Bid Manager

BAE Systems - Applied Intelligence; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defense sector seeks a Senior Bid Manager to lead complex bids. The role involves strategic planning, managing bid processes, and ensuring compliance with corporate standards. Join a recognized team dedicated to excellence in public and commercial sector bidding.

Qualifications

• Approximately 10+ years of experience in competitive tendering.
• Current APMP certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire bid process from EoI to tender submission.
• Manage governance and compliance for internal bid deliverables.
• Develop high-quality proposals following best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Education

Degree qualification in Business

Degree qualification in Engineering

Degree qualification in Project Management

Tools

MS Office

MS SharePoint

Proposal management software

Job description

Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa: UK: Guildford

Job Title: Senior Bid Manager

Location: Frimley, London, and Christchurch – Hybrid, minimum 2 days per week in the office

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role.

What you'll be doing

As the Senior Bid Manager, you'll lead the entire bid process for our larger and more complex bids, from initial EoI/PQQ activity to tender submission and closure. Working independently, you'll manage and tailor bid processes for the bids you lead. Your responsibilities include:

• Defining and implementing bid strategies to maximize P(win);
• Managing governance and compliance, including internal bid deliverables in line with corporate processes;
• Leading the development of high-quality, coherent, and compelling proposals following internal processes and Shipley best practices;
• Prioritizing workload according to demand, deadlines, and business priorities;
• Providing thought leadership to improve bidding processes within our organization;
• Owning and delivering process improvements to bid-related tools, systems, and processes;
• Supporting training on bidding best practices across the organization.

Common activities include:

• Managing all bid activities, including planning, resourcing, and internal reviews;
• Communicating with senior management on proposal updates and review meetings;
• Preparing and coaching bid team members on the bidding process;
• Promoting activities that enhance bid qualification quality, such as Shipley color reviews;
• Leading proposal development and facilitating reviews of all submission materials;
• Managing the bid lifecycle, including RFIs, PQQs, and main bid responses, applying corporate assurance and best practices;
• Scheduling and overseeing key reviews to ensure timely bid development;
• Defining and tailoring bid processes for specific opportunities, including ROMs and price tailoring;
• Formatting and editing customer proposals and responses;
• Developing and managing bid plans and schedules, tracking progress, and addressing deviations;
• Establishing the bidding environment, including project share and other tools;
• Managing approval processes, security, and export controls as needed;
• Leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary bid teams and stakeholders;
• Overseeing costing and pricing activities, focusing on meeting the Price to Win;
• Supporting learning and development initiatives, coaching other bid managers.

Skills/Experience (at least two of the following or equivalent)

• Degree qualification in Business, Sales, Engineering, or Project Management;
• Approximately 10+ years of experience in competitive tendering within public or commercial sectors;
• Current APMP certification;
• Knowledge of best practice bidding processes (e.g., Shipley);
• Understanding of UK Public Sector/Defense buying processes;
• Experience with UK Government Frameworks and other buying mechanisms;
• Track record of high-value, complex bids, including frameworks;
• Desirable: Knowledge of Shipley and Miller-Heiman methodologies.

Technical Skills

• MS Office
• MS SharePoint
• Proposal management software

Our award-winning Bid Team, recognized with the 2023 APMP Collaborative Teamwork Award, seeks a proven performer in public and commercial sector bidding to join and uphold our high standards. You will manage bids across our business areas including Defence, NS&G, and Space.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place to make a real difference. We foster an inclusive culture that values diversity, integrity, and merit, empowering you to reach your potential. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

If you have a disability or health condition affecting your performance, please discuss potential reasonable adjustments with your recruiter.

Note: Many roles are subject to security and export restrictions based on nationality and residency, with requirements such as Baseline Personnel Security Standard and, for some roles, higher security vetting levels.