Bid Finance Manager

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

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

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.

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. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.