At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex Defence bids and manage proposals that safeguard national interests.
- Company: Join Fujitsu, a leader in innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive community committed to diversity and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large bids and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Bracknell / Basingstoke / Flexible (UK&I Travel May be required)
Work Your Way is our approach to flexible working – this is available from day 1 of joining and part-time hours will also be considered.
Our purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As a Programme Manager – Bids, you will play a pivotal role in leading complex Defence and National Security (DNS) bids that safeguard national interests and enable growth. You’ll take end-to-end ownership of strategic bids, applying the same discipline, structure, and collaborative leadership expected of high-profile programmes.
Working at the heart of a skilled and dedicated bid community, you will manage and deliver proposals that inspire confidence, deliver value to customers, and demonstrate Fujitsu’s excellence in Defence bid delivery. Your role will involve leading the planning, end-to-end governance, and delivery of bids and proposals to time, cost, quality, and compliance standards - while embedding continuous improvement into how DNS shapes and executes its bid responses.
Reporting to the Programme Director for Bid Management, you’ll work across capture, solution design, proposal development, governance, and customer engagement. You will lead, coordinate and work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to include pre-sales, strategic partners, technical SMEs, commercial, finance, security & compliance, legal, and delivery to ensure Fujitsu submits compelling, compliant, and customer-centric bids.
This role provides an opportunity to apply your programme management expertise to complex and high-impact Defence bids - helping to shape future opportunities while fostering collaboration, assurance, and continuous improvement across the bid community.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of bids through the defined governance framework, ensuring high standards of quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Operate within the defined governance and assurance frameworks throughout the bid lifecycle, including RAID management, readiness reviews, and risk mitigation.
- Apply appropriate programme management methodologies (Agile, hybrid, or traditional) to structure bid delivery in line with customer and internal needs, ensuring integrated planning, RAID management, and delivery discipline.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with customers, partners, and suppliers, promoting collaboration, inclusion, and professional excellence in every bid submission.
- Support early-stage capture and design of programme structures, governance activities, and assurance inputs for compliant and compelling bid submissions.
- Develop and maintain detailed bid schedules, resource plans, cost models, and financial forecasts, providing ongoing delivery assurance and timely reporting to stakeholders and governance boards.
- Contribute to DNS growth and strategic partnering objectives by aligning bids with campaign priorities, emerging customer needs, and long-term national security outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with Defence and National Security frameworks, including JSPs, security accreditation, export controls, ISO27001, and GDS standards.
- Embed continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned, creating reusable assets and templates, and sharing best practices across the bid management community.
Your transferable skills and experience
- Significant experience delivering or managing large, complex bids or programmes within Defence, National Security, or Government environments.
- Understanding of Defence procurement mechanisms (e.g., ITT, ITN, RFP, RFQ, competitive dialogue) and bid lifecycle management.
- Expertise in integrated planning, RAID management, cost/resource modelling, and delivery assurance.
- Familiarity with Agile or hybrid delivery frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe) within the Defence or public sector context.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal teams, partners, and senior customer representatives.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities, maintain composure under pressure, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Commercial and financial acumen, including experience supporting risk management and negotiations.
- Experience leading or supporting multi-disciplinary teams (direct, matrix, and third-party).
- Knowledge of Defence/National Security standards such as JSPs, accreditation, and export controls.
- A track record of driving improvement and sharing best practice across bid or programme management functions.
- Formal certification (e.g., MSP, PMI-ACP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, ITIL, Agile) or equivalent practical experience.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience supporting multi-partner or international Defence collaborations (e.g., NATO, Five Eyes, EU security initiatives).
- Experience contributing to strategic partnering initiatives and integrating bid responses with campaign plans.
- Knowledge of commercial risk-sharing arrangements (prime/sub, reseller, OEM).
- Understanding of emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and automation within Defence or secure environments.
- Exposure to operating at MoD Level 1/2 or equivalent senior customer forums.
This role requires candidates to be eligible and willing to undergo a high level of security clearance. Please note it’s still worth applying even if you do not meet all the requirements above. We are passionate about investing in you and your career and if you have the transferable skills/background in complex programme management, bid leadership, or delivery within sensitive or regulated environments, and a passion for delivering value through effective governance, this could be the right opportunity for you.
Your benefits
- 26 Days annual leave plus public holidays (3 flexible)
- Pension – Double matching contributions of up to 10%
- Life assurance
- Companywide incentive plans
- Your choices (Flexible benefits such as increased holidays/ travel/ dental critical illness and more)
- Perks at work – employee discounts
- Employee assistance programme/ virtual GP
Recruitment process
The recruitment process consists of two stages of interviews. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Email EMEIArecruitment@fujitsu.com if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
Achieve together
We are recognised as a responsible and inclusive employer. Not only are we a certified Disability Confident Leader, a Times Top 50 employer for Gender Equality, a Top 75 employer for Social Mobility, accredited with the Living Wage Foundation and a signatory for the Race at Work Charter, but we are also committed to the United Nations standards for LGBTI+ and a Stonewall Top 100 Employer.
We are people centric
Our work environments enable you Be Completely You. Our active people-led Inclusive Community networks are representative of all aspects of diversity and are instrumental in enabling and supporting our innovative approach to inclusion.
Bid Programme Manager in Basingstoke employer: Fujitsu
Fujitsu is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being, offering a Work Your Way approach from day one, including part-time options. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, employees are empowered to lead impactful Defence bids while benefiting from a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth. The company also provides generous benefits such as 26 days of annual leave, double-matching pension contributions, and a range of flexible perks, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Programme Manager in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Defence and National Security sectors on LinkedIn or at industry events. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Fujitsu's recent bids and projects. Show us you understand our mission and how your skills can contribute to making the world more sustainable.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Bid Programme Manager. Highlight your programme management expertise and how you've led successful bids in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Programme Manager in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing complex bids, especially in Defence or National Security. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Methodologies:Since we value structured approaches, be sure to mention any programme management methodologies you’re familiar with, like Agile or traditional frameworks. This will help us understand how you can fit into our governance framework.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:We’re all about teamwork here at StudySmarter! Make sure to emphasise your ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and build relationships with stakeholders. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fujitsu
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid lifecycle and the specific requirements of the role. Familiarise yourself with Defence procurement mechanisms and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with managing complex bids.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Bid Programme Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and achieving high-quality outcomes under pressure.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges in bid management and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Discuss any initiatives you've led or contributed to that focused on continuous improvement within bid management. This could include creating reusable assets or sharing best practices, as this aligns with the company's commitment to innovation and excellence.