At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage strategic bids, ensuring effective governance and coordination.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a strong focus on diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management and project management, ideally in defence.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: BroadOak, Portsmouth – Hybrid 2-3 days a week onsite. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: Competitive
Who we are: Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future for all of us. From the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
Job Description: As a Bid Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and securing some of our most strategic business opportunities. Supporting the Capture Leader, you will lead the bid phase governance for assigned pursuits, taking ownership of the Bid Management Plan and ensuring robust governance, compliance, and effective coordination of cost and pricing strategies.
Core duties:
- Leading all aspects of the planning and execution of the overall bid cycle/governance plan (for assigned bids)
- Defining, tailoring and implementing a suitable Bid process to fit the Opportunity
- Managing the business approval process at all required delegated authority levels, supports any security and export approvals
- Leading the multi-disciplined Bid team and ensures the entire team is kept appraised of developments in requirements and bid status, on a day to day basis
- Interacting with bid stakeholders at all appropriate levels across multiple organisations and keeps the Business Leadership Team informed and engaged, including timely escalation of issues needing resolution
- Coordinating the Costing and Pricing activity, including acting as an independent challenger to keep the team focused on meeting the Price to Win
Essential Skills:
- Proven bid management and project management skills, ideally within the defence market or within a complex procurement environment
- Proven experience of supporting RFIs, ITT/ITN/RFP/RFQ or Framework bids in a competitive environment
- APMP – Association for Proposal Management Professionals qualification – desirable
The Maritime and Land Business Development Operations Team: This role sits within the Maritime and Land Business Development Operations team, residing in Defence Solutions, a highly collaborative function that plays a critical role in securing future business across the Maritime and Land sector. The team supports a diverse portfolio of pursuits, from long-term strategic campaigns to fast-paced competitive bids, helping to shape and deliver business-winning solutions.
As part of a wider community of Bid Managers, Proposal Managers, and Proposal Coordinators, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals who are passionate about delivering excellence. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a broad range of programmes and customers, developing your expertise across different markets and business areas while building a strong network across BAE Systems.
Why BAE Systems? Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive: We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 30th July 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Locations
Bid Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: BAE Critical Skills
BAE Systems is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Barrow-in-Furness, where you can contribute to pioneering defence and aerospace solutions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, lifelong learning, and a culture of inclusivity, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills while being recognised for your contributions. Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with tailored rewards and relocation support, all within a supportive community that values diversity and shared purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨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 BAE Critical Skills!
✨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 BAE Critical Skills 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 BAE Critical Skills 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 BAE Critical Skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
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 BAE Critical Skills. 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 BAE Critical Skills
✨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 BAE Critical Skills. 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!