Bid Manager

First Recruitment Group; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

First Recruitment Group is seeking an experienced Bid Manager to lead high‑value bids from strategy through submission in Leatherhead. You will drive governance, coordinate multidisciplinary teams and ensure compliant, compelling submissions for complex opportunities in regulated sectors.

Role requires demonstrable bid management experience across defence, government or similar sectors, with strong stakeholder skills and knowledge of UK procurement rules.

Qualifications

• Experience in Bid Management within Defence, Nuclear, Government or regulated sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex bids from qualification through submission.
• Strong cross-functional coordination across technical, commercial and operations.
• Knowledge of UK Public Sector procurement regulations.
• Experience applying Shipley or APMP bid management methodologies.
• BPSS security clearance, or ability to obtain clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead full bid lifecycle from qualification through submission and post-submission activities.
• Develop winning bid strategies aligned with customer requirements and business objectives.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary bid teams to deliver on time and to a high standard.
• Manage proposal development across technical, commercial, management and pricing submissions.
• Review bid content to maximise compliance, quality and competitiveness.
• Facilitate bid workshops, reviews and governance activities throughout the pursuit process.
• Engage with internal stakeholders, partners and suppliers to coordinate contributions and ensure seamless proposal integration.
• Monitor bid risks and opportunities, developing mitigation plans to support successful outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, public procurement regulations and internal governance processes.

Skills

Bid management

Public sector procurement

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Team coordination

Governance

APMP/Shipley

Complex bids

Bid content development

Compliance

Job description

Lead high-value bids from strategy through submission and play a key role in securing complex project opportunities.

Our Client has a requirement for a Bid Manager, who will be required to work on a contract basis in Leatherhead.

Role Purpose:

• Manage bid governance and proposal development activities across complex opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements and internal governance processes.
• Foster collaboration across business functions to maximise bid success.
• Support the development of bid processes, knowledge management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate stakeholders throughout the bid lifecycle to deliver compelling and compliant submissions.

Job Role Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the full bid lifecycle from opportunity qualification through to submission and post-submission activities.
• Develop and implement winning bid strategies aligned with customer requirements and business objectives.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary bid teams, ensuring deliverables are completed on time and to a high standard.
• Manage proposal development across technical, commercial, management and pricing submissions.
• Review and improve bid content to maximise compliance, quality and competitiveness.
• Facilitate bid workshops, reviews and governance activities throughout the pursuit process.
• Engage with internal stakeholders, partners and suppliers to coordinate contributions and ensure seamless proposal integration.
• Monitor bid risks and opportunities, developing mitigation plans to support successful outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, public procurement regulations and internal governance processes.
• Analyse bid performance and contribute to continuous improvement of processes, tools and best practices.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in Bid Management within Defence, Nuclear, Government, Infrastructure or similarly regulated sectors.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex competitive bids from qualification through submission.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams across technical, operational, commercial and business functions.
• Strong understanding of public sector procurement and tendering processes.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong presentation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Strong understanding of Bid Management, Capture Management and Business Development best practices.
• Knowledge of UK Public Sector Procurement regulations and frameworks.
• Experience applying Shipley, APMP or equivalent bid management methodologies.
• Strong proposal development, content management and review skills.
• Effective risk management, planning and organisational capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• BPSS security clearance, or ability to obtain clearance.

Company information