Capture Lead

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

We are looking for a Capture Lead to shape and secure strategic growth opportunities across the Vehicle and Tactical Systems (VTS) portfolio.

Within VTS, we bring together expertise across land platforms, tactical mobility, protection systems, mission support, sustainment, and through-life capability delivery to support critical defence and security programmes.

Our work spans the integration of complex systems, operational readiness, and long-term support solutions that enable customers to deploy and sustain capability effectively.

This role is central to identifying, qualifying, and positioning Thales to win complex, high-value opportunities in a competitive and highly regulated market.

You will lead capture activity from early opportunity shaping through to bid handover, developing robust win strategies, building customer and partner engagement plans, and aligning cross-functional teams around a clear path to success. Working across Business Development, Sales, Bids, Engineering, Commercial, Programmes, and leadership teams, you will drive focus, pace, and discipline through the capture lifecycle.

This is a high-impact role for someone who can combine strategic insight, customer understanding, and commercial focus to convert market opportunity into competitive advantage.

Working from our Melbourne Office in the World Trade Centre on Wurundjeri land, your role purpose will be –

• Lead capture for strategic, high-value opportunities

• Develop clear capture plans, win strategies, and pursuit roadmaps

• Shape opportunities early through customer, partner, and stakeholder engagement

• Drive cross-functional alignment to strengthen positioning and increase win probability

• Lead competitive analysis, value proposition development, and opportunity qualification

• Maintain strong governance and decision-making throughout the capture lifecycle

• Ensure an effective transition from capture into bid execution

On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• Proven experience in capture management, business development, bid leadership, or strategic sales

• Strong track record of securing complex, competitive opportunities

• Able to turn customer insight into compelling, differentiated win strategies

• Confident leading across functions, influencing stakeholders, and driving momentum

• Commercially sharp, outcome-focused, and comfortable operating in ambiguity

• Experience in defence, land systems, aerospace, government, or other regulated environments is highly desirable

• Experience with large, complex government contracts is preferred

• Familiarity with government-owned site environments would be a distinct advantage

• Strong stakeholder influencing skills with experience operating in complex, matrixed environments where outcomes depend on relationships as much as process.

• Competitive remuneration + Super + Bonus + Medical Insurance

• Annualised Performance Review Process

• ThalesFlex – Hybrid work environment

• Fitness Passport Discount – Access to a network of Gyms across AUS

• Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance)

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave

• Veterans Leave

• Novated Lease options

• Family support through our partnership with Parents at Work

• Personal & professional training development opportunities

• Sonder – Wellbeing & Support Partner

A NV1 Defence security clearance is required for this role; applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance.

Additional information with regards to clearances is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website http://www.defence.gov.au/AGSVA/.

In some cases, individuals who hold a current clearance from a foreign government may be eligible to have this clearance recognised by the Australian Government and be eligible for this role. The Australian Defence Trade Controls Act (DTCA) is applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role.

US & Austrlian Export Control

The U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are applicable and as such, your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. 

It's easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don't see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right — no matter your background or personal circumstances — please introduce yourself or join our community. We're committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

After you apply, you'll receive a confirmation email. Suitable applicants will receive a personalised experience as we progress through the selection process.

Prior to an offer, you will need to complete a National Police Check, Baseline Security Clearance, and ITAR eligibility assessment.

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.