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Thales Avionics, Inc. (IFE) in

Director, Bid and Proposal Management

Thales Avionics, Inc. (IFE) in, Irvine, California, United States, 92713

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Overview Director, Bid and Proposal Management (Finance)

Location: Irvine, United States of America. Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world's largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a

Director of Bids and Proposals (DBP)

to support and manage all bid activities for the Inflight Experience (IFE) business line, including inflight entertainment and connectivity product portfolios and integrated offers. The DBP will support EXCOM initiatives and coordinate with Sales, Customer Delivery, Product Management and Engineering to ensure bid quality, robustness, and feasibility. The role requires an enterprise-level understanding of the commercial, technical and value implications of proposed solutions and will contribute to growth and profitability for the IFE and Avionics (AVS) Global Business Units.

The DBP will lead cross-functional, multi-disciplined teams to promote cooperation and continuous improvement in bid quality and process, coordinating regional and centralized bid strategies to improve the company’s competitiveness and profitability. A key objective is timely and complete responses to RFPs and accurate regional performance measurement and forecasting data.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Bids & Proposals management for both IFE and Connectivity as well as combined offers. Coordinate core bid team stakeholders (Financial Analysts, Program Management, Engineering) for cost development. Define the initial project baseline based on customer requirements and company policy. Organize bid kick-off meetings to communicate RFP requirements, establish cost and price targets, and ensure understanding of bid requirements. Create and validate the bid, assess risks and opportunities, and define major milestones and delivery baselines.

Manage a matrix team of internal and external partners. Collect and review cost data and technical information to create the bid package, ensuring schedule adherence and alignment with cash flow, payment schedules and GM targets.

Coordinate executive reviews of the bid package focusing on commitments, risks and financial analysis. Present to the GBU level at Corporate for gate and business model trends. Plan the future project scope and coordinate the handover to Sales/Program Management with full briefing on customer requirements and bid commitments.

Manage annual customer bid activity aligned with yearly order intake objectives. Build positive relationships with regional sales organizations to support sales, proposal strategy and forecasting. Collaborate with Product Strategy, Product Management and Product Marketing to provide customer trend analysis and contribute to future product roadmaps. Analyze competitive offerings and perform SWOT assessments.

Define market price for each segment of connectivity hardware, software, and services. Identify connectivity services considering cabin environment and expansion to maintenance and flight support for pilots.

Analyze and benchmark business models (B2B with airlines and B2C with passengers). Develop best-in-class offering portfolio with clear differentiators, leveraging internal development and strategic partnerships. Support innovation and product planning with the design team and assist with trade show participation as needed. Create/conceptualize new business models, bid tools and business practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university, and 15 years of related experience in Sales, product management, Engineering, Marketing or Finance; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience in business, customer relationship management, bid, program and support. Direct interactions with customers are valued.

Ability to collaborate across a multi-disciplined, multi-cultural, globally located organization. Effective communication with internal and external customers.

Full knowledge of the Inflight Entertainment business and Thales processes; expertise in Connectivity and IFE products; strong understanding of satellite technology; familiarity with international business and Aircraft OEM processes.

IFEC business and technical knowledge mandatory; highly organized with a results-driven focus.

Ability to communicate effectively at all management levels and with customers; able to work in transversal, complex organizations with diverse skillsets; adaptable to fast-paced environments and changing priorities.

Special Position Requirements

Schedule: Core business hours Monday–Friday

Physical Environment: Typical office environment

Travel: Up to 10% international and domestic travel

Regulatory Compliance: None

Why Join Us? Say hi and learn more about working at Thales. For more information, please visit our careers page.

Note: This position may require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with criminal history will be considered in accordance with applicable laws. We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and well-being programs.

Salary Range: Minimum 220,500; Maximum 220,500

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