Bidding and Proposal Manager

LevelUP HCS; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

LevelUP HCS is seeking an experienced Bidding and Proposal Manager to lead end-to-end bid lifecycle for high-value opportunities in the UAE. You will coordinate cross-functional teams across Business Development, Finance, Contracts, PMO, Engineering, and Supply Chain to deliver compliant, competitive proposals that win new business.

The role requires 8–10 years of bid management experience in Aerospace & Defence or advanced technology, with APMP/Shipley knowledge and strong commercial acumen.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8–10 years of bid/proposal management experience.
• Experience in Aerospace & Defence or advanced technology sectors.
• Knowledge of bid management methodologies (APMP/Shipley).
• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full bid lifecycle from qualification to proposal submission and handover.
• Develop winning strategies, win themes, and value propositions.
• Govern bid processes with schedules, budgets, and risk registers.
• Coordinate cross-functional inputs from BD, Finance, Legal, PMO, Eng, and Supply Chain.
• Analyze requirements to ensure compliant, compelling content and pricing.
• Support presentations, clarifications, and commercial negotiations.
• Capture lessons learned and ensure smooth project handover.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

APMP

Shipley

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Bidding and Proposal Manager to lead the end-to-end bid lifecycle for complex, high-value commercial opportunities. This role is pivotal in coordinating cross-functional teams—spanning Business Development, Finance, PMO, Contracts, Procurement, and Technical stakeholders to deliver compliant, competitive, and high-quality proposals that secure new business and drive growth.

You will be the driving force behind the proposal process, translating customer requirements into winning strategies, managing bid governance, and ensuring seamless handover to execution teams. This position requires a blend of project management excellence, commercial acumen, and deep understanding of the Aerospace & Defence or Advanced Technology sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Full Bid Lifecycle: Manage the entire bid process from opportunity qualification and RFP/RFQ analysis through to proposal submission and contract handover.
• Develop Winning Strategies: Formulate compelling bid strategies, win themes, and value propositions that align with customer needs and organizational business objectives.
• Bid Planning & Governance: Develop and maintain detailed bid schedules, budgets, and risk registers. Ensure all submissions comply with internal governance, approvals, and regulatory requirements.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Orchestrate contributions from Business Development, Finance (pricing), Legal (contracts), PMO, Engineering, and Supply Chain (procurement) to ensure cohesive and timely proposal development.

Proposal Development & Production

• RFP Analysis & Compliance: Thoroughly analyze customer requirements to ensure all proposal content addresses technical specifications, commercial terms, and evaluation criteria.
• Content & Review Management: Lead the development of high-quality written and visual proposal content. Facilitate internal review processes (e.g., Red Team, Gold Team) and implement feedback effectively.
• Pricing & Commercial Strategy: Collaborate with Finance and Business Development to develop competitive pricing models and commercial structures that balance customer value with business profitability.
• Presentation Support: Prepare and participate in client presentations, clarification meetings, and negotiations to defend and articulate the proposal’s value.

Post-Submission & Handover

• Lessons Learned: Lead post-bid reviews to capture lessons learned and refine future bidding strategies and processes.
• Contract Handover: Ensure a smooth and effective transition of the awarded project to the delivery/execution teams, providing full documentation and strategic context.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in bid/proposal management, with a proven track record of managing complex, large-scale international tenders.
• Industry Knowledge: Demonstrated experience in the Aerospace & Defence or advanced technology industry is essential.
• Methodology: Strong knowledge of bid management methodologies such as APMP, Shipley, or equivalent.
• Commercial Acumen: Solid understanding of pricing strategies, financial analysis, commercial evaluation, and contract terms.
• Skills: Exceptional project management, stakeholder management, communication, and analytical skills.
• Certification: APMP or Shipley certification is a distinct advantage.
• Technical Knowledge: Experience with PPPs, Design-Build, or other complex delivery models.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to see the big picture while managing granular details of complex proposals.
• Resilient & Proactive: Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative Leader: Proven ability to influence and coordinate diverse, cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to compliance, accuracy, and professional presentation.