Senior Programme and Bid Manager

Senior Programme and Bid Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a team in managing complex programmes and bids.
  • Company: Join HENSOLDT, a leader in innovative defence solutions.
  • Benefits: Structured onboarding, targeted training, ergonomic workstations, and health management.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion while advancing your career.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with diverse opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in programme management and strong stakeholder skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.

The Senior Programme & Bid Manager is responsible for the programme and bid management team. The Senior Programme & Bid Manager is accountable for the successful leadership, governance, and delivery of a portfolio of complex programmes and bids across the business. The role provides senior oversight of programme execution while leading a matrix bid management model, in which Programme Managers own and lead complex bids from opportunity capture through contract award and into in-life programme delivery. The Senior Programme & Bid Manager is responsible for the preparation and presentation of monthly programme status reports to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Develop and maintain robust programme management processes proportionate with the size and needs of the business. Identify and manage programme risks.

Job Functions

  • Lead and inspire a team of Programme Managers and a Bid Manager, creating a high performance, accountable delivery culture.
  • Own the overall health of the programme and bid portfolio, ensuring alignment to business strategy and customer priorities.
  • Balance resources and priorities across live programmes and concurrent bids.
  • Ensure robust programme governance, reporting, and control (schedule, cost, risk, change, benefits).
  • Own the bid operating model and ensure effective application across all opportunities.
  • Oversee bid strategy, resourcing, governance, and approval processes.
  • Ensure strong handover from bid to mobilisation and in-life delivery.
  • Ensure effective risk, issue, and opportunity management across bids and programmes.
  • Establish and maintain reporting to senior leadership and governance forums.
  • Ensure compliance with internal processes, regulatory requirements, and customer obligations.
  • Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement across the lifecycle.
  • Undertake additional project tasks as required.
  • Provide Project management resource to Engineering PM team in support of internal development projects, if needed.
  • Plan execution of programmes and bids, liaising with customers as necessary to refine detail of requirement.
  • Liaise with sub-contractors regarding their part in programme execution.
  • Review estimates of programme costs and propose internal budgets for programme execution.
  • Manage and control the work of the programme managers.
  • Support the Finance business partner in revenue forecasts.
  • Lead performance management, succession planning, and talent development.
  • Any other tasks associated with this role.

Requirements

  • Proven leadership experience in programme and bid management within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
  • Track record of leading complex bids and major programmes end to end.
  • Strong understanding of matrix organisations and multi-disciplinary leadership.
  • Excellent commercial, contractual, and risk management capability.
  • Strong governance, assurance, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent stakeholder management at senior customer and executive level.
  • Willingness to occasionally travel to visit Customer sites in the UK or overseas.
  • Confident, credible, and decisive under pressure.
  • Collaborative and influential across functions.
  • Customer centric with strong commercial awareness.

Experience Required

  • Practical experience within a Project Management environment ideally in the defence sector.
  • Professional qualifications such as APM, MSP, PMP, PRINCE2, or similar.
  • Experience of running Projects and Bids from conception to implementation.
  • Experience working with international customers or export contracts.
  • Ability to manage and record budgets/spend and provide forecast information.
  • Sound customer care skills.

Key Relationships

  • Extensive liaison within and outside HENSOLDT UK with customers, suppliers, and collaborators at a senior level.
  • Promotes the work of the business.
  • Approves recommendations relevant to staff managed: salary, appraisal, promotion, discipline, and grievances within the framework provided by HR.

Qualifications

  • HND or degree level within Project management or equivalent experience.
  • APM qualified would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

  • Confident forward-thinking can-do attitude with the ability to be flexible and pragmatic.

Employee Compliance

The job holder will be expected to comply with any reasonable operational instruction or procedures relating to Company policies, reporting and controls. Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides a duty on every employee, while at work, to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. It also places a duty on employees to cooperate with their employer so far as is necessary to enable their duties to be complied with including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Failure to comply with this duty may result in the Company invoking the disciplinary procedure.

Personal & Professional Development

We support your development with structured onboarding, targeted training programs and tailored talent development.

Working Atmosphere

We offer an innovative working atmosphere with modern premises and expert networks.

Health & Prevention

We promote your health with ergonomic workstations, health management and occupational health and safety programs.

Mobility & Sustainability

We promote mobility and sustainability through various and special offers.

Become our next pioneer. Apply now and become part of the HENSOLDT team! HENSOLDT is committed to diversity and an inclusive corporate culture. We therefore welcome all applications - regardless of origin, age, gender, disability, identity or ideology.

Senior Programme and Bid Manager employer: HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH

HENSOLDT is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, providing employees with structured onboarding and targeted training programmes to support their professional growth. Located in a modern workspace, the company prioritises employee well-being through ergonomic workstations and health management initiatives, while also promoting sustainability and mobility. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values accountability and excellence in delivering complex programmes and bids.

HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH

Contact Detail:

HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Programme and Bid Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. We want you to walk into that interview room feeling confident and ready to showcase how you can lead complex programmes and bids.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your experience in programme and bid management. We suggest rehearsing answers to common interview questions and even some tough ones, so you’re ready to impress the hiring team.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe this small gesture can keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme and Bid Manager

Programme Management
Bid Management
Leadership Skills
Governance and Assurance
Risk Management
Stakeholder Management
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in programme and bid management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership and governance expertise!

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead complex bids and programmes. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact – numbers speak volumes!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your key points stand out.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!

How to prepare for a job interview at HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH

Know Your Programmes Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the programmes and bids relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the company's portfolio and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in the company's mission.

Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Senior Programme & Bid Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and managed teams in the past, especially in complex environments. Highlight your ability to create a high-performance culture and how you've handled challenges in leadership roles.

Showcase Your Risk Management Expertise

Given the importance of risk management in this role, come prepared with specific examples of how you've identified and mitigated risks in previous projects. Discuss your approach to governance and assurance, and how it has led to successful outcomes in your past experiences.

Engage with Stakeholders

Stakeholder management is key for this position. Be ready to talk about your experience working with senior customers and executives. Share how you've built relationships and navigated complex stakeholder landscapes to achieve project goals, demonstrating your customer-centric approach.