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- Tasks: Lead and manage complex bids in the defence sector, ensuring high-quality proposals.
- Company: Amber Labs is a dynamic tech consultancy focused on collaboration and rapid learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a rapidly growing start-up that values personal growth and encourages bold experimentation.
- Qualifications: Must have experience in defence bids and hold current Security Clearance (SC).
- Other info: This is a 6-month FTC position with potential for permanence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Company:
At Amber Labs, we are a cutting-edge UK and European technology consultancy that prioritises empowering autonomy, promoting experimentation, and facilitating rapid learning to provide exceptional value to our clients. Our company culture is centred around collaboration, where all colleagues, regardless of their role, work together to minimise risk and shorten delivery times. Our team consists of highly-skilled cross-functional consultants, analysts, and support staff.
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Bid Manager with a strong track record in the defense sector to lead and manage complex bids for a large IT consultancy. You will be responsible for developing and executing bid strategies, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality proposals that align with customer requirements and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- End-to-End Bid Management: Lead and manage the bid process from qualification to submission, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks.
- Defence-Focused Proposal Development: Work closely with technical, commercial, and legal teams to develop compelling, customer-focused proposals tailored to defense sector requirements.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams, partners, and key stakeholders to define winning strategies, value propositions, and pricing structures.
- Risk & Compliance Management: Ensure all bids meet MOD, defense, and security standards, addressing any risks proactively.
- Customer Insight & Competitive Analysis: Conduct market and competitor analysis to position bids effectively and maximise win rates.
- Governance & Approvals: Oversee bid reviews, approvals, and compliance with internal governance processes, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Presentation & Negotiation: Support bid presentations, negotiations, and post-bid customer engagements.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Defense Sector Expertise – Strong experience managing bids for defence clients (MOD, Defence Primes, NATO, etc.)
- Bid Management – Proven ability to manage high-value, complex IT bids in large consultancies or government suppliers. Must hold Security Clearance (SC)
- Strong Commercial Acumen – Experience with frameworks, contracting models (e.g., G-Cloud, DOS, Defence Contracts), and pricing strategies.
- Excellent Communication & Leadership – Ability to influence senior stakeholders, partners, and technical teams.
- Proposal Writing & Compliance – Strong experience writing and managing bids in line with defense procurement requirements.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
- Join a rapidly expanding start-up where personal growth is a part of our DNA.
- Benefit from a flexible work environment focused on deliverable outcomes.
- Receive private medical insurance through Aviva.
- Enjoy the benefits of a company pension plan through Nest.
- 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
- Access Perkbox, a global employee rewards platform offering discounts, perks, and wellness resources.
- Participate in a generous employee referral program.
- A highly collaborative and collegial environment with opportunities for career advancement.
- Be encouraged to take bold steps and embrace a mindset of experimentation.
- Choose your preferred device, PC or Mac.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Here at Amber Labs, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all. Our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion includes:
- Valuing the unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of all employees and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
- Prohibiting all forms of harassment, bullying, discrimination, and victimisation and promoting a culture of dignity and respect for all.
- Educating all new hires on our Diversity and Inclusion policies and ensuring they are aware of their rights and responsibilities to create a safe and inclusive workplace.
This role at Amber Labs is a 6 Month Salary based FTC position with a view to permanent, and all employees are required to hold current active SC clearance. Please be advised that, at this time, we are unable to consider candidates who require sponsorship or hold a visa of any type.
What Happens Next?
Our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to advise you on the next steps. We have a two-stage interview process for most of our consultants. In certain cases, we may include a third and final stage, which is a conversation with the company Partners. This will only be considered if deemed necessary.
Contact Detail:
Amber Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager (Must hold current SC)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the defence sector, especially those related to MOD and NATO. Understanding the nuances of these organisations will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence industry, particularly those who have experience in bid management. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to make connections and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how you would handle complex bid scenarios. Think about past experiences where you successfully managed bids and be ready to discuss your strategies and outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Amber Labs thoroughly to understand their culture and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, as cultural fit is often a key consideration in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Must hold current SC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Bid Manager position. Familiarise yourself with the defence sector and the specific skills needed, such as bid management and proposal writing.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in managing bids within the defence sector. Emphasise your track record with high-value IT bids and any specific frameworks or contracting models you've worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company culture at Amber Labs. Mention your experience with stakeholder engagement and how you can contribute to their collaborative environment.
Highlight Security Clearance: Since holding current Security Clearance (SC) is essential for this role, make sure to clearly state your SC status in your application. This will demonstrate your eligibility and readiness for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Amber Labs
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the defence sector, including key players like MOD and NATO. Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in the industry, as this knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Bid Management Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples of high-value bids you've managed in the past. Highlight your role in developing bid strategies, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with governance frameworks. This will illustrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since the role requires influencing senior stakeholders and collaborating with various teams, be ready to showcase your communication and leadership skills. Share instances where you've successfully navigated complex discussions or negotiations, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may assess your problem-solving abilities and risk management skills. Think about how you would approach potential challenges in the bid process, and be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly and confidently.
