At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial modelling and pricing strategies for high-value bids.
- Company: Join Thales, a global tech leader shaping the future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, half-day Fridays, 28 days leave, and healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear progression to Bid Finance Manager roles.
- Why this job: Make an impact on strategic programmes while developing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in finance or relevant experience; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Remote UK, 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: 2-3 days per week on site, based at any Thales UK site (Crawley / Reading / Bristol / Ebbw Vale / Templecombe / Cheadle / Glasgow / Belfast), with travel to other UK sites depending on business needs.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative Bid Finance team and play a key role in shaping high-value business opportunities. As a Bid Finance Analyst, you will support the development of robust financial models and pricing strategies, ensuring the integrity of estimating and costing across bids and projects. Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders, you will contribute to delivering competitive, high-quality proposals while building your commercial and financial expertise.
What this role has to offer:
- A unique opportunity to support and influence business-winning bids and strategic programmes
- Exposure to a wide network of stakeholders across engineering, finance, commercial, and project teams
- Hands-on experience in cost modelling, pricing, and financial analysis
- A clear progression pathway within Bid Finance, including development towards Bid Finance Manager roles
- A dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities to develop technical and commercial expertise
Core Benefits:
- On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;
- 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
- Healthcare cash plan
- 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
Main Responsibilities:
- Support the coordination, development, and presentation of estimating, costing, and pricing data for bids and projects
- Build and maintain financial models, including costs, risks, cashflow, and margin analysis
- Collaborate with bid teams and stakeholders to develop robust and competitive costed solutions
- Contribute to the improvement of estimating tools, processes, and methodologies
- Provide clear and transparent financial analysis to support governance reviews and decision-making
Ideal Experience & Skills:
- Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience in finance, bids, or project environments
- Strong analytical capability with an interest in financial modelling and data analysis
- Commercial awareness and understanding of financial and performance metrics
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and confidently
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities and work across multiple stakeholders
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: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.
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. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here. If this role isn’t 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!
Bid Finance Analyst in Crawley employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture, offering a unique opportunity for Bid Finance Analysts to influence high-value business bids while developing their financial expertise. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a focus on wellbeing, Thales ensures that its employees feel valued and supported in their professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Finance Analyst in Crawley
✨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 Finance Analyst in Crawley
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.