Bid Manager

NP Aerospace is seeking an experienced Bid Manager to help deliver current contracts and win future business by leading the development of clear, compelling and commercially robust proposals that align to our strategic objectives. You will manage bids end to end, from bid and no bid through to contract acceptance, coordinating inputs across engineering, programmes, operations, procurement, quality, cost engineering and senior leadership. A key part of the role is owning our Social Values and ESG written responses, ensuring they are credible, compliant and competitive. Working across our UK and North American business units, you will interpret customer requirements, shape win themes, manage bid plans and budgets, capture risk and assumptions, and produce high quality submissions to tight deadlines. Opportunities will range from smaller quotes to multi million pound, high complexity defence bids.

WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN

• Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
• Flex your day – flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
• Time to recharge – 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
• Future security – competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)
• Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
• Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
• Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
• Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose

JOB DUTIES

• Lead and support bid activity across major and minor opportunities, producing high quality, compliant and commercially robust proposals.
• Own the creation of Social Values and ESG written responses, ensuring they are evidence based, credible and aligned to customer requirements.
• Take full or joint accountability for bids from bid and no bid through to contract acceptance, coordinating inputs across all required functions.
• Support early capture activity with Business Development, helping to shape the opportunity, clarify the customer need and structure the bid approach before formal launch.
• Manage pre bid submissions as required, including Expressions of Interest, PQQs and RFIs, ensuring timely and well written responses.
• Build and maintain bid plans, schedules and bid budgets, keeping workstreams on track and escalating risks or blockers early.
• Track, maintain and report bid status and key actions clearly and consistently to stakeholders at all levels.
• Work with Project Management, Engineering, Operations, Procurement and Quality to develop technical and service solutions that meet customer requirements and reflect deliverable commitments.
• Partner with Cost Engineering to develop pricing and cost models, including target cost setting and rapid turnaround ROM submissions.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.

EXPERIENCE

• Bid management experience within defence or complex engineering environments, ideally involving Prime Defence Contractors, the UK Ministry of Defence and related agencies, plus export or international customers where relevant.
• Strong understanding of tendering and contracting routes and commercial models, including fixed price, ROM, budgetary and not to exceed, plus competitive and single source submissions.
• Experience contributing to Social Values and ESG content, with an understanding of what good evidence looks like and how it is assessed.
• High level of numeracy and commercial awareness, with experience interpreting cost inputs, assumptions and pricing logic.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel. MS Project experience is desirable.
• Technical awareness of engineering, manufacturing or vehicle and armour environments. Technical qualifications are desirable.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements in defence bidding, including security considerations and export controls.

ABILITY ASSESSMENT

As part of the interview process, you will complete a short practical exercise based on a Social Values and ESG tender requirement, to assess how you interpret requirements and structure a written response.

WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry. Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture. Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations. Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws. Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.