Project Manager / Bids Manager

Thales; United States; Remote; JPY 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in technological defense solutions is looking for a Project Manager to oversee and manage defense contracts and bids in Japan. This role focuses on fostering relationships with the Ministry of Defense and ensuring successful execution of high-priority projects. Successful candidates will need to be fluent in both Japanese and English, with a strong understanding of contract processes in the defense sector.

Responsibilities

• Manage defense projects and bids for the Japan Self Defense Force.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and profitability through contract execution.
• Maintain one-on-one relationships with defense agencies in Japan.

Skills

Fluency in Japanese

Fluency in English

Knowledge of defense contracts

Job description

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

Present in Japan since 1970, Thales promotes technological innovation and is an active and recognised partner for the development of Japanese infrastructure. Our strategy focuses on strengthening local partnerships and collaborating with key Japanese industrial players to address global needs as we continuously establish a dynamic and skilled workforce.

Responsible for Defense Project/BIDS on Programs in Japan:

• Promotion of Thales as trusted partner to Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) and Ministry of Defense (MOD)
• Manage Project and Bids and be responsible of high priority project.
• Provide local supports to GBUs to guarantee overall customer satisfactions and ensure maximum profitability for Thales Group.

RESPONSIBILITIES

KNOW THE MARKET

Ensure an extensive knowledge of defense contracts in Japan

• Flow of budget requests, reviews, approvals and contracts for MOD programs
• Procedures for quotations, bids, contracts, deliveries, inspections, invoices, payments and import/export applications on local defense contracts.

KNOW THE THALES PRODUCTS An in-depth, up to date knowledge of Thales defense products delivering to Japan.

MAINTAIN A TRUSTED RELATIONSHIP WITH THE JAPAN DEFENSE FORCE and INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS

• Maintain the customer relations by increasing satisfaction throughout the execution of the contracts, the quality of customer support and local activities in the short term and medium term. This customer satisfaction through successful execution may as well support the generation of future order intakes for Thales (Variation Orders, spares or different business orders)

MANAGE DEFENSE PROGRAM ON RECURRING CONTRACTS

• Execute defense contract procedures- quotations, bids, contracts, deliveries, inspections, invoices, payments and import/export applications.
• Provide local supports to GBUs including programs with challenges – delivery controls, claim managements, supports on business/technical correspondences between customers and GBUs and overcome differences in business practices in order to guarantee overall customer satisfaction and ensure maximum profit for Thales Group.
• Ensure a direct reporting to Team Leader in Project departmen

GENERAL (Common)

Comply with all relevant Company policies and procedures

REQUIREMENTS

• Fluency in Japanese and English language
• Must be Japanese citizen as it is a requirement to work closely with Ministry of Defense

At Thales, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you’ll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.