At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a high-performing Bid Finance team to drive business growth.
- Company: Join a leading tech company with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major bids and shape financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in bid finance and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Hybrid working arrangement: 3 days per week on site. 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.
Head of Finance in Milton employer: Thales
Thales Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic hybrid working environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead a high-performing Bid Finance team while enjoying a competitive salary, generous benefits including a performance-related bonus, and a commitment to work-life balance with half days on Fridays. Our culture prioritises well-being, professional development, and meaningful contributions to complex projects that drive business success in a high-growth sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Milton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their success, especially in shaping their Bid Finance capability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in bid finance and how it aligns with their needs. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve driven profitability in past roles—this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Milton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in bid finance, cost engineering, and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this strategic leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced business outcomes in the past.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to manage and influence senior stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex environments and drive profitable outcomes, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in estimating, costing, and pricing. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've influenced business outcomes in previous roles. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to drive profitability.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Think about times when you've successfully managed a team or led a project. Be prepared to share your approach to developing high-performing teams and how you ensure effective delivery in complex environments.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is crucial for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've partnered with senior stakeholders in the past. Highlight your influencing skills and how you've navigated complex relationships to achieve successful bid outcomes.
✨Understand the Bid Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire bid lifecycle, from estimating to execution. Be ready to talk about your experience in financial governance and risk analysis. This will show that you not only understand the numbers but also the strategic implications behind them.
