Overview
Thales UK is seeking a Bid Manager to join the Under Water Systems (UWS) UK team, based in Templecombe, Somerset, or Cheadle, Greater Manchester, with hybrid working arrangement (3 days in the office / 2 days from home).
Location options include Crawley (West Sussex), Cheadle (Greater Manchester), or Templecombe (Somerset). The role involves leading major bids that are critical to the long-term strategy of UWS and Thales, within a collaborative, learning-focused environment.
What the role has to offer
* UWS is growing rapidly with a portfolio of world-leading products across the sonar domain and an extensive prospect list of strategic bids.
* Opportunity to lead major bids as part of an established team in a dynamic area of the business.
* Collaborative team environment with support for learning and development.
* Hybrid working (3 days in the office / 2 days from home).
Key responsibilities
* Embed a strong sense of delivery accountability and a proactive risk and opportunity management culture for both winability and deliverability across the Bid team.
* Create and control the Bid schedule and resource plan; lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to achieve milestones.
* Establish and control the requirements baseline (technical and non-technical), including compliance traceability and end-to-end estimating.
* Ensure robust initial project baselines for delivery post-contract award.
* Support management of customer, supplier, and partner relationships, building trust through open dialogue.
* Tailor and apply Bid Governance as appropriate (Bid Stage Gates, Bid Reviews, Project Characterisation).
* Coordinate Master Assumptions, Dependencies and Exclusions; align bid artefacts with the project execution baseline, estimates, and terms.
* Coordinate proposal development, including colour/peer reviews as appropriate.
* Maintain focus on cash management and achieving a positive net cash profile for the Initial Project baseline.
* Lead and coordinate PQQ responses, including reviews, governance, and final sign-off.
* Identify customer hot buttons/win strategy and align bid activities accordingly.
* Create initial project plans for contract execution as required for the proposal.
* Manage and control Bid Budgets (status and forecasts) for all bids within the working perimeter; liaise with PMO to reflect in tools (e.g., Oracle, P6).
* Note: for large or complex bids, a PM-designate and/or Proposal Manager may be appointed to support the Bid Manager.
About you
The role requires strong leadership, professional bid and project management expertise, excellent stakeholder management, commercial awareness, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risk. We are looking for someone with:
* A proven track record of delivering successful bids on framework contracts.
* Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams to achieve challenging timelines with proactive risk and opportunity management.
* Internal stakeholder and customer/supplier/partner relationship management experience.
* Ability to construct compelling proposals and/or solutions that meet customer needs.
* Experience of Gate Bid Lifecycle processes; efficiently applying reviews and ensuring that business risk is appropriately managed.
Security clearance
Due to the nature of our work, many roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held; if not, the successful applicant must undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. See the UK Government guidance for details. Eligibility generally requires residence in the UK, typically for the last 5 years; in some circumstances a minimum of 3 years may be accepted with additional checks.
What we can offer
We are committed to providing opportunities to be your best, with market-leading training, development, and experiences, including mentoring and coaching. We hire from within as a priority, offering opportunities across our diverse, global organisation.
Flexibility Your health and well-being matter. We offer flexibility in hours and hybrid working to suit lifestyle and ambitions.
The Work Environment Thales supports flexible SMART working delivered through a combination of remote and office-based collaboration. When in the office, you will be at the largest Thales site in the UK with access to facilities and resources described in the original posting.
Benefits At Thales
In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer a bonus and benefits package including:
* Half-day every Friday (often finishing around 13:00)
* Pension scheme
* 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Life cover
* Progression and development opportunities
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and mental wellbeing app
* Employee discounts with major brands and retailers
Thales is an equal opportunities employer. We may request identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment/education history for up to three years. Some roles may require full Security Clearance. For details on required documentation, refer to the Defence Security Vetting guidance.
Great journeys start here, apply now!
#J-18808-Ljbffr