Senior Bid Manager - Thales

Overview

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.

• 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 (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

• 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

Essential:

• Proven experience managing and delivering complex bids/projects in a defence/manufacturing environment
• 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)

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.