Bid Manager (Defence sector)

hireful; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology provider is seeking a Bid Manager to lead and coordinate high-value defence bids in the UK. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in bid management and contract negotiation within the defence or aerospace sectors, with a strong understanding of MoD procurement frameworks. This hybrid role offers a competitive salary and excellent company benefits including generous holiday entitlement and a healthcare plan.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Healthcare plan

Pension

Employee profit share scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in bid management, contract negotiation, or commercial roles within defence, aerospace, or complex engineering.
• Strong knowledge of MoD procurement frameworks, DEFCONs, ITAR, DSPCR, and contract law.
• Proven experience leading end-to-end bids for projects of £1M+.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate complex, high-value defence bids.
• Own commercial and contractual negotiations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Bid management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Strategic thinking

Job description

Overview

Your chance to join the global technology leader in advanced gas detection and monitoring systems.

This is a company whose products support critical operations across defence, aerospace, deep-sea, and industrial environments.

This is a hybrid role, with offices just south of Middlesbrough - easily commutable from Sunderland, Darlington, Durham, etc.

The role would suit someone who has a been a Bid Manager, Contracts Manager, Commercial Manager, or similar role within the Defence sector or associated industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate complex, high-value defence bids, including MoD, NATO, and major primes.
• Own commercial and contractual negotiations, managing risk and compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, customers, and strategic partners.
• Provide commercial input to strategic decision-making, pricing, and programme delivery.
• Line manage the Contract Management function, mentoring and developing team members.

A competitive salary is on offer, which is negotiable depending on your career experience in this sector.

There is a range of excellent company benefits including generous holiday entitlement (with the option to buy more), healthcare plan, pension, employee profit share scheme, and more.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in bid management, contract negotiation, or commercial roles within defence, aerospace, or complex engineering.
• Strong knowledge of MoD procurement frameworks, DEFCONs, ITAR, DSPCR, and contract law.
• Proven experience leading end-to-end bids for projects of £1M+ and managing international defence tenders.
• Exceptional project management, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach and calmness under pressure.
• Applicants must be eligible for UK Security Clearance.

This is an excellent opportunity to take a senior, impactful role in a high-performing business, working on innovative technology that supports safety and defence worldwide. Apply today!