Bid Finance Manager

Thales 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.

What the role has to offer

• Play a pivotal role in shaping high-value bids that directly influence strategic outcomes
• Opportunity to present at Gate Reviews and senior management forums - your insights will guide decision making and execution

Our Opportunity

Thales Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME) are offering an exciting opportunity for a Bid Finance Manager to join their dynamic team in Glasgow - where innovation meets impact in the heart of defence technology. Reporting to the Commercial Director for OME UK, the Bid Finance Manager plays a key role in delivering accurate and efficient estimates, costing, and financial modelling - driving value through close collaboration with both internal teams and external stakeholders.

We welcome applications from experienced Estimating Managers and Bid Finance professionals who are ready for a fresh challenge and a meaningful next step in their career. Whether you're seeking a sideways move to broaden your expertise or looking to apply your skills in a new, high-impact environment, this role offers the opportunity to work on mission-critical projects, influence strategic decisions, and contribute to the future of defence innovation.

Building a Future, we can all trust.

Developing strong relationships between Thales and our customers, whilst ensuring successful delivery of our customers’ big ambitions to make life better and to keep us safer requires a special set of skills. Joining the Bid and Project Management teams at Thales means pushing the boundaries of technology and taking part in an amazing technological adventure.

Thales OME (Optronics and Missile Electronics) is a key division of Thales Group, specializing in advanced defence technologies including sensors, optronics, and missile electronics. Based in the UK, it plays a vital role in supporting national security and innovation. Our Glasgow site is the oldest business line of Thales in the UK, with expertise in electro-optic (Optronics) systems in support of land, sea and air forces. We bring over 100 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing periscopes and optronics mast for submarines platforms globally. Currently, we are producing the latest generation of our optronics mast, an advanced evolution of our proven first-generation design, which has been installed on over 30 submarines worldwide.

What we offer you

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support our employees’ wellbeing and professional growth, which includes:

• Performance related annual bonus (VCP)
• Pension – match like-for-like up to 7% of annual base salary
• Life Assurance – 2 x base salary minimum (8 x salary if part of the pension scheme)
• Income Protection – 50% of salary less state benefits for 5 years
• Annual Leave – 201 hours, bank holidays, plus 1 company day
• Private Medical Insurance - Couples cover
• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 1:00pm
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• 24 hours paid leave for volunteering activities
• Access to flexible benefits and discounts – dental insurance, buying & selling annual leave, cycle to work, and many more

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Lead the coordination, creation, and presentation of estimating, costing, and pricing strategies for bids and proposals
• Prepare and deliver financial data and analysis to support internal bid reviews, Gate Reviews and approval processes
• Build and refine cost models to inform decision making in relation to cashflow, margin, and profitability
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating and financial modelling tools, methodologies, and processes
• Play a key role in Single Source Pricing Regulations (SSPR) negotiations with the UK Ministry of Defence

About You

At Thales, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.

• Proven tenure in a similar role with experience in fast-paced bidding environments, including costing and pricing bids exceeding £50M
• Aerospace and Defence industry experience, including UK MOD procurement, cost assurance processes, and Single Source Pricing Regulations negotiations
• Familiar with international customer negotiations and proficient in tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, ProPricer, TruePlanning, and Primavera
• Skilled in developing and implementing cost and price modelling strategies during early bid stages, with a track record of advising senior leadership on bid decisions
• Proven analytical skills with expertise in numerical analysis, complex problem solving, and risk/opportunity modelling
• Effective communicator under pressure, able to present ideas and financial data clearly and persuasively
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and detail-oriented, consistently delivering to tight deadlines
• Open-minded and adaptable, with a positive approach to new ideas, practices, and methodologies

Step into a role where your financial insight shapes strategic decisions - apply today and help deliver the future of defence.

Security Clearance Statement

This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. 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.

For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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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!