Strategic Bid Manager (Remote/Hybrid)

Smiths Detection; Hemel Hempstead; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Detection is seeking an experienced Bid Manager to join our Commercial Programmes team. The role focuses on coordinating complex bids and proposals, ensuring commercial, contractual, operational and risk considerations are captured before submission.

You will act as the central point across Sales, Programme, Service and Commercial teams, challenging assumptions and driving high-quality proposal submissions that position Smiths Detection for success.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Bid Manager, Contracts Manager, Commercial Manager or Senior Commercial Officer.
• Strong commercial and contractual knowledge.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating terms and conditions.
• Experience developing customer proposals and Statements of Work.
• Knowledge of the full contract lifecycle.
• Strong risk management and mitigation experience.
• Ability to challenge stakeholders constructively and influence decisions.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in engineering, technology, defence, manufacturing, infrastructure or similar complex environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate bid activities from opportunity through to submission.
• Review customer contracts, terms and conditions, and identify commercial risks.
• Develop and write high-quality proposals and Statements of Work.
• Coordinate contributions from Sales, Programmes, Finance, Supply Chain, Quality and other support functions.
• Challenge cost assumptions and ensure risks are identified, mitigated and costed.
• Produce bid review materials and support governance processes.
• Support commercial negotiations where required.
• Ensure bid submissions are commercially sound and aligned with business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement across bid management processes and templates.

Skills

Bid management

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder influence

Risk management

Communication

Contractual knowledge

Job description

Smiths Detection is seeking an experienced Bid Manager to join our Commercial Programmes team. The role focuses on coordinating complex bids and proposals, ensuring commercial, contractual, operational and risk considerations are captured before submission.

You will act as the central point across Sales, Programme, Service and Commercial teams, challenging assumptions and driving high-quality proposal submissions that position Smiths Detection for success.