Bid Manager

Darktrace; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% medical, dental and vision

Paid parental leave

401(k)

Employee Assistance Program

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Darktrace is seeking a Bid Manager to lead end‑to‑end bid processes for software solutions. You will coordinate cross‑functional teams across Sales, Legal, Finance, Product, and Security to deliver timely, high‑quality proposals aligned with client needs.

The role requires strong project management, attention to detail, and a track record of maturing bid processes. This is a building role with an emphasis on forward‑looking problem solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s level degree in business or related field.
• 3+ years in bid management, proposal writing, or sales ops in tech.
• Proven track record managing complex bids and RFPs.
• Ability to build, scale, and improve bid processes, tools, and resources.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Bid Coordination: manage full lifecycle from qualification to submission.
• Proposal Development: craft compelling, compliant proposals.
• Stakeholder Management: align pricing, terms, and deliverables across teams.
• Compliance & Risk Management: ensure adherence to client and policy standards.
• Process Improvement: develop templates and tools to improve win rates.
• Market Intelligence: monitor industry trends and procurement strategies.
• Reporting: track progress and report to leadership on pipeline metrics.
• Resource Development: create self-service tools for key stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Proposal writing

Communication

Cross‑functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day.

Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real-time cyber threats. That approach matters more than ever in the era of AI. Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead.

At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility. We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked. We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves.

We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them.

Our Values: Own It | Win as One | Raise Our Bar | Move First. Learn Fast

Job Description

The Bid Manager will lead and coordinate the end‑to‑end bid process for software solutions, ensuring timely, high‑quality, and competitive proposals that align with company strategy and client requirements. This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across multiple teams, including Sales, Legal, Finance, Product, and Security.

This is a building role; the successful candidate will be a forward‑looking and creative problem‑solver with a proven track record of establishing and maturing functions and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Bid Coordination: Manage the full lifecycle of bids and RFP responses, from initial qualification through submission and post‑bid review.
• Proposal Development: Create compelling, compliant, and tailored proposals that clearly articulate value propositions and differentiate the company’s offerings.
• Stakeholder Management: Work closely with Sales, Legal, Finance, Product, and technical teams to gather inputs, resolve issues, and ensure alignment on pricing, terms, and deliverables.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure proposals meet all client requirements, internal policies, and legal standards.
• Process Improvement: Develop and maintain best practices, templates, and tools to streamline the bid process and improve win rates.
• Market Intelligence: Stay informed on industry trends, competitor offerings, and client procurement strategies to enhance proposal competitiveness.
• Reporting: Track bid progress, maintain accurate records, and provide regular updates to leadership on pipeline status and success metrics.
• Resource Development: Build and develop tools and resources that increasingly enable self‑service for key stakeholders.
• Proactively Research: Conduct research to find RFPs where we should submit a positive response.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s level degree (preferably in business or a related field)
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in bid management, proposal writing, or sales operations within a software or technology company.
• Experience: Proven track record of successfully managing complex bids and RFPs.
• Experience: Demonstrated ability to build, scale, and improve bid processes, tools, and resources.
• Skills: Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skills: Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with SaaS business models, software licensing, and commercial terms.

Benefits

• 100% medical, dental and vision insurance, plus dependents
• Paid parental leave
• Pet insurance Discount
• Life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program

As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability.

Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.

Employment with Darktrace is at‑will, meaning either the employee or Darktrace may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, except where prohibited by law or governed by a separate written agreement.