Bids Manager

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.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the business has robust project governance in the bid and delivery phases, including Commitment Control and Project Reviews, in order to ensure clear visibility of the status of each project (cost, schedule, risk).
• Be accountable on a functional basis for the delivery of successful bids and projects to the business and operations management teams.
• Provide overarching functional guidance to the Optronics and Missile Electronics (OME) Bid and Project Management team (relating to people, process and tools).
• Drive the Strategic Capability Planning for Bid and Program Management, ensuring that we are ready for today and fit for tomorrow, with a particular focus on leadership capability and anticipation of future needs.
• Participate in the identification of training needs and the provision of training within the business.
• Ensure effective networks and frameworks are established to drive development, improvement and learning for the advancement of the Domain’s bid and project management capability.
• Create an environment of bid and project management knowledge sharing throughout OME (UK, GBU and BLs), supporting the lessons learnt process and ensuring the adoption of best practice techniques.
• Evaluate project delivery strategies and play a leading role in assessing and mitigating risk and maximising opportunity.
• Ensuring bids and project teams adhere to processes, policies and standards defined by the UK Function and Group. Tailor and drive continuous improvement of local processes in line with Group policies and ‘Best Practice’.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Essential:

• Ability to lead the OME Bid & Project Management community
• Ability to develop effective strategies to ensure the deployment of effective interventions for the provision of an excellent Bid & Project Management capability.
• Ability to form effective working relationships across the country and Group Bid & Project Management communities.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills with written presentation and report writing skills in English (business level and above) and in Japanese.
• Japanese nationality is mandatory due to the nature of Defense business.
• Experience leading a function in a complex business-management context.
• Extensive knowledge of the full business lifecycle management, including capture and qualification.

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.