At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Bid Finance team, ensuring high-quality delivery and effective utilisation of capability.
- Company: Join a leading tech company shaping military and commercial Optronics for over 130 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, half-day Fridays, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working arrangement with opportunities for professional development and volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth and profitability while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in bid finance and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape and lead Bid Finance capability within a complex and high-growth business environment. As Head of Bid Finance, you will play a critical role in ensuring the integrity of estimating, costing, and pricing across major and strategic bids. You will lead a high-performing team while working closely with senior stakeholders to influence business outcomes, drive profitability, and enable successful programme delivery from bid through to execution.
What this role has to offer
- A strategic leadership role with direct impact on business growth, profitability, and governance
- The opportunity to lead and develop a specialist Bid Finance team and capability
- Exposure to complex, high-value bids and major business opportunities
- Close collaboration with senior stakeholders across finance, commercial, engineering, and operations
- The ability to shape and improve estimating processes, tools, and best practice across the business
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
- 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 and manage the Bid Finance team, ensuring high-quality delivery and effective utilisation of capability
- Oversee the development, review, and presentation of estimating, costing, and pricing for complex bids and projects
- Provide financial leadership and assurance across the bid lifecycle, including risk, cost, and pricing decisions
- Drive the development and continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and methodologies
- Partner with senior stakeholders to influence bid outcomes and support the transition from bid to project delivery
Ideal Experience Skills:
- Extensive experience in bid finance, cost engineering, or financial modelling within complex project environments
- Strong leadership capability, with experience managing and developing high-performing teams
- Deep understanding of estimating, costing, pricing, and financial governance across the bid lifecycle
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels in a matrix organisation
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to analyse risk and drive profitable outcomes
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.
Bid Specialist employer: Thales
Thales Group is an exceptional employer, offering a strategic leadership role as Head of Bid Finance that directly influences business growth and profitability within a dynamic and high-growth environment. With a strong focus on employee development, the company provides a competitive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and opportunities for volunteering, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Specialist
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Thales. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Thales.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Thales's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Thales.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Thales will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Thales employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
