Bid Finance Manager

Thales; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm is seeking a Bid Finance Manager to shape high-value bids and influence strategic decisions in Glasgow. The role requires experience in bid finance, proficiency in financial modeling tools, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure. This full-time hybrid position offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package aimed at supporting wellbeing and professional growth.

Benefits

Performance related annual bonus

Pension matching up to 7%

Private Medical Insurance

Flexible working options

Half day every Friday

Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced bidding environments.
• Proven tenure in a similar role.
• Understanding of UK MOD procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and present estimating and pricing strategies.
• Prepare financial data for internal reviews and approvals.
• Drive improvements in financial modelling tools.

Skills

Bid Finance expertise

Analytical skills

Microsoft Office Suite

ProPricer

TruePlanning

Primavera

Job description

Overview

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment. 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 battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar. Thales UK offers opportunities to learn and develop your career with us, researching, developing, and supplying technology and services that impact the lives of millions. We innovate across Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space, and support a flexible working pattern where possible to suit lifestyle needs.

Bid Finance Manager

Location: Glasgow, full-time hybrid working (minimum 3 days per week from office vs home)

Do you have a proven background in Bid Finance and Estimating? Ready to lead transformation and inspire change across the Bid and Project Management community? This could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.

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 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 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 are seeking a sideways move to broaden your expertise or applying your skills in a 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 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 exciting technological adventure. Thales OME is a key division specializing in advanced defence technologies including sensors, optronics, and missile electronics. Based in the UK, it supports national security and innovation. Our Glasgow site is the oldest Thales business line in the UK, with expertise in electro-optic (Optronics) systems for land, sea and air forces. We bring over 100 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing periscopes and optronics masts for submarine platforms globally. We are producing the latest generation of our optronics mast, an advanced evolution of the proven first-generation design used on submarines worldwide.

What we offer you

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package designed to support wellbeing and professional growth, including:

• Performance related annual bonus (VCP)
• Pension – match like-for-like up to 7% of base salary
• Life Assurance – 2 x base salary minimum (8 x salary if part of the pension)
• 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 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 related 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

Thales is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes all talented individuals to apply. If you don’t match every statement below but have some relevant experience, we encourage you to apply. Delivering solutions to the world’s most critical challenges requires collaboration.

• 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 SSPR negotiations
• Familiar with international customer negotiations and proficient in 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

This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, but if not, the successful applicant will need to undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. Please visit the UKSV website for guidance.

In line with UK residency requirements, eligibility to work in the UK and security clearance processes may apply. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided.

For more details on Baseline and Security Clearance, refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency information and UK gov guidance. This job advert uses standard Thales recruitment language and expectations.

Great journeys start here, apply now!