Head of Bid Management

Thales; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technologies provider based in Glasgow is seeking a Head of Bid Management to oversee high-value bids in its Optronics and Missile Electronics business. This leadership role involves managing multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring robust project delivery, and enhancing stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in leading complex bids and strong communication skills. Join us for an opportunity to make an impactful difference with competitive benefits and a hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Half day every Friday

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

24 hours volunteering paid for

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

24/7 Employee Assistance Program

Gym membership discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing and delivering complex bids/projects.
• Experience working in multi-site matrix organisations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate cross-functional bid teams through all bid phases.
• Ensure strong risk, opportunity and schedule management.
• Build trust with customers and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Proposal creation

Communication skills

Tools

Defence Portal AWARD

DOORS

Job description

Location: Glasgow United Kingdom

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.

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

• Performance‑related bonus
• Half day every Friday usually finishing around 13:00 pm
• 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, 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; some circumstances a minimum of 3 years residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted with additional overseas checks.

Inclusion and equality

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!

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: Years (unspecified)

Vacancy: 1