Bid Manager

Saab AB; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and security company in Centurion seeks a Bid Manager to lead bids in response to the Winning Business process. Candidates should have at least 5 years of commercial and management experience, preferably within the defense sector, and possess strong customer relationship skills. This role will involve coordinating proposal efforts, managing bid complexity, and ensuring adherence to organizational standards. Offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and safety.

Qualifications

• 5+ years commercial and/or bid management experience, preferably in the defence sector.
• 5+ years management experience.
• Advanced MS Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage bids on the Naval Business side.
• Finalize and execute bid plans according to WB2 decisions.
• Perform, manage and take ownership of all bid calculations.
• Ensure that commercial cost risk exposure on bids is documented and addressed.

Skills

Commercial and/or bid management experience

Customer relations

Stakeholder management

Solid experience in the defence sector

Strong inter-personal relationship building skills

Data analysis

Education

Commercial Degree, Business or Engineering qualification

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

locations Centurion - 185 Witch-Hazel Avenue, Highveld Technopark, PO Box 8492 Cape Town - 118/119 Capricorn Drive, Capricorn Park, PO Box 39347, Capricorn Square, 7948

posted on Posted Yesterday

time left to apply End Date: February 28, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)

job requisition id REQ_35961

We have a vacancy for a Bid Manager to manage bids in response to the Winning Business process and work in cooperation with the Sales Responsible. You will also provide solutions on bid complexity including solution scope (number of technologies, lines of business), service scope (number of services, SLAs) and commercial complexity (contractual terms and conditions, pricing models, partnership agreements).

Your role

• Manage bids on the Naval Business side, in accordance with the Win Business Process
• Create draft Bid Plan prior to the Winning Bid (WB) process, together with the Product Sales Responsible (PSR)
• Request manning of the proposal team, prior WB2
• Finalize and execute bid plan according to WB2 decisions, if applicable
• Responsible for the proposal structure (RFP items, document plan etc.) in accordance with request
• Responsible for performing, managing and taking ownership all bid calculations
• Ensure that the commercial cost risk exposure on all bids is understood, documented, communicated to all stakeholders and appropriately addressed/mitigated
• Initiate, organize and manage the planned proposal activities up to WB3 within the schedule
• Responsible for confirming with Operations and other departments, as applicable, resource availability for project execution after contract
• Facilitate the sourcing of general bid material
• Regular coordination of proposal progress with the Sales Responsible
• Request resources for review team, if required
• If required, participate in contract negotiations
• Synchronizing with Product Owners/Managers
• Finalise the tender
• Keep an auditable trail of all bid artefacts and records on recognised company systems
• Facilitate the compilation and delivery of all client-facing bid deliverables in accordance with client instructions and requirements as well as the organisation’s standards
• Assist the Customer Support dept. with commercial inputs and approvals in the WB Micro process
• Support to the operational personnel regarding general commercial issues, like early terminations, penalties, contract interpretations.
• Providing inputs to the company regarding the enhancement of company processes for reduced throughput time of RFPs.
• Commercial and initial legal review of the customer Contracts.

Authorities

• Plan and manage proposal work according to WB2 decisions
• Decide on necessary measures and actions for effective bid work according to the Winning Business Guidelines and Delegation of Authorities

Key Performance Indicators:

• Accurate, high quality and quick turnaround times for proposals
• Effectively driving the bid process with supporting departments
• Minimizing risk exposure of SGD, communicate accurately and timeously with all stakeholders and take responsibility for communications being received and understood

Your profile

Required skills:

• Minimum 5 years commercial and/or bid management experience, preferably in the defence sector
• Minimum 5 years management experience
• Solid experience in customer relations and stakeholder management preferably in the defence sector and related business development skills

Desired skills:

• Good working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) with advanced MS Excel skills
• Strong inter-personal relationship building skills
• Strategic thinking
• Customer relationship management
• Data analysis

Qualification:

• Commercial Degree, Business or Engineering qualification

What you will be a part of

SGD has reinforced its position as a leading South African defence and security company, bringing capabilities including electronic warfare systems, sensor technology, training systems, avionics, security and support solutions to the African and international markets. These capabilities are supplied and supported over the air, land, sea and civil security domains.

With new and improved technological systems and solutions, SGD increases a country’s defence capabilities and provides innovative, effective products and services for those tasked to maintain security. The company also works with various stakeholders in gathering data and providing insight into how security threats evolve, and what the best market-customised solutions are.

If you aspire to help create and innovate whilst developing yourself in a challenging team setting, Saab may well have the perfect conditions for you to grow. We pride ourselves on a nurturing environment, where everyone is different yet we share the same goal – to help protect people.

SGD will give preference to South African citizens and we also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds

Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you have not received feedback from us within 30 days after the closing date.

About Us

At Saab, we constantly look ahead and push boundaries for what is considered technically possible. We collaborate with colleagues around the world who all share our challenge – to make the world a safer place.

Saab is a global defense and security company operating in the fields of air, land and naval defense, civil security and commercial aeronautics. We number approximately 22,000 employees and have operations on all continents. Technologically we are leaders in many areas, and one-fifth of our earnings are spent on research and development.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, or disability status.