At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major real estate bids and shape Thales UK's future.
- Company: Join a global tech leader committed to innovation and social value.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, private healthcare, and more.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions in a dynamic environment with career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, 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.
Application Deadline: Monday 8th June 2026
Purpose of the Role
We’re shaping the future of Thales UK’s Real Estate footprint—and you’ll play a central part in making it happen. As Bid Manager, you will lead the development of major real estate and infrastructure proposals that enable our operational strategy, future site capabilities, and long‑term investment plans across the UK. Reporting to the UK Real Estate Director, you will influence high‑value strategic decisions and ensure every bid we deliver is commercially sound, operationally aligned and positioned for success.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading end‑to‑end bid activity for major Real Estate programmes, ensuring proposals are high‑quality, compliant and aligned with business priorities.
- Managing and guiding the capital project team supporting ICSM, BCCR/PACE and other strategic bids.
- Providing authoritative input on property, infrastructure, compliance, sustainability and site operations.
- Producing fully costed proposals that integrate Real Estate plans with operational needs, investment strategy and customer requirements.
- Working collaboratively with Operations, Finance, Commercial, Legal, Security and HSE to consolidate inputs and ensure accuracy and commercial strength.
- Preparing submission documents, presentations and review materials for internal and customer stakeholders.
- Monitoring market, regulatory and industry trends to inform competitive bid positioning.
- Driving continuous improvement of bid tools, templates and ways of working.
What We’re Looking For
- Background in bid management, proposal development or business development.
- Experience supporting large, complex bid encompassing multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Proven ability to develop detailed, costed proposals aligned to strategic and operational plans.
- Skilled at working in matrix environments and partnering with Finance, Commercial, Legal and technical teams.
- Confident communicator with strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
Benefits:
- Performance-related bonus
- Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with 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
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.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
UK Real Estate Bid Manager in Glasgow employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration across its major UK sites. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Thales provides extensive benefits including a performance-related bonus, generous annual leave, and opportunities for volunteering, all while fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is valued. Join us in Reading or any of our other locations to be part of a team that shapes the future of technology and security in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Real Estate Bid Manager in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the real estate and bid management sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Thales and their recent projects. Understand their approach to real estate and infrastructure proposals. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the future with them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in bid management aligns with Thales' goals. Highlight your experience with cross-functional teams and your ability to develop detailed proposals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thales team. Good luck, we’re rooting for you!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Real Estate Bid Manager in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in bid management and how it aligns with Thales' goals. We want to see how you can contribute to our real estate proposals!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage complex bids and collaborate with cross-functional teams. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a role that requires strong decision-making skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Bid Management Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of bid management. Understand the end-to-end process and be ready to discuss how you've successfully led similar projects in the past. Highlight your experience with complex bids and how you navigated multiple stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams like Finance, Legal, and Operations, be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated in a matrix environment. Discuss specific instances where your teamwork led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Market Awareness
Stay updated on current market trends and regulatory changes in the real estate sector. Be ready to discuss how these factors could impact Thales's bidding strategy and how you would position proposals competitively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of situations where you had to make tough calls or adapt strategies on the fly, and be ready to explain your thought process and the results.
