EMEA Bid Manager

Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics. Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world’s largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

The EMEA Bid Manager is responsible for managing the end-to-end bid and proposal process for Defence opportunities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with an initial emphasis on the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. Reporting to the Global Bid Manager, this role will execute established bid processes, templates, and playbooks while adapting them to regional procurement frameworks and customer expectations. This is a hands‑on execution role, managing bids from opportunity assessment through submission.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the end to end proposal development process for EMEA Defence opportunities, from RFP/ITT/RFI/RFQ receipt and evaluation through document production and submission.
• Adopt and execute the established global bid management framework (go/no‑go process, templates, playbooks, content library) while adapting materials for EMEA procurement requirements and customer expectations.
• Author, edit, and quality‑control all proposal content prior to submission, ensuring responses are compelling, compliant, and aligned to customer requirements.
• Coordinate assurance / governance, approvals and export controls across the business, maintain version control, manage deadlines, and ensure compliance of final proposals to internal policy and bid submission requirements.
• Review and negotiate Terms and Conditions, Non‑Disclosure Agreements etc. and coordinate responses to vendor assessments and questionnaires in accordance with regional legal standards.
• Draft and submit clarifications to solicitation issuers to better understand requirements and, where possible, shape them to Advanced Navigation’s strengths.
• Coordinate with teaming partners, subcontractors, and consortium members on joint bid efforts, particularly where AUKUS or NATO alliance frameworks create teaming opportunities.
• Assist EMEA team in developing and maintaining excellent customer relationships across the EMEA region, with particular focus on UK MOD, NATO agencies, and European Defence ministries.
• Work with Global Bid manager to contribute regional market intelligence from active bids, RFIs, industry events, and customer engagements to inform gap analysis and strategic roadmaps.
• Provide support to Commercial proposals and bids when required.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• 8+ years experience managing Defence or Government bids, proposals, or capture efforts in EMEA markets.
• Demonstrated track record of winning competitive Defence bids with UK MOD, NATO agencies, and/or European Defence ministries.
• Working knowledge of EMEA Defence procurement frameworks including UK MOD acquisition process, DESA, NATO NSPA, and EU procurement directives.
• Eligible to obtain and hold appropriate security clearances in relevant EMEA jurisdictions (e.g., UK SC/DV clearance).
• Travel within the EMEA region will be required.
• Familiarity with AUKUS, Five Eyes, or broader NATO alliance procurement and industrial base frameworks.
• Experience within autonomy, robotics, AI/ML, UAS, or defence electronics sectors and/or knowledge of INS, MEMS, FOG, GPS/GNSS, or other navigation and positioning technologies.
• Understanding of export control compliance in a cross‑border context (ITAR, EAR, UK export licensing).
• Experience with Shipley or similar structured bid methodology.
• Proficiency in English and an additional European language.
• Self‑starter who can operate with minimal day‑to‑day supervision while maintaining consistent communication with the global bid function.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to generate large documents on short timelines, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to solicit and process information and data to solve complex problems and make sound decisions.
• Interpersonal, collaboration and team‑working skills, and the ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders across time zones.