Bids Manager

Stott and May; Guildford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting company is seeking an experienced Bids Manager to lead procurement for strategic bids and projects. This contract role in Guildford requires an individual with proven experience in business-winning procurement, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to handle large-scale projects. You will focus on developing procurement strategies, managing subcontract activities, and cultivating supplier relationships to enhance business growth. An active SC clearance is required for this position.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business-winning procurement, preferably in defence or IT sectors.
• Strong background in contract negotiation and subcontract management.
• Experience with large-scale projects (> £50M).

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement strategies for major bids and projects.
• Manage subcontract activities including contract negotiation and implementation.
• Cultivate relationships with key suppliers to support bid-winning strategies.

Skills

Business-winning procurement

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPS Level 5 or equivalent qualification

Job description

Bids Manager (Active SC Clearance Required)

Location: Guildford (1-2 days per week, reduces after training)

Security Clearance: need an active SC (must be transferable)

Contract Duration: 6 months +

Role Summary

We are looking for an experienced bid manager to lead the procurement for strategic bids and projects in support of business growth. This contract role will focus on driving procurement solutions, managing subcontract activities, and delivering competitive advantage through supplier relationships and category management. You will work closely with internal teams to ensure successful bid execution and project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement strategies for major bids and projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Manage subcontract activities, including contract negotiation, implementation, and coordination with commercial, project, and technical teams.
• Cultivate and maintain key supplier relationships to support bid-winning strategies and business needs.
• Apply commercial acumen to drive value, reduce risk, and ensure compliance with governance requirements.
• Oversee the flow-down of customer contract terms to suppliers, protecting the companies position.
• Advocate for procurement within the business, ensuring strong stakeholder relationships.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in business-winning procurement, preferably within defence or IT sectors.
• Strong background in contract negotiation, subcontract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Experience with large-scale projects (> £50M) and managing complex IT, electronics, or managed services subcontracts.
• CIPS Level 5 or equivalent qualification.
• UK Security Clearance required.