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- Tasks: Lead and manage complex bids in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Company: Join Thales, a leader in defence and technology with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a performance bonus, flexible hours, generous leave, and health perks.
- Why this job: Shape the future of major projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing bids/projects and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and a positive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Glasgow - hybrid working arrangement – 3 days per week on site
Are you driven by the challenge of leading complex, high-value bids that shape the future of major projects? Thales is seeking a Head of Bid Management to lead a rapidly expanding portfolio of bids in our Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME) business. You will ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, business-winning proposals and robust project baselines, setting the foundation for excellence in project delivery.
This is a leadership role requiring innovation, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to risk, opportunity, stakeholder management, and continuous improvement across multi-disciplinary teams.
Key Benefits
- Performance-related bonus
- Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
- 24 hours volunteering paid for
- Private healthcare (grade dependent)
- Pension scheme
- Life cover
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and motivate cross-functional bid teams through all bid phases
- Ensure strong risk, opportunity, and schedule management
- Establish and control technical/non-technical requirements and compliance
- Oversee bid governance, documentation, and approval processes
- Build trust with customers and stakeholders
- Drive continuous improvement, coaching, and a positive team culture
- Ensure strong financial management and support seamless project handovers
About you
Essential:
- Proven experience managing and delivering complex bids/projects in a defence/manufacturing environment
- Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Expertise in proposal creation, risk management, and compliance
- Experience working in multi-site, matrix organisations
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and organisational skills
Desirable:
- Familiarity with Defence Portal, AWARD, or DOORS
- Professional qualifications (e.g. APM, APMP, Shipley, IPMA)
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.
To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.
Senior Bid Manager - Thales in Glasgow employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Bid Manager - Thales in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Bid Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Thales and their recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success in bid management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with complex bids and how you’ve led teams to success. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership and strategic thinking skills – this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thales team and ready to take on the challenge of leading high-value bids.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Bid Manager - Thales in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex bids and showcase how your skills align with the job description. We want to see how you can lead and motivate teams!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and drive continuous improvement, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that highlights your key skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid management process, especially in a defence or manufacturing context. Familiarise yourself with Thales' recent projects and how they align with your experience. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Bid Management, you'll need to lead cross-functional teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully motivated teams in the past, particularly during complex bids. Highlight your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you foster a positive team culture.
✨Prepare for Risk Management Questions
Given the emphasis on risk and opportunity management in the job description, be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles. Think about challenges you've faced and how you navigated them, as well as any tools or methodologies you used to manage risks effectively.
✨Understand Compliance and Governance
Familiarise yourself with the compliance requirements relevant to the defence sector. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured adherence to technical and non-technical requirements in past projects. This will show that you can oversee bid governance and documentation processes effectively.
