Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to manage complex programmes and high-value bids in the defence sector.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the defence industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in programme management and experience in regulated industries preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and involvement in high-impact projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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
Senior Programme and Bid Manager in Woking employer: Innovate
Contact Detail:
Innovate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme and Bid Manager in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Programme & Bid Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership stories. Think of specific examples where you've led teams or managed complex bids successfully. We want to hear about your experiences that showcase your skills in programme governance and stakeholder management.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to each one. Show them why you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the Senior Programme & Bid Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme and Bid Manager in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior 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 and bid management, and don’t forget to mention your experience in regulated environments.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior leadership role, make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed teams and driven performance in previous roles. We love to see candidates who can inspire and lead high-performing teams!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of programme and bid management. Familiarise yourself with the complexities of managing high-value programmes, especially in regulated environments like defence. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Programme & Bid Manager, leadership is key. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams effectively, manage senior stakeholders, and drive performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your impact.
✨Understand Governance and Risk Management
Brush up on governance frameworks and risk management strategies relevant to programme delivery. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, ensuring you can articulate your approach to maintaining oversight and managing risks in complex projects.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their current programmes, team dynamics, and future challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.