Strategic Bid & Business Development Lead — Equity & Flex

SLR Recruitment; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shareholder equity opportunity

Private health insurance

Incentivisation scheme

Flexible working hours

Job summary

SLR Recruitment is seeking a Business Development and Bid Manager for our Southampton operation. This on-site role focuses on identifying opportunities, building relationships, and driving bids through to contract award in a fast-growing UK defence and shipbuilding market.

You will own the opportunity lifecycle, engage with customers and partners, and collaborate with engineering, finance, operations and legal teams to shape compelling proposals and terms.

Qualifications

• Experience in sales, marketing, business development, bid management or contract management.
• Knowledge of bid lifecycle and contract negotiations.
• Experience with defence/government contracts desirable.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new sales and business opportunities.
• Build relationships with customers and partners.
• Lead bid lifecycle from enquiry to contract award.
• Develop commercially strong proposals and presentations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop competitive solutions.
• Manage negotiations with customers, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Ensure compliance with terms and contractual requirements.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Defence/shipbuilding experience

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

IT literacy

Organisational skills

Security clearance (SC)

Willing to travel

Tools

MS Office

Job description

SLR Recruitment is seeking a Business Development and Bid Manager for our Southampton operation. This on-site role focuses on identifying opportunities, building relationships, and driving bids through to contract award in a fast-growing UK defence and shipbuilding market.

You will own the opportunity lifecycle, engage with customers and partners, and collaborate with engineering, finance, operations and legal teams to shape compelling proposals and terms.