Senior Bid Manager

Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa: UK: Guildford

Location: Frimley, Guildford, London and Christchurch - Hybrid min 2 dpw in the office. A hybrid working arrangement based out of the listed Digital Intelligence sites. There will be a minimum requirement to attend the office on at least a twice-weekly basis, as well as other regular travel to DI sites in line with the business needs, depending on the bid(s) you are running.

What you'll be doing:

• Spearhead the entire bid process for larger and more complex bids from initial EoI/PQQ activity to tender submission and closure.
• Oversee a small team of Bid managers and manage and tailor bid processes for the bids that you'll lead.
• Line manage a team of 3-4 direct reports, ensuring effective leadership, proactive communication, and respect.
• Define and implement the bid strategy to maximise P(win).
• Lead the bid team and orchestrate the governance process and compliance, including production of internal bid deliverables in line with corporate process.
• Develop quality, coherent, compelling proposals in line with internal processes and Shipley best practice.
• Prioritise workload according to demand, deadlines, and business priorities.
• Provide thought leadership and vision around improvements to bidding within the organisation.
• Own and deliver process improvements to bid-related tools, systems, and processes.
• Support training of bidding best practices across the organisation.

Common activities undertaken by Bid Managers include:

• Manage all bid activities including planning, resourcing, and internal assurance reviews of proposal submissions.
• Manage communications with senior management on proposal updates and key review meetings.
• Prepare and coach bid team members and reviewers in the bidding process.
• Promote and support activities that improve qualification of bids.
• Lead the planning and execution of the overall proposal development effort.
• Manage the bid development in a timely and efficient manner, scheduling and overseeing key reviews.
• Define, tailor, and implement a suitable bid process to fit the opportunity.
• Own, edit, and format the customer proposal or formal response.
• Generate and gain approval for implementing a realistic Bid Plan and Bid Schedule.
• Establish the bidding environment, including Project Share and other tools.
• Manage the business approval process at all required delegated authority levels.
• Lead the multi-disciplined bid team and keep the team appraised of developments.
• Manage virtual bid teams and inputs from various stakeholders.
• Coordinate costing and pricing activity.
• Support the development and deployment of functional learning and development.

Skills/Experience:

• At least two of (or equivalent) Qualified to Degree Level, preferably in Business, Sales, Engineering, or Project Management.
• Possesses c.10 years+ of experience in competitive tendering within public/commercial sectors.
• Holds a current APMP certification.
• Knowledge and practical application of best practice bidding processes (e.g. Shipley).
• A good understanding of the buying processes within the UK Public Sector/Defence environment.
• Knowledge of UK Government Frameworks and other buying mechanisms.
• A track record of working on high-value and technically complex bids.
• An understanding of the Shipley and/or Miller-Heiman methodologies is highly desirable.

Technical Skills:

• MS Office
• MS SharePoint
• Proposal management software

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you'll be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. All applicants must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting.