At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial analysis and deal architecting for major bid campaigns.
- Company: Thales is a global leader in aerospace, defence, security, and ground transportation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive salary, private healthcare, and generous holiday leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and international mobility within a diverse company.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team impacting millions while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in bidding environments and strong numerical analysis skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
Location: Belfast, United Kingdom Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services. Hybrid working arrangement: 3 days per week on site (based on full time hours) Working hours: Full time or part time hours available We are looking for a Bid Finance Manager . This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping complex business opportunities through financial insight and modelling. As a Bid Finance Manager, you will be integral to securing our future contracts. Optimising risk and reward, and informing decision-making at every stage of our bidding lifecycle, you will contribute directly to business growth, and commercial success in a fast-paced, high-impact environment. Thales Bid Finance Managers work closely within cross-functional bid teams identifying and implementing tailored pricing strategies, securing internal governance, and supporting contract negotiations with our customers. Core Benefits: On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes; Performance-related bonus Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00 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 You can read about some of our other benefits here: UK benefits | Thales Group Integrated Airspace Protection Systems (IAS) Our main purpose is to protect and defend. We provide rapid integrated solutions for detection, coordination, fire control, engagement and support. We cover three sectors: Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International) and Air Operations & Services as well as Space. Paragraph selected from BL list below Main Responsibilities: Lead the coordination, development, and presentation of costing, and pricing data for bids and projects Build and maintain robust financial models covering cost, cashflow, funding, margin, profitability, and ROI Provide financial insights and analysis to support decision-making at key governance reviews and bid stages Support the development and continuous improvement of costing and pricing processes, tools, and methodologies Engage with internal stakeholders and external customers to validate pricing assumptions and ensure confidence in financial outputs Ideal Experience & Skills: Proven experience in estimating, costing, and pricing within a complex or project-based environment Strong financial and commercial acumen, including risk and opportunity analysis and modelling Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills, with experience in financial modelling tools Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and persuasively Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Security Clearance Requirement: Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). 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. 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. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: #LI-DNI At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here. If this role isnt quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here. Join Thales in the UK Innovate with us and shape the future! TPBN1_NI
Bid Finance Manager in Belfast employer: Thales UK Limited
Thales UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and flexibility, allowing you to tailor your work-life balance through options like part-time hours and home working. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to diverse career growth opportunities within a global network, all while contributing to critical projects that enhance safety and security across various industries. Located in Belfast, you'll be part of a team that not only values innovation but also fosters a collaborative environment where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Details:
Thales UK Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Bid Finance Manager in Belfast
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial modelling tools mentioned in the job description, such as ProPricer and PRICE TruePlanning. Having hands-on experience or even a basic understanding of these tools can set you apart during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into Thales and its hiring process.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in a bidding environment in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed financial analysis and stakeholder engagement in past roles.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research Thales' recent projects and initiatives in the UK and abroad. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Finance Manager in Belfast
Financial Analysis
Cost Estimation
Pricing Strategies
Numerical Analysis
Problem-Solving Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Project Management
Risk and Opportunity Analysis
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with ProPricer or PRICE TruePlanning
Understanding of UK MOD procurement processes
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Adaptability to new ideas and methodologies
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Bid Finance Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in bidding environments and financial analysis.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with estimating, costing, pricing, and financial modelling. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to analyse financial data and advise senior management.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since the role requires excellent communication skills, ensure your application reflects your ability to articulate ideas clearly. Consider including examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information to stakeholders.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your CV and cover letter for Thales by incorporating keywords from the job description. This shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales UK Limited
β¨Understand the Bidding Environment
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what working in a bidding environment entails. Familiarise yourself with the processes involved in estimating, costing, and pricing, as well as how these elements impact decision-making at senior management levels.
β¨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with numerical analysis and problem-solving. Bring examples of how you've successfully tackled complex financial data and how your insights have influenced bid decisions in the past.
β¨Communicate Effectively
Since this role requires excellent communication skills, practice articulating your ideas clearly and persuasively. Think about how you can present financial data in a way that is easily understandable for stakeholders who may not have a finance background.
β¨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build and maintain productive relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams or clients to achieve common goals, as this will be crucial in the Bid Finance Manager role.