At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex bids in the defence sector for a top IT consultancy.
- 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 culture of experimentation and growth, with opportunities for career advancement.
- Qualifications: Must have defence sector experience and current Security Clearance (SC).
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract 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. We prohibit all forms of harassment, bullying, discrimination, and victimisation and promote a culture of dignity and respect for all. We educate all new hires on our Diversity and Inclusion policies and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities to create a safe and inclusive workplace. By taking these steps, we are dedicated to building a workplace that reflects and celebrates the diversity of our employees and communities.
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.
Bid Manager (Must hold current SC) employer: Amber Labs
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 events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous bid management experiences in detail, focusing on successful strategies you've implemented. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to manage complex bids and engage stakeholders effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Amber Labs thoroughly, including their recent projects and company culture. This knowledge will not only help you align your answers with their values but also show your genuine interest in becoming part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Must hold current SC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in bid management, particularly within the defence sector. Emphasise any relevant projects and your ability to manage complex bids, as this is crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Showcase your understanding of the defence sector and how your skills align with the company's objectives.
Highlight Security Clearance: Since holding current SC clearance is a requirement, make sure to mention this prominently in your application. This will demonstrate your eligibility for the role right from the start.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in previous roles. This is essential for the Bid Manager position, so highlight your leadership and negotiation experiences.
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 will help you 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 strategies, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with governance frameworks to showcase your relevant experience.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since the role requires influencing senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask you to solve hypothetical problems related to bid management or stakeholder engagement. Think through your approach to risk management and compliance, and be prepared to discuss how you would handle various scenarios.