Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting bids and collaborate on innovative proposals that make a real impact.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex bids and a willingness to learn are key.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation and enhancing global safety.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
What you’ll do as a Senior Bid Manager:
- Leadership of both competitive and non-competitive bids through to a successful conclusion, ranging from tactical follow-on business through to multi-million-pound strategic initiatives.
- Work with the campaign team to help develop win themes, storyboards, graphics, and compelling narratives that can be woven into bid submissions to deliver competitive Customer proposals.
- Coordinate and manage bids with a range of complexities throughout the capture and bid phases of the lifecycle.
What you’ll bring:
- Analyse and break down customer requirements (PQQs, RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, ITTs etc.) into packages of work.
- Work in collaboration with customers and partners, applying best practice, to formulate bid strategies, and drive bid teams to find winning solutions.
- Support the contract negotiation phase, managing and implementing changes required to our bid submission to secure contract award.
- Schedule, plan, and drive bid activities including Win Strategy, Bid Kick-off, Answer Planning, WBS development, Bid Progress Reviews, Proposal production, Proposal content collation, Proposal reviews and Tender Approvals.
- Plan, lead, and challenge cost build-up and pricing activities from business functions.
- Lead bid teams to identify and analyse risks and opportunities, developing mitigation/realisation plans for action post-contract award.
- Forecast functional resource and budget requirements on bids you lead, proactively managing approved bid budgets.
- Manage and contribute to the writing of compelling proposals, drawing on the skills and experience of team members and subject matter experts.
What we need from you:
- Demonstrated experience managing complex bids and proposals.
- Proven track record in winning business (preferably experience of leading bids in excess of £20m) through competitive processes, with strong commercial, project, and risk management skills.
- Experience managing multi-functional teams (preferably in a Bid Management or Business Winning discipline).
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent, with demonstrable bid management knowledge (e.g. APMP, Shipley etc.).
- Ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams that may be geographically dispersed.
- This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance:
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Why join us:
- At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Senior Bid Manager employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonardo UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing complex bids. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your achievements in bid management and how you’ve led teams to success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get those applications in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Bid Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with complex bids and proposals. Use the job description as a guide to showcase how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful bids you’ve managed, especially those over £20m. We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid management process. Familiarise yourself with key terms like PQQs, RFIs, and RFPs. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the jargon but can also apply it in real scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Bid Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multi-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to drive collaboration and motivate team members, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare Compelling Narratives
Since crafting compelling proposals is a big part of the role, think about how you can weave engaging stories into your responses during the interview. Bring examples of past bids where your narrative made a difference, and be ready to discuss how you develop win themes.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Prepare for questions about risk management and how you would handle complex bids. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
