Senior Bid Manager

BAE Systems.; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector seeks a Senior Bid Manager to oversee complex bids and lead a team of professionals. This hybrid role requires strategic planning and effective communication skills to ensure successful bid submissions. Join a diverse team committed to excellence in public and commercial sector bidding.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in competitive tendering.
• APMP certification preferred.
• Knowledge of best practice bidding processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire bid process for complex bids.
• Manage a team of 3-4 bid professionals.
• Develop high-quality proposals aligned with best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Bid Management

Strategic Planning

Education

Degree qualification in Business

Degree qualification in Sales

Degree qualification in Engineering

Degree qualification in Project Management

Tools

MS Office

MS SharePoint

Proposal management software

Job description

Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Guildford

Job Title:

Senior Bid Manager

Location:

Frimley, London and Christchurch - Hybrid min 2 days per week in the office

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

What you'll be doing

As the Senior Bid Manager, you'll lead the entire bid process for larger and complex bids, from initial EoI/PQQ to tender submission and closure. You will oversee a team of Bid Managers and manage bid processes with minimal supervision. Your responsibilities include:

• Line managing a team of 3-4 bid professionals, ensuring effective leadership and communication.
• Defining and implementing bid strategies to maximize success.
• Leading bid teams and governance processes, including internal bid deliverables.
• Developing high-quality, compelling proposals aligned with best practices.
• Prioritizing workload based on demand and deadlines.
• Providing thought leadership to improve bidding processes.
• Owning and improving bid tools, systems, and processes.
• Supporting training on bidding best practices across the organization.

Activities for specific opportunities include:

• Managing bid activities such as planning, resourcing, and reviews.
• Communicating with senior management on proposal updates.
• Preparing and coaching team members on the bidding process.
• Promoting quality qualification activities like Shipley reviews.
• Leading proposal development and review processes.
• Managing bid lifecycle, including RFIs, PQQs, and main bid responses.
• Tailoring and implementing bid processes for each opportunity.
• Formatting and editing customer proposals.
• Developing bid plans and schedules, tracking progress and budgets.
• Establishing the bidding environment and managing approvals.
• Leading multi-disciplinary bid teams and stakeholder inputs.
• Coordinating costing and pricing activities.
• Supporting learning and development in bid management techniques.

Skills/Experience

At least two of the following or equivalent:

• Degree qualification in Business, Sales, Engineering, or Project Management.
• Approximately 10+ years of experience in competitive tendering in public or commercial sectors.
• APMP certification.
• Knowledge of best practice bidding processes (e.g., Shipley).
• Understanding of UK Public Sector/Defence buying processes.
• Experience with UK Government Frameworks and other buying mechanisms.
• Track record on high-value, complex bids including frameworks.
• Desirable: Knowledge of Shipley and Miller-Heiman methodologies.

Technical Skills

• MS Office
• MS SharePoint
• Proposal management software

Our award-winning Bid Team seeks a proven performer in public and commercial sector bidding to join and uphold our high standards. You will be responsible for managing bids across Defence, NS&G, and Space sectors.

Why BAE Systems

This is a role where you can make a real difference. We foster an inclusive culture that values diversity, integrity, and merit, empowering you to reach your potential. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially underrepresented groups including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

If you have a disability or health condition affecting your performance, please discuss potential reasonable adjustments with your recruiter. Note that many roles require security and export control clearances, with minimum requirements including Baseline Personnel Security Standard and possibly higher security vetting depending on the role and residency history.