At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global bids and proposals for defence and aerospace sectors, shaping winning strategies.
- Company: Join Mercury Systems, a leader in technology for defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, career growth, and the chance to work with international experts.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusivity in a dynamic workplace focused on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while driving strategic growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex bids, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking.
Lead global pursuits. Shape winning strategies. Drive international growth. Are you an experienced bid professional with a track record of delivering complex, high-value proposals in the defence, aerospace, or advanced technology sectors? We're looking for a Bids & Proposals Manager to lead the development and submission of compelling, compliant, and competitive bids for global customers. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving strategic growth while collaborating with international teams, partners, and stakeholders across multiple regions.
About the Role
As our Bids & Proposals Manager, you will take ownership of the complete bid lifecycle, from qualification and strategy development through to submission and post-bid review. Working within a highly regulated and fast-paced environment, you'll lead complex pursuits for government, defence, and aerospace customers, ensuring proposals are commercially robust, technically compelling, and fully compliant with international requirements. This role offers significant visibility across the business and the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders, capture teams, engineering experts, and global partners.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead end-to-end bid and proposal activities for complex defence and aerospace opportunities.
- Develop winning bid strategies aligned to customer priorities, capture plans, and growth objectives.
- Manage proposal schedules, reviews, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement across international teams.
- Ensure submissions meet all quality, governance, and compliance requirements.
- Coordinate multinational teams, partners, joint ventures, and subcontractors throughout the proposal process.
- Facilitate effective collaboration across different cultures, geographies, and time zones.
- Tailor proposal messaging and content to regional customer expectations and procurement practices.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements, export control regulations, and security obligations.
- Work closely with Legal, Security, and Compliance teams to manage contractual and cross-border risks.
- Support adherence to FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and other relevant defence procurement frameworks.
Proposal Development
- Lead proposal planning, compliance reviews, and content development.
- Write, edit, and integrate technical, management, and commercial responses.
- Ensure proposals are persuasive, well-structured, and aligned with evaluation criteria.
- Support pricing strategies, cost models, and commercial reviews.
- Identify and mitigate proposal, contractual, and delivery risks.
- Ensure alignment between technical solutions, commercial terms, and customer requirements.
- Analyse bid performance and win/loss data to drive future success.
- Maintain proposal templates, content libraries, and best practices.
- Champion innovation and continuous improvement, including the use of AI-enabled tools where appropriate.
What We're Looking For
- Significant experience managing bids and proposals within the Defence, Aerospace, Security, or Advanced Technology sectors.
- Proven success delivering complex, high-value proposals for government customers or prime contractors.
- Strong understanding of international procurement environments and regulated industries.
- Exceptional project management and stakeholder management skills.
- Outstanding written communication and proposal development capability.
- Experience working across international teams, partners, and subcontractors.
- Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
- APMP Certification (Foundation, Practitioner, or Professional).
- Degree in Business, Engineering, Aerospace, or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of defence procurement regulations and export controls.
- Existing Security Clearance or ability to obtain government clearance.
If you're passionate about developing winning proposals, thrive in complex international environments, and want to make an impact on high-profile defence and aerospace programmes, we'd love to hear from you.
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Mercury Systems, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity. We believe that equal opportunity is fundamental to building a dynamic and innovative workforce. We provide employment opportunities free from discrimination, ensuring fair treatment for all individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our commitment extends beyond compliance—we actively promote diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices, workplace policies, and career development opportunities. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents to Mercury Systems' success.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted, thank you in advance for your understanding.
Bids and Proposals Manager employer: Mercury Systems
Mercury Systems is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to take ownership of their projects while providing ample opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and a commitment to employee well-being, our EMEA location offers a dynamic environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the field of IT operations and cybersecurity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bids and Proposals Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Bids and Proposals Manager at Mercury Systems!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Mercury Systems or be willing to refer you for that Bids and Proposals Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Mercury Systems who’s on the lookout for their next Bids and Proposals Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Bids and Proposals Manager role at Mercury Systems!
We think you need these skills to ace Bids and Proposals Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Mercury Systems. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercury Systems
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Mercury Systems. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
