Proposals Manager - Defence, Security, Nuclear sector specialist

WSP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Proposals Manager specialising in defence, security and nuclear to lead bids across the full lifecycle. You will work with senior leaders, technical experts and partners to build winning strategies, manage proposal content and ensure compliant, high-quality submissions.

You will influence senior stakeholders, drive continuous improvement, and mentor junior staff while delivering profitable opportunities in a fast-paced, global consultancy environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading proposals within defence, security or nuclear sectors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for high‑quality bid content.
• Strong English language skills for clear bid writing and reviews.
• Robust project management across multiple workstreams with quality at tempo.

Responsibilities

• Lead opportunities through the full Work Winning Lifecycle from capture to handover.
• Understand client requirements, terms and delivery models to align solutions.
• Develop win strategies, value propositions and key messages.
• Write and shape compliant, compelling proposal content with SMEs.
• Coordinate reviews and approvals to final submission with governance.
• Influence senior stakeholders to shape offers and secure buy-in.
• Champion proposals best practice and continuous improvement across the team.
• Mentor junior team members and grow the proposals community.

Skills

Proposal management

Written & verbal communication

English language proficiency

Project management

Attention to detail

Digital bidding tools

Job description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

At WSP, the people who win work are integral to shaping our future.

As a market-leading multidisciplinary consultancy with a clear vision and ambitious growth plans, our Proposals Managers sit at the heart of our success. They play a critical role in securing the opportunities that drive our business forward and position WSP for long-term success in a highly competitive market.

A little more about your role…

As a Proposals Manager specializing in defence, security and nuclear, you'll lead pursuits across the full Work Winning Lifecycle - from early positioning and strategy through to submission and handover. Collaborating with senior leaders, technical experts and proposal professionals, you'll build high-performing bid teams, shape compelling win strategies, deliver high-quality, profitable proposals and ensure a seamless transition into delivery.

What you’ll get

This role offers genuine autonomy and accountability. We trust our people to lead with confidence, think differently and challenge the status quo, supported by clear frameworks, structured training and a strong professional community. Alongside leading bids, you'll help strengthen our work winning capability by sharing best practice, driving continuous improvement and embedding innovation across the lifecycle.

This is a place where people don't just do a job, they build long-term careers. With continued investment in our people and our workwinning capability, this role offers real opportunity to grow, influence strategy and help shape the future of WSP.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage opportunities through the full WSP Work Winning Lifecycle, taking ownership from capture and qualification, through to bid preparation, submission, lessons learnt and handover.
• Take responsibility for understanding client requirements, commercial and contractual terms, and proposed delivery models to ensure solutions align to client needs and are clearly articulated.
• Develop and own win strategies, value propositions and key messages, ensuring our differentiators are clearly evidenced and aligned to client priorities.
• Write, review and shape high-quality, compliant and compelling proposal content, working hands-on with Subject Matter Experts to integrate technical content into coherent responses.
• Ensure all submissions fully comply with client requirements, WSP governance and quality standards, coordinating reviews and facilitating approvals through to final submission.
• Influence and communicate effectively at senior level, working closely with bid sponsors, technical leads, commercial teams and external partners to shape offers and secure buy-in.
• Act as a focal point for proposals best practice, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement in the defence, security and nuclear sectors - particularly focusing on requirements for security vetting and enhanced information management requirements.
• Mentor and support junior team members, helping to build capability and strengthen our proposals community.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Experience working on proposals within the defence, security and/or nuclear sector including handling and producing protectively marked information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop, edit and shape clear, compelling and compliant proposal responses.
• Strong command of the English language, with proven experience writing and reviewing high-quality bid content under time pressure.
• Robust project management capability, with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage multiple workstreams while maintaining high quality standards and attention to detail.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with the confidence to take ownership, exercise sound judgement and see tasks through to completion.
• A strong focus on quality, continuous improvement and delivery, with a genuine interest in strengthening our work winning capability.
• An interest in using new and evolving digital bidding tools and techniques to improve efficiency, quality and client impact.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the

best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?