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- Tasks: Lead procurement and supply chain strategies for complex bids in the defence sector.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the Defence and Digital domain.
- Benefits: 12-month contract with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape impactful bid solutions and work with diverse teams on high-value projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial, procurement or subcontracts within a bid environment required.
- Other info: Must hold active SC clearance and be a Sole British National.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Subcontract Bids Manager to support a leading organisation operating within the Defence and Digital domain. This role will play a key part in supporting major business-winning activity through the leadership of procurement and supply chain strategy across complex bids.
Contract: 12-month contract (Inside IR35)
Clearance: Must hold live SC Clearance used within the last 12 months (Sole British Nationals only)
The Role
We are supporting a leading defence organisation in the search for an experienced Subcontract Bids Manager to support the delivery of complex, high-value bid submissions. This role sits within the bids and commercial function, with a strong emphasis on subcontracts, procurement and supply chain strategy rather than traditional bid writing. You will play a key role in shaping bid solutions by managing supplier engagement, subcontract strategies, commercial inputs and risk. Working closely with bid, procurement, legal, engineering and finance teams, you will ensure that all subcontract and supply chain elements of bids are commercially robust, compliant and competitive.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop subcontracting and supply chain strategies for bids
- Manage supplier engagement, RFQs, negotiations and commercial inputs
- Support bid pricing, cost models, assumptions and risk management
- Draft, review and manage subcontract terms and commercial flow-downs
- Ensure compliance with internal governance, defence standards and procurement regulations
- Act as the key commercial interface between bids, procurement, legal and supply chain teams
- Support bid reviews, approvals and submission readiness activities
What We’re Looking For
- Strong experience in commercial, procurement or subcontracts within a bid environment
- Background working on defence, aerospace, engineering or other highly regulated sector bids
- Proven capability managing supplier strategy, negotiations and commercial risk
- Knowledge of defence contracting and supply chain frameworks (desirable)
- Active SC clearance and Sole British nationality
Supply Chain and Subcontract Bids Manager in Guildford employer: JAM Recruitment
Contact Detail:
JAM Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain and Subcontract Bids Manager in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience in managing supplier strategies and commercial risk. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Supply Chain and Subcontract Bids Manager role. We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out, so don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain and Subcontract Bids Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in commercial, procurement, and subcontract management. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the role, especially in the defence sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Subcontract Bids Manager role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the challenges in the defence industry.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on specific projects where you led subcontracting strategies or managed supplier engagement. We’re looking for concrete examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
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 keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JAM Recruitment
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the specifics of the bids you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with the procurement and supply chain strategies relevant to the defence sector, as well as any recent projects the organisation has undertaken. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiations and how you've navigated commercial risks. This will highlight your capability in leading subcontracting strategies and engaging effectively with suppliers.
✨Understand Compliance and Governance
Brush up on the internal governance and defence standards that are crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, especially in highly regulated environments. This knowledge will be key in demonstrating your fit for the position.
✨Collaborate Across Teams
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with legal, engineering, or finance teams. Highlight your ability to act as a commercial interface and how you’ve contributed to bid reviews and submission readiness activities.
