Head of Bid Management
Head of Bid Management

Head of Bid Management

Glasgow Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Thales

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex bids and shape the future of major projects in defence.
  • Company: Thales UK, a leader in technology for Defence and Security.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, half-day Fridays, 28 days leave, private healthcare, and gym discounts.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements and commitment to inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing complex bids and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Location: Glasgow, United KingdomThales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.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.

Job title: Head of Bid Management

Location : Glasgow – hybrid working arrangement – 3 days per week on site

Are you driven by the challenge of leading complex, high-value bids that shape the future of major projects? Thales is seeking a Head of Bid Management to lead a rapidly expanding portfolio of bids in our Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME) business. You will ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, business-winning proposals and robust project baselines, setting the foundation for excellence in project delivery.

This is a leadership role requiring innovation, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to risk, opportunity, stakeholder management, and continuous improvement across multi-disciplinary teams.

Core Benefits:

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

  • Performance-related bonus

  • Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm

  • 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

  • Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and motivate cross-functional bid teams through all bid phases

  • Ensure strong risk, opportunity, and schedule management

  • Establish and control technical/non-technical requirements and compliance

  • Oversee bid governance, documentation, and approval processes

  • Build trust with customers and stakeholders

  • Drive continuous improvement, coaching, and a positive team culture

  • Ensure strong financial management and support seamless project handovers

  • About you:

    Essential:

  • Proven experience managing and delivering complex bids/projects

  • Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills

  • Expertise in proposal creation, risk management, and compliance

  • Experience working in multi-site, matrix organisations

  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and organisational skills

  • Desirable:

  • Familiarity with Defence Portal, AWARD, or DOORS

  • Professional qualifications (e.g. APM, APMP, Shipley, IPMA)

  • Security Clearance statement:

    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 UK National 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. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

    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.

    #LI-DNI

    In line with Thales\’ Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

    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. To request an adjustment,if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

    Great journeys start here, apply now!

    Head of Bid Management employer: Thales

    Thales UK is an exceptional employer located in Glasgow, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, a competitive benefits package including a performance-related bonus, and opportunities for career development across various sectors such as Aerospace and Defence, Thales fosters an environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team that makes a meaningful impact on safety and technology.
    Thales

    Contact Detail:

    Thales Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head of Bid Management

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Thales on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for the interview by researching Thales' recent projects and innovations. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do in defence and technology.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to leading complex bids and managing teams effectively.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Bid Management

    Leadership
    Team Management
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Proposal Creation
    Risk Management
    Compliance
    Communication Skills
    Negotiation Skills
    Organisational Skills
    Financial Management
    Continuous Improvement
    Project Delivery
    Experience in Multi-Site Organisations
    Familiarity with Defence Portal, AWARD, or DOORS
    Professional Qualifications (e.g. APM, APMP, Shipley, IPMA)

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Bid Management role. Highlight your experience in managing complex bids and showcase how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Thales.

    Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership position, don’t forget to emphasise your team management and stakeholder engagement skills. We want to see how you’ve motivated teams and driven successful outcomes in previous roles.

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and qualifications at a glance.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining the Thales team!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Thales

    ✨Know Your Bids Inside Out

    Before the interview, dive deep into Thales' recent projects and bid successes. Familiarise yourself with their approach to complex bids, especially in Optronics and Missile Electronics. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    As a Head of Bid Management, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to motivate cross-functional teams and manage stakeholders effectively. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you turned them into opportunities for your team.

    ✨Master the Art of Communication

    Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully navigated negotiations and built trust with clients and stakeholders in past projects.

    ✨Prepare for Compliance Questions

    Given the importance of compliance in bid management, brush up on relevant regulations and standards. Be prepared to discuss your experience with proposal creation and risk management, and how you ensure adherence to technical and non-technical requirements.

    Head of Bid Management
    Thales
    Location: Glasgow
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