Bids and Project Manager in Crawley

Location: Crawley, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircraft. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. Together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space.

Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Based: Crawley - hybrid working 3 days onsite

Are you an experienced Project Manager with a background in Service or Design & Manufacturing? We have a fantastic opportunity for a Bids and Project Manager to join our Flight Avionics (FLX) team. This is a hybrid working role between our Crawley office/home.

You will be responsible for our UK’s largest Support contract which is an in-service, availability support project providing Military Avionics (MAS), Defensive Aids System (DAS) and In Flight Entertainment (IFE) equipment availability plus through life, technical and logistic support services.

This is a dual role split as Project Manager and Bid Manager required to take the lead on bids as a capture manager located at the Crawley site within the Military International Programme Directorate (MIPD) Flight Avionics (FLX) department.

The Project Manager will be responsible for the project financial performance and stakeholder relationships with the Customer requiring regular travel to Brize Norton, and responsible for future Voyager bid activities. Working closely with the Service Delivery Manager who manages the in-service daily operations.

• Providing Leadership and management – motivating and supporting the internal delivery team within the Project and the associated bids
• Managing stakeholders, in particular customer providing supplier strategic relationship with the Customer
• Preparation of material and presenting at customer meetings
• Bid Management responsibilities for the project and by playing a key role for maintaining and/or extended equipment sustainability through modification updates and or product evolutions
• Hold the role of the Technology Control Officer and responsible for export and licences, working closely with Trade Compliance
• Act as the Project Security officer for Voyager project and ensuring the Security Management Plan is maintained for regular audits and reviewed at regular SWGs
• Ensure all work packages are maintained and reviewed
• Managing the forward load resource requirements for the project
• Representing the Project through established governance – lifecycle Gates and monthly Project Reviews
• Management of Change Orders and attending regular CCB meetings
• Ensuring lessons learned reviews are conducted regularly and incorporated; contributing lessons for the wider benefit of the business

Right for this role? We are looking for strong leadership, professional project management expertise, excellent stakeholder management, team building skills, and a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks and opportunities. You would have come from a Capture and or Bids Management background, experienced in managing leading matrix teams across sites. Ideally leading a range of different project types- Design & Manufacture, Service & Support, Transformation etc. Proven financial, commercial and technical awareness. Stakeholder management and negotiation - dealing with customers, partners, suppliers and other parts of the organisation. Military Aerospace domain knowledge.

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 sole British National from birth 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.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

Great journeys start here, apply now!