At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value defence bids and manage contract negotiations.
- Company: Globally recognised engineering and technology organisation in defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a team that values innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the defence sector with your expertise.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management and strong understanding of defence regulations.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
A globally recognised engineering and technology organisation operating within defence and safety-critical markets is seeking a Senior Bid & Commercial Manager to join its Defence Business Unit.
The Role
You will take ownership of the full bid lifecycle for high-value defence opportunities, leading cross-functional teams to deliver compliant, compelling and commercially robust submissions. Alongside bid leadership, you will play a key role in contract negotiation, commercial risk management and post-award compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Bid Leadership
- Lead complex, high-value defence bids (e.g. UK MoD, NATO, defence primes)
- Develop winning strategies and coordinate cross-functional bid teams
- Manage bid governance processes (Bid/No-Bid, solution reviews, pricing reviews, Red Team)
- Ensure compliant, high-quality submissions delivered on time
- Maintain and develop reusable bid content and continuous improvement processes
- Commercial & Contract Management
- Support and lead contract negotiations (terms & conditions, pricing, SLAs)
- Manage commercial risk and contractual obligations across the project lifecycle
- Ensure compliance with defence procurement regulations (e.g. DEFCONs, ITAR, DSPCR, SSRO)
- Flow down contractual requirements to suppliers and subcontractors
- Lead contract review and ensure post-award compliance
About You
We are seeking an experienced bid and commercial leader with a strong track record in defence or complex engineering environments.
Essential
- 5+ years' experience in bid management, commercial or contract negotiation roles within defence, aerospace or similar regulated industries
- Proven delivery of end-to-end bids for projects valued GBP1M+
- Strong understanding of defence procurement regulations (e.g. DEFCONs, ITAR, DSPCR, SSRO)
- Experience negotiating and managing contracts in regulated environments
- Excellent project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent bids
- Strong commercial awareness including risk, liability, pricing and SLAs
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to obtain Security Clearance
Desirable
- Degree in Business, Law, Engineering, Procurement, Project Management or related field
- Legal/commercial contract qualification or background
- APMP Practitioner or Professional certification
- Experience with NATO or international defence tenders
- Familiarity with CRM or tender tracking tools (e.g. Salesforce)
Senior Bid & Commercial Manager employer: CV Technical Ltd
Join a globally recognised engineering and technology organisation in North Yorkshire, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Bid & Commercial Manager, you will benefit from extensive employee growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to professional development, all while contributing to critical defence projects that make a real difference. With a focus on compliance and excellence, this role offers the chance to lead high-value bids in a supportive environment that prioritises your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Bid & Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with high-value bids and contract negotiations. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a perfect match for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a formal interview or a casual chat, being able to clearly articulate your experience in bid management and commercial leadership is key. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave them wanting to know more!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Bid & Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Bid & Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in bid management and contract negotiation, especially within defence or regulated industries. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of successful bids you've led and how you managed commercial risks. We love a good story that showcases your expertise!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible, like the value of bids you've managed or improvements you've made. We appreciate numbers that tell us about your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at CV Technical Ltd
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid lifecycle and the specific projects the company is involved in. Familiarise yourself with high-value defence bids, especially those related to the UK MoD and NATO. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience in contract negotiation and commercial risk management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex contracts or managed risks in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the Senior Bid & Commercial Manager position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading cross-functional teams, be ready to share instances where you've led teams to success in bid submissions. Talk about how you coordinated efforts, managed governance processes, and ensured compliance. This will show that you have the leadership qualities they are looking for.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Questions
Given the importance of defence procurement regulations, brush up on your knowledge of DEFCONs, ITAR, DSPCR, and SSRO. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past projects and how you would approach these regulations in the new role. This will highlight your expertise in a regulated environment.
