BID MANAGER - CSS

Location: Noida, India

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

Present in India since 1953, Thales is headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and has operational offices and sites spread across Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune among others. Over 1800 employees are working with Thales and its joint ventures in India. Since the beginning, Thales has been playing an essential role in India’s growth story by sharing its technologies and expertise in Defence, Transport, Aerospace and Digital Identity and Security markets.

Bid Manager Job Description

Position Overview: The Bid Manager is responsible for managing the entire bid process for new projects, from the initial proposal through to the submission, ensuring that bids meet the customer’s needs, company objectives, and all requirements. The role involves close collaboration with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders to develop winning proposals, manage risks, and deliver a high-quality bid on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities:

Bid Preparation and Strategy:

• Lead the bid preparation process, coordinating with various departments (e.g., sales, legal, finance, technical teams) to ensure alignment with the bid strategy.
• Develop and document the bid strategy, defining the project’s value proposition, competitive differentiators, and key selling points.
• Review customer requirements and ensure that the proposed solution aligns with their needs, objectives, and expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all bid and tender instructions, including mandatory documentation and deadlines.

Team Coordination and Management:

• Coordinate the efforts of internal teams and subject matter experts to gather all necessary information for the bid (technical, commercial, legal, and operational).
• Build and manage cross-functional teams to ensure the timely preparation and submission of the bid.
• Facilitate regular bid team meetings to review progress, resolve issues, and ensure alignment with the bid strategy.

Cost Estimation and Pricing:

• Work with the finance and technical teams to develop accurate cost estimates, pricing models, and competitive pricing strategies.
• Ensure all cost structures and financial models are aligned with the company’s pricing policies and profitability goals.

Risk and Opportunity Management:

• Identify potential risks and opportunities during the bid process, and work with relevant stakeholders to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities.
• Ensure that all identified risks and mitigation strategies are properly documented in the bid.

Proposal Writing and Document Preparation:

• Lead the development of the bid documentation, ensuring it is clear, persuasive, and meets customer specifications.
• Prepare and submit high-quality proposals, tender responses, and presentations.
• Ensure consistency in the language, tone, and messaging of all bid documents.

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the primary point of contact for the customer during the bid phase, addressing queries and providing additional information as needed.
• Manage internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, to ensure their input is captured and communicated effectively in the bid.

Submission and Post-Submission Activities:

• Oversee the submission process, ensuring all bid documentation is submitted on time and in accordance with customer requirements.
• Track and report on bid progress, manage deadlines, and ensure the accuracy of all information.
• Lead post-submission activities, including clarification meetings, negotiations, and responses to customer queries.

Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze and capture lessons learned from each bid process to improve future bidding practices.
• Contribute to the development of best practices for bid management across the organization.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: At least 10-12 years of experience in bid management, project management, or related fields, ideally in a similar industry.

Skills:

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in bid management software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Certifications: PMP, APMP, or other relevant project management certifications are a plus.
• Attributes: Self-motivated, team-oriented, adaptable, and results-driven.

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. Great journeys start here, apply now!