Bid Manager - SC Cleared

amber labs; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Bid Manager to lead complex bids in the defense sector. This role involves developing strategies and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality proposals that meet customer needs. You will collaborate with various teams, manage risks and compliance, and engage with stakeholders to define winning strategies. Join a dynamic consultancy that values collaboration, innovation, and personal growth, where you can make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving environment. If you have a strong track record in bid management and hold SC clearance, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Flexible work environment

Private medical insurance

Company pension plan

25 days annual leave

Access to Perkbox

Employee referral program

Career advancement opportunities

Choice of device (PC or Mac)

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage high-value, complex IT bids.
• Strong experience in defense sector bid management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the bid process from qualification to submission.
• Develop compelling proposals tailored to defense sector requirements.

Skills

Defense Sector Expertise

Bid Management

SC Clearance

Strong Commercial Acumen

Excellent Communication

Proposal Writing

Education

APMP Certification

Tools

ITIL

Agile

Job description

Bid Manager (Must hold current SC)

The Company:

At Amber Labs, we are a cutting-edge UK and European technology consultancy that prioritises empowering autonomy, promoting experimentation, and facilitating rapid learning to provide exceptional value to our clients. Our company culture is centred around collaboration, where all colleagues, regardless of their role, work together to minimise risk and shorten delivery times. Our team consists of highly-skilled cross-functional consultants, analysts, and support staff.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Bid Manager with a strong track record in the defense sector to lead and manage complex bids for a large IT consultancy. You will be responsible for developing and executing bid strategies, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality proposals that align with customer requirements and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-End Bid Management: Lead and manage the bid process from qualification to submission, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks.
• Defence-Focused Proposal Development: Work closely with technical, commercial, and legal teams to develop compelling, customer-focused proposals tailored to defense sector requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams, partners, and key stakeholders to define winning strategies, value propositions, and pricing structures.
• Risk & Compliance Management: Ensure all bids meet MOD, defense, and security standards, addressing any risks proactively.
• Customer Insight & Competitive Analysis: Conduct market and competitor analysis to position bids effectively and maximise win rates.
• Governance & Approvals: Oversee bid reviews, approvals, and compliance with internal governance processes, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Presentation & Negotiation: Support bid presentations, negotiations, and post-bid customer engagements.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Defense Sector Expertise – Strong experience managing bids for defence clients (MOD, Defence Primes, NATO, etc.)
• Bid Management – Proven ability to manage high-value, complex IT bids in large consultancies or government suppliers.
• SC Clearance – Must hold Security Clearance (SC)
• Strong Commercial Acumen – Experience with frameworks, contracting models (e.g., G-Cloud, DOS, Defence Contracts), and pricing strategies.
• Excellent Communication & Leadership – Ability to influence senior stakeholders, partners, and technical teams.
• Proposal Writing & Compliance – Strong experience writing and managing bids in line with defense procurement requirements.

Desirable:

• APMP Certification (or equivalent bid management qualifications).
• Experience with public sector frameworks (e.g., CCS, JSP 604, DSPCR).
• Understanding of ITIL, Agile, or Digital Transformation within defense.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Join a rapidly expanding start-up where personal growth is a part of our DNA.
• Benefit from a flexible work environment focused on deliverable outcomes.
• Receive private medical insurance through Aviva.
• Enjoy the benefits of a company pension plan through Nest.
• 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
• Access Perkbox, a global employee rewards platform offering discounts, perks, and wellness resources.
• Participate in a generous employee referral program.
• A highly collaborative and collegial environment with opportunities for career advancement.
• Be encouraged to take bold steps and embrace a mindset of experimentation.
• Choose your preferred device, PC or Mac.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Here at Amber Labs, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all. Our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion includes:

• Valuing the unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of all employees and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
• Prohibiting all forms of harassment, bullying, discrimination, and victimisation and promoting a culture of dignity and respect for all.
• Educating all new hires on our Diversity and Inclusion policies and ensuring they are aware of their rights and responsibilities to create a safe and inclusive workplace.
• By taking these steps, we are dedicated to building a workplace that reflects and celebrates the diversity of our employees and communities.

This role at Amber Labs is a 12 Month FTC position, and all employees are required to Hold current active SC clearance. Please be advised that, at this time, we are unable to consider candidates who require sponsorship or hold a visa of any type.

What Happens Next?

Our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to advise you on the next steps. We have a two-stage interview process for most of our consultants. In certain cases, we may include a third and final stage, which is a conversation with the company Partners. This will only be considered if deemed necessary.