Thales implements complex solutions for its customers utilizing complex products mix. Core product development is self-funded research and development effort and then it is customized for different customer needs. This role will be responsible for managing multi-million, multi-year large product(s) development efforts, and supporting/leading large bids utilizing this product mix (up to 500M+) and building alignment for delivering products for self and customer funded research as well as competitive programs. The Candidate must be able to manage short quick turnarounds as well as large, multi-year, complex efforts and lead a distributed team supporting the effort.

• Leads a multi-cultural, multi-country matrix team to deliver products based on defined scope, budget and schedule
• Ensures coordination between the development of the products and customer bids & projects. Manages product evolutions consistently across the programs in a controlled manner
• Implements proper process, financial and quality controls to deliver right product without budget over-runs.
• Employs Make-Team-Buy analysis and leverage suppliers to improve product competitiveness
• Ensures implementation of the product roadmap in alignment with product policy
• Manages successful transition of products from development to production. Ensures availability to all key documents necessary in the business capture phase and to raise customer awareness
• Extensive leadership and negotiation skills to manage competing priorities across diverse matrix teams

Bid Management

• Lead development and implementation of bidding strategy to submit a fully compliant winning bid in collaboration with multi-country capture team, bid management, products architects, Product lines managers, Supply chain, support functions etc.
• Develop possible scenarios and support the favored ones based on customer needs and competitive intel
• Lead cost estimates with all participating units/ departments. Challenge their costs, and propose alternatives to optimize at system level. Define the target cost for the relevant sub-systems and analyze the target cost
• Ensure consistency between costing models and client submittal formats
• Lead cost estimation activities for changes discussed with the customer during negotiation and update the cost commitment
• Support hand-over of cost commitment to project phase, and ensure it is done without impact on overall cost commitment
• Selects and manages external consultants as needed

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in engineering, business administration or other relevant areas and 10+ years of product development, program management and proposal management experience
• 5+ years of demonstrated and proven skills in supporting large complex bids in response to US federal government RFPs
• 5+ years of experience managing a team delivering product development and customer delivery programs
• Experience interacting with the company senior management, able to present, explain and defend his/ her strategy and adjust it according to collected inputs
• Experience working with sales team and executive management to align sales strategies and solutions
• Excellent communication skills and ability to manage appropriate responses to the US federal government acquisition process
• Deep understanding of US government cost accounting practices (indirect and direct cost structuring, etc.), contract types and its implication on bid strategy and program execution
• Ability to be hands-on and work on developing various proposal sections as needed
• Experience working in a global business environment, managing programs utilizing multi-national/ multicultural teams
• Extensive experience with matrix management and influencing through indirect leadership.
• Capability to perform under pressure in a dynamic environment with a high degree of initiative and motivation.
• Ability to apply sound logic and strategic thinking to recommend solutions to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• A self-starter, team player and moderator with acute sense of rigor

• Knowledge and experience with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations (DFAR).
• Knowledge of aviation and air traffic management business
• A second language (ideally French or Italian) will be a plus

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com .