At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bids and proposals for innovative manufacturing projects in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Join Eaton, a leader in advanced manufacturing with a focus on inclusion and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, hybrid model, and ongoing career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a state-of-the-art facility with a commitment to employee happiness.
- Why this job: Make an impact in defence technology while growing your career in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in manufacturing with strong negotiation and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Bids and Proposals Manager to lead our team at Wimbourne. To be successful in this role you will have a strong background in Manufacturing, Negotiation and have strong experience dealing with customers whilst being highly organised and resilient.
Our site in Wimborne - former Cobham Mission Systems, now part of the Eaton portfolio, is manufacturing air-to-air refueling systems and actuation (weapons carriage), primarily for defense markets. The site has a workforce of approximately 1,000 people. It is a state-of-the-art facility, using the most modern techniques in AI, Machine Learning, integrating testing, next generation systems. It is also a people enabling organization, striving on career growth and employees’ happiness. We are ITAR Regulated for this site.
What you’ll do:
- Bid and Proposal Management of new and existing sales opportunities to proposal submission, in line with current business process.
- Accurate bid planning and execution to ensure a clear strategy, timely functional inputs, ‘right-first-time’ approvals and submission in line with promise dates.
- Establish, and manage a Bid team and input from a variety of stakeholders, typically involving contributions from Business Development, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, Contracts and Commercial, and external partners.
- Lead bid reviews and meetings in accordance with Eaton MSD processes, providing bid management direction and engagement with the Bid Team. Ensuring bids are on-time, with gate reviews held and the required approvals gained.
- Own the production and review of the written proposal and supporting documentation - both in terms of content and presentation, working with the solution/delivery SMEs and external partners to communicate their propositions in a client-centric manner.
- Support the Capture Leader in developing a capture strategy that offers a differentiated customer-focused solution.
- Work with the Capture Leader to develop a bid strategy, implementation plan, and budget and effectively transitions capture strategy to the bid strategy.
- Supporting the Business Development team and IPTs through the provision of timely and accurate information relating to customers, products, platforms and issues which might influence Capture Plans and customer relationships.
- May serve as customer-facing Capture Lead for new opportunities where required, ensuring accurate requirements capture, updating Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool data, and providing solutions which meet customer expectations.
- Pursuing bid submissions until order receipt and acceptance.
- Prepare and train Proposal Team members and other part-time Bid Managers, in the Proposal process methods to ensure understanding and adherence to the process, practices and schedule.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing or Finance would be beneficial
- 3-5 years in Manufacturing setting
- Background in Sales, Finance, Estimating, Supply Chain or Engineering.
Skills:
- Demonstrated experience in demand driven business process execution
- Track record of building and maintaining professional & industry relationships.
- Comfort and ability to present to Senior Leaders and up to C-Suite executives
- Trust and Ethics (Expert)
- Emotional Intelligence (Advanced)
- Influence and Communication (Advanced)
- Initiative and Drive (Expert)
- Managing Time and Priorities (Expert)
- Problem Solving and Creativity (Advanced)
- Working in Teams (Expert)
- Local and Global Business Environment (Adv)
- Business Ops, Systems and Process (Advanced)
- Business Planning & Strategy (Intermediate)
- Commercial Intuition (Intermediate)
- Customer Orientation (Expert)
- Financial Management (Intermediate)
- Managing Projects & Organization (Advanced)
- Business Improvement (Intermediate)
- Developing Others (Advanced)
- Leadership (Intermediate)
- Making Decisions (Advanced)
- Managing Conflict (Advanced)
- Managing Performance (Advanced)
- Managing Teams (Advanced)
- Selecting and Hiring (Advanced)
- Sales Team Management (Advanced)
- Persuading, Negotiating and Closing (Foundation)
- Sales
- Sales Process, Forecasting & Planning (Advanced)
- Relationship Management (Advanced)
- Developing Innovative Propositions (Intermediate)
- Delivering The Benefits (Intermediate)
- SHE (Intermediate)
- Contracts and Commercial (Intermediate)
- Risk Management (Intermediate)
- Bid Review and Approval (Intermediate)
What we offer:
- Flexible working hours and a hybrid working model for the right candidate - minimum of 2-3 days on site per week.
- A company culture committed to Inclusion & Diversity and Sustainability.
- Annual mentoring programme, Eaton University, and a robust reward and recognition framework.
- Ongoing learning and global career development opportunities, including internal mobility.
- Comprehensive induction support and a well‑structured onboarding experience.
The successful applicant will be in contact with US ITAR controlled technology, goods and information. As a condition of employment, employees with access to US ITAR controlled technology and goods may be required to undergo an additional screening process as part of the recruitment process.
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.
Bids and Proposals Manager employer: Nutanix
Eaton's Wimborne site offers an exceptional work environment for a Bids and Proposals Manager, combining cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to employee growth and satisfaction. With flexible working hours, a culture that prioritises inclusion and diversity, and extensive career development opportunities, this role not only allows you to lead impactful projects in the defence sector but also supports your professional journey in a collaborative and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bids and Proposals Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Nutanix, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Bids and Proposals Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Nutanix specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nutanix
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Nutanix, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Nutanix value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
