Contract Bid Manager: Complex Proposals Lead

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

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.