Head of Bid Management

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

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