Configuration Manager

Quick Release; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job description

Quick Release is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Configuration Manager to support and lead key client engagements within the defence and aerospace sectors. This is a pivotal role requiring both technical depth and leadership capability, with the potential to evolve into a Service Manager position for the right candidate.

The successful applicant will be responsible for establishing, maintaining, and optimising configuration management processes and systems, ensuring alignment with client requirements and industry standards. This position offers the opportunity to work in complex and high‑integrity environments, delivering measurable value across the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead configuration management activities across high‑profile client programmes, ensuring the effective control of product data and change
• Develop and implement CM strategies and plans in line with client needs, industry standards, and regulatory frameworks
• Manage configuration identification, control, status accounting, and audits across the full product lifecycle
• Act as a senior point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and delivering high-quality service
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior configuration professionals within the team
• Support the development and delivery of proposals, capability development, and internal service evolution
• Ensure integration with adjacent functions such as engineering, quality, manufacturing, and project management

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in configuration management, ideally within defence or aerospace industries
• Strong working knowledge of industry CM standards and frameworks (e.g. ISO 10007, DEF STAN 05-57, EIA‑649)
• Demonstrated experience in leading or managing CM teams or initiatives
• Familiarity with common CM tools and PLM systems (e.g. Teamcenter, Windchill, or equivalent)
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and reporting skills
• Eligible for Security Check (SC) clearance is mandatory due to the nature of the projects
• Ability to work flexibly across different client locations in the UK

Desirable Attributes

• Proven track record of delivering in a consultancy or client-facing role
• An aptitude for service development and continuous improvement
• Ambition to grow into a broader Service Manager or capability leadership role
• Comfortable operating in both structured and evolving project environments

Benefits

• £55,000‑£65,000 starting salary plus other rewards and benefits
• A highly motivated, diverse, talented and supportive team with a positive "people‑focused" company culture
• Extensive induction training and ongoing learning and development
• Projects with a variety of clients, locations and workplaces, all with real‑world impact
• UK, European and World travel opportunities
• Career progression based on merit and a choice of pathways
• Lots of team events, sports clubs, CSR, mental health, diversity and well‑being initiatives and a direct line to management and leadership for your ideas
• The knowledge, skills and experience to ensure you’ll always be in demand, wherever your career may take you.

QR Values

Being the best at what we do is important to us (we’ve just been named amongst the FT’s leading management consultancies for the third year running) but Quick Release has always been about more than project delivery. We can only be the best by looking after our team and we are very much a "people‑first" business. We offer an environment of support, inclusion and encouragement, where our people can be authentic, be heard, enjoy their work and thrive. Team‑building, learning, development and career progression are at the core of what we do, and we take great pride in our positive company culture.

We also take pride in our diversity and we respect and value multiple approaches and points of view. We challenge inequality in all its forms, in others, and especially in ourselves. We’re not perfect, but we want to be better and do better, and we are fully committed to this in our actions as well as words.

As an equal opportunities employer, Quick Release will never discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, socio‑economic background, marital status, or disability status.

Quick Release (Automotive) Limited are an Armed Forces friendly employer. We welcome applications from reservists, former or existing Armed Forces personnel who are interested in a career in Product Data Management.

We’re inviting candidates with 2+ years of relevant experience to apply for this role. Please see our other openings for roles requiring 0‑2 years experience.

Connect With Quick Release Online

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quick-release

Glassdoor: https://bit.ly/GlassdoorQR