Bids and Proposals Manager

TN United Kingdom; Yeovil; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in aerospace and defense is seeking a skilled Bid Manager to lead complex proposals and maximize order intake. This role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance, and managing bids for both domestic and international customers. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, a proactive approach, and the ability to effectively communicate with senior leadership. With a commitment to employee growth and a flexible hybrid working policy, this opportunity promises a rewarding career path in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Dental Insurance

Workplace ISA

Car Scheme

Tech and Lifestyle Allowances

25 Days Holidays

Leading Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Discounted Gym Memberships

Access to Online Courses via Coursera

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in bid management within the defence industry.
• Ability to manage senior ICT members and brief leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage proposals from inception to contract award, ensuring adherence to processes.
• Coordinate with regional heads and campaign managers for high-quality deliverables.
• Support customer negotiations and contribute to process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Bid Management

Project Management

Communication Skills

Detail Orientation

Leadership

Multicultural Team Management

Proactive Initiative

Networking Skills

Language Skills (Italian)

Education

APMP / APM Certification

Experience in Defence Aerospace

Job description

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At Leonardo, we have a fantastic new opportunity for a Bid Manager. Leonardo is a global high-tech company and a key player in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo employs over 45,000 people, including 7,000 in the UK.

Leonardo Helicopters, part of the multinational Leonardo Group, is a world leader in designing, manufacturing, and supporting helicopters. We pride ourselves on our reputation for excellence and for providing growth opportunities for our employees.

Reporting to the Senior Bid Manager, the Bid Manager's primary role is to manage and coordinate the preparation, submission, and success of complex bids and proposals to maximize order intake for Leonardo Helicopters. They ensure that submissions are customer-focused and solution-driven to be competitive and winning.

The Bid Manager will interpret and communicate detailed customer requirements to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who support in preparing compliant and competitive proposals. They will serve as the focal point for the opportunity, providing bid management direction to the cross-geographical Integrated Campaign Team (ICT), and working with the Campaign Manager to develop bid strategies based on customer needs, win themes, and pricing.

This role involves managing bids for both domestic and international customers, with potential travel to various locations. The ideal candidate will have experience in bid management within the defence industry, preferably with APMP accreditation, and a minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience. They should be skilled in managing senior ICT members and briefing leadership teams.

Leonardo’s industry-leading hybrid working policy allows for a mix of on-site and remote work at Yeovil or home.

If you are interested in joining a supportive team committed to professional growth and delivering innovative technology, we look forward to your application.

This role is classified as level 7 on our Salary & Career Progression Framework (S&CPF).

WHAT YOU’LL DO

1. Manage proposals from inception to contract award, ensuring adherence to bid management processes and commercial viability.
2. Forecast and budget for bid resources, maintaining oversight of the bid budget.
3. Escalate or manage priorities and conflicts to stay on schedule.
4. Coordinate with regional heads and campaign managers to produce high-quality bid deliverables.
5. Ensure technical and price compliance of submissions.
6. Manage technical and commercial work packages within deadlines.
7. Coordinate with all sites and functional departments for input.
8. Prepare and present briefing and approval papers for senior leadership.
9. Support customer negotiations and handover to contract and program teams.
10. Contribute to process improvement initiatives.
11. Review bid risks and coordinate mitigation actions.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Experience in bid or project management.
• Excellent command of International English and grammar.
• Proactive, initiative-taking, and deadline-oriented.
• Effective communicator across departments.
• Detail-oriented and flexible.
• Ability to brief senior leadership confidently.
• Experience managing multicultural and multifunctional teams.
• Languages such as Italian are advantageous.
• Ability to highlight win themes clearly to customers.
• Strong professional networking skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with successful bids involving diverse stakeholders.
• Background in defence aerospace industry.
• APMP / APM Certification.

Security Clearance

Details to be discussed during the interview process.

Life at Leonardo

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and flexible working arrangements, making a career with Leonardo accessible and rewarding.

• Flexible Working: Hybrid options, part-time possibilities.
• Benefits: Private healthcare, dental, workplace ISA, car scheme, tech and lifestyle allowances.
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave and accrue additional days.
• Pension: Leading pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
• Wellbeing: Employee assistance, mental health support, and diversity networks.
• Lifestyle: Discounted gym memberships, cycle to work.
• Training: Access to over 4000 online courses via Coursera.
• Referral Incentive: Rewards for employee referrals.
• Bonus Scheme: Available at management level and below.