Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to manage complex programmes and major bids.
- Company: Dynamic defence organisation with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, career progression, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in programme and bid management, with strong leadership capabilities.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Programme & Bid Manager to lead a high-performing team responsible for delivering complex, high-value programmes and managing major bids from opportunity through to contract award and into delivery. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for portfolio performance, governance, and execution across multiple programmes and concurrent bids within a fast-paced, regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of Programme Managers and a Bid Manager
- Own the health and performance of the programme and bid portfolio
- Oversee end-to-end bid activity through to contract award and delivery handover
- Ensure strong programme governance (cost, schedule, risk, change, benefits)
- Balance priorities and resources across bids and live programmes
- Provide reporting and insight to senior leadership and governance forums
- Drive commercial, contractual, and risk management excellence
- Manage senior stakeholder and customer relationships
- Support continuous improvement and effective bid-to-delivery transition
What we’re looking for
- Proven leadership in programme and/or bid management in complex environments
- Strong track record delivering major programmes and leading bids end-to-end
- Experience in matrix organisations with senior stakeholder engagement
- Strong commercial, governance, and risk management capability
- Defence or other highly regulated industry experience desirable
- Professional PM qualifications (APM, MSP, PRINCE2, PMP, etc.) advantageous
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Hybrid and flexi working
- Career progression
- High-impact work involvement
- 25 days holiday + BH
Programme and Bid Manager in City of London employer: Innovate
Contact Detail:
Innovate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme and Bid Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Programme & Bid Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership skills and examples of successful programme management. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex bids and managed stakeholder relationships in the past. We want to see that you can handle the heat!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial and risk management expertise during discussions. Highlight specific instances where you've driven excellence in these areas. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a manager, but a strategic thinker who can add real value to our team.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme and Bid Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme & Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex bids, as well as any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
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 your achievements in programme management and stakeholder engagement that demonstrate your leadership skills.
Showcase Your Governance Skills: Since governance is key in this role, make sure to mention your experience with cost, schedule, risk, and change management. We’re keen to see how you’ve successfully navigated these areas in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the programmes and bids the company is currently managing. Familiarise yourself with their portfolio performance and governance structures. This will not only show your interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Programme & Bid Manager, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve results, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Expertise
Highlight your experience in managing senior stakeholders and customer relationships. Think of instances where you navigated complex stakeholder dynamics and how you ensured effective communication. This will be crucial in showcasing your ability to balance priorities across multiple bids and programmes.
✨Prepare for Governance and Risk Discussions
Given the regulated nature of the role, brush up on your knowledge of programme governance and risk management. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented governance frameworks in past roles and how you approach risk assessment and mitigation strategies in your projects.