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Job Title


Senior Bid Manager


Company : Thales


Location : norwich, east anglia


Created : 2025-09-10


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Job title: Head of Bid ManagementLocation: Glasgow - hybrid working arrangement – 3 days per week on siteAre 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 bonusHalf day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)24 hours volunteering paid forPrivate healthcare (grade dependent)Pension schemeLife cover24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing appEmployee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailersGym membership discountsKey Responsibilities:Lead and motivate cross-functional bid teams through all bid phasesEnsure strong risk, opportunity, and schedule managementEstablish and control technical/non-technical requirements and complianceOversee bid governance, documentation, and approval processesBuild trust with customers and stakeholdersDrive continuous improvement, coaching, and a positive team cultureEnsure strong financial management and support seamless project handoversAbout you:Essential:Proven experience managing and delivering complex bids/projects in a defence/manufacturing environmentStrong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skillsExpertise in proposal creation, risk management, and complianceExperience working in multi-site, matrix organisationsExcellent communication, negotiation, and organisational skillsDesirable:Familiarity with Defence Portal, AWARD, or DOORSProfessional 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.