and standardize our IAM ecosystem.

About the job

Our Agile transformation journey started a couple of years ago and we are dedicated to agile principles and continuous improvement. We are seeking a Chapter Lead to manage two teams (about 20 people) focused on ERP, Identity & Access Management, and Security applications. You will oversee daily operations and budgets, including temporary staffing and support talent development through our annual HR cycle.

In this role, you work closely with the Product Manager and Architect Business Applications to anticipate business needs and align people and skills accordingly. As part of the IS/IT Leadership Team, you will participate in or lead departmental improvement initiatives and are encouraged to challenge the status quo. If you enjoy coaching teams, developing talent, and driving agile ways of working, we invite you to join us.

Your day begins with coffee and planning, followed by stand-up meetings with your squads to align on priorities and offer support where needed. You then hold one-on-ones to check in on your team members’ progress and address any concerns. After lunch—often enjoyed with a walk—you review contracts and workforce planning with the IT controller to keep forecasts current. Later, you join the IS/IT Leadership Team to discuss HR topics before ending your day with some administration and informal chats with colleagues.

What you will do:

• Responsible for HR management for a team of 20 professionals.

• Lead recruitment and development of permanent and temporary staff in partnership with HR and Procurement.

• Oversee budget for resources and RUN operations, including licenses and IT assets.

• Develop a long-term vision for skills and resource needs within your chapter, aligned with strategic workforce planning.

• Collaborate with the Product Manager, Chapter Lead Data & Integrations, and Enterprise Architect to understand business requirements and architectural direction, ensuring optimal resource development and allocation.

• Foster collaboration with the international Global Chapter and maintain active exchange with Group IS/IT.

• Contribute to the IS/IT Leadership Team and drive department-wide continuous improvement initiatives.

• As a leader in IS/IT, you embody agile values and ways of working, promoting an agile mindset within your team and advancing our overall IS/IT agile transformation.

About you:

• Bachelor or Master degree

• A servant leader; eager to share knowledge and coach team members to develop technical and human skills

• Have at least 5 years of experience in a similar position

• Proficiency in Data and/or Applications

• Motivational and inspirational

• Providing structure and guidance

• Strong communicator

• Experience with the agile mindset and adopting new ways of working

• Fluent in English

What's in it for you

• A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environment. Includes the freedom for initiative and good ideas;

• Room for personal and professional growth within our organization, for example in regards to technical, commercial or international skills;

• Valuable international collaboration with coworkers from 68 different countries around the globe;

• A comfortable work space in a modern environment, with a focus on flexibility and the right work life balance;

• You can usually work where and whenever you want. Within Thales, we aim for a 60/40 balance, where you work from home at least two days a week, when your role allows this;

• A good salary, fitting travel allowance, and the ability to personalize your employment conditions: for instance, you can trade PTO for internet costs, our bicycle plan, company fitness and relocation costs;

• 40 days off per year (PTO)

Interested?

Apply now! Click on the button below to upload your profile and show your interest.

To ensure that we are a good match, we can ask you to participate in an assessment.

Government (AIVD) clearance will be requested.

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.

Security Requirements
In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in The Netherlands and employment and/or education history. Some vacancies may require a security clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please refer to the General Intelligence and Security Service.