Bid & Commercial Manager

Morgan Ryder Associates; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor is looking for an experienced Commercial & Bid Manager to lead the bid management process. This role involves managing the full bid lifecycle and ensuring compliance across high-value defence and aerospace opportunities. The successful candidate will have strong skills in contract management and excellent communication abilities. Competitive salary of £70,000 plus bonuses and benefits. Hybrid working with 2-3 days in the office.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Car allowance

25 days holiday

Pension

Healthcare

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial management or contract management within a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of MOD procurement frameworks and tendering processes.
• Skilled in drafting and negotiating complex contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the bid process ensuring proposals are compliant and deliverable.
• Oversee contract negotiation and management.
• Provide commercial guidance to teams.

Skills

Commercial management

Bid management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Job description

Commercial & Bid Manager - Defence Sector

Location: Hybrid – 2‑3 days per week in the Nunthorpe office plus occasional customer visits.

Full‑time, Permanent.

Salary: £70,000 basic + performance‑based bonus + car allowance + 25 days holiday + excellent benefits.

About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced Commercial & Bid Manager to lead the end‑to‑end bid and contract management process within our growing defence sector business. You will manage the full bid lifecycle – from opportunity identification and qualification, through proposal development and submission, to contract negotiation and handover into delivery – ensuring commercial success, compliance and profitability across a portfolio of high‑value defence and aerospace opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end bid process, ensuring proposals are commercially robust, compliant and deliverable.
• Oversee contract negotiation, drafting and management in line with company and client requirements.
• Manage bid governance, approvals and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop win strategies and pricing models.
• Ensure all bids adhere to MOD, defence and aerospace regulatory standards.
• Support post‑award contract performance and change management.
• Provide commercial guidance to project and operational teams.

About You

• Proven experience in commercial management, bid management or contract management within a highly regulated environment (defence, aerospace or similar).
• Strong understanding of MOD procurement frameworks, contracting standards (DEFCONs, NEC, etc.) and tendering processes.
• Skilled in drafting and negotiating complex contracts.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented and able to manage multiple complex bids simultaneously.

What's on Offer

• £70,000 basic salary.
• Performance‑based bonus.
• Car allowance.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Additional perks: pension, healthcare and flexible working.
• Hybrid working pattern: 2‑3 days in the Nunthorpe office, remainder remote or client visits as required.

Equal opportunities are important to us; we encourage applications from everyone, irrespective of background, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, ethnicity, belief, age or family status.