At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and submission of high-quality bids for law enforcement and defence sectors.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading company focused on global business growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a crucial sector while honing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex bids and understanding international procurement processes.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Our success depends on our people and we aim to attract, recruit and retain the most talented individuals to help take our exciting growth story forward.
Purpose of Position
Reporting to the VP of Sales, the Bid Manager is responsible for leading the development, coordination, and submission of high‑quality commercial proposals that support global business growth in the law enforcement and defense sector. This role is fully focused on end‑to‑end bid management, ensuring all proposals are compliant, competitive, and aligned with corporate strategy and customer requirements. The position is based in the UK and operates remotely in close coordination with the Cleveland‑based commercial team. Success in this role requires deep experience with international government procurement processes, including defense acquisition regulations, public sector compliance, and security‑sensitive contracting environments.
Essential Duties and/or Functions
- Lead the full lifecycle of bids and proposals, including RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, ITBs, and unsolicited submissions for global law enforcement and defense customers.
- Conduct Bid/No‑Bid assessments, ensuring strategic alignment, risk evaluation, and resource readiness.
- Own the development of compliant, high‑quality proposal submissions, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and evaluation criteria.
- Manage internal review and approval processes, including coordination of executive sign‑off where required.
- Analyze tender documentation and translate requirements into structured, effective responses.
- Plan and lead bid kick‑offs, establishing timelines, deliverables, and clear ownership across stakeholders.
- Coordinate cross‑functional inputs from Legal, Finance, Product, and Sales to ensure complete and accurate submissions.
- Oversee final proposal production, ensuring consistency, compliance, and on‑time delivery.
- Maintain bid schedules, ensuring strict adherence to all milestones and submission deadlines.
- Lead post‑submission reviews to capture lessons learned and improve win rates.
Government & Defense Compliance
- Ensure all bids comply with relevant international procurement regulations and frameworks, including EU Public Procurement Directives, NATO and multilateral procurement standards (e.g., UN, Interpol), Canadian PSPC / Controlled Goods Program; U.S. FAR/DFARS.
- Partner with Legal to review contractual terms, identify risks (e.g., export controls, ITAR), and support negotiation positions.
- Ensure proposals address technical, operational, and contractual requirements specific to defense and public safety customers.
Bid Governance & Content
- Maintain and continuously improve a centralized library of approved proposal content, including standard responses, certifications, and compliance documentation.
- Drive consistency and quality across all bid submissions through standardized templates and best practices.
- Support the continuous improvement of bid processes, tools, and governance to increase efficiency and win probability.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience managing complex bids/proposals within defense, law enforcement, or government contracting environments.
- Strong understanding of international procurement processes and compliance frameworks (FAR/DFARS, EU directives, NATO, etc.).
- Experience with structured bid methodologies and governance (including Bid/No‑Bid and approval processes).
- Working proficiency in Shipley Associates capture planning and proposal writing would be desirable.
- Strong knowledge of commercial, legal, and financial considerations in public sector bids.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent bids in high‑pressure, deadline‑driven environments.
- Excellent project management, organizational, and stakeholder coordination skills.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to develop clear, compelling proposal content.
- English is a must; Spanish would be an asset.
- Experience working across global teams in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
- Familiarity with proposal management tools and CRM systems is beneficial.
Key Attributes
- Highly detail‑oriented with strong quality standards.
- Structured and process‑driven, with strong ownership of deadlines.
- Effective communicator with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams.
- Adaptable and able to operate across time zones in a global organization.
The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Melksham, UK is £70,000 to £85,000 annually.
Bid Manager employer: Avon Protection
At Team Wendy, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Bid Manager based in Melksham, you will benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to collaborate with a global team dedicated to innovation in the law enforcement and defense sector. Join us to be part of an exciting growth story where your contributions directly impact our success and the safety of communities worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Bid Manager at Avon Protection!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Avon Protection or be willing to refer you for that Bid Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Avon Protection who’s on the lookout for their next Bid Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Bid Manager role at Avon Protection!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Avon Protection. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avon Protection
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Avon Protection. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
