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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bid planning and create project documentation for exciting engineering projects.
- Company: Join a leading engineering & technology manufacturer in a dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Shape projects from the start and make a real impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong skills in MS Project required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a forward-thinking engineering business.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
A leading engineering & technology manufacturer is looking for a Bid & Project Planning Manager to join their growing team in Southampton. This role sits at the front end of the project lifecycle, partnering closely with Sales and Engineering to build robust schedules, budgets, risk logs and governance for all new bids and proposals. You’ll ensure projects are deliverable, commercially sound, and ready for seamless handover to the delivery team once contracts are secured.
Responsibilities
- Lead bid planning and build baseline project documentation (schedule, budget, cost model, assumptions, risk log)
- Create detailed resource-loaded plans using MS Project
- Run early risk & opportunity workshops
- Drive project governance, commercial due diligence, and stage-gate compliance
- Support bid/no-bid decisions with clear viability analysis
Qualifications
- Experience in project management or project planning within engineering/manufacturing
- Background in bids, proposals, or front-end project lifecycle
- Strong commercial awareness: estimating, costing, budgeting
- High proficiency with MS Project
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Eligible for UK Security Clearance
If you’re highly organised, commercially aware and enjoy shaping projects from day one, this is a great opportunity to join a forward-thinking engineering business working on complex, high-value programmes.
Bid & Project Planning Manager in England employer: Octagon Group
Contact Detail:
Octagon Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid & Project Planning Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in project management and bids. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. We believe it’s a simple yet effective way to stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Bid & Project Planning Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid & Project Planning Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your project management background, especially in engineering or manufacturing, to show us you’re the right fit for the Bid & Project Planning Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role. Share specific examples of your experience with bids and project planning, and how you’ve successfully managed projects from the front end of the lifecycle.
Show Off Your MS Project Skills: Since proficiency in MS Project is key for this role, don’t forget to mention your experience with it. If you’ve created detailed resource-loaded plans before, give us the details to demonstrate your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octagon Group
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid process and project lifecycle. Familiarise yourself with how bids are structured, what makes them successful, and be ready to discuss your past experiences in managing bids and proposals.
✨Master MS Project
Since this role requires high proficiency with MS Project, brush up on your skills. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've used MS Project to create detailed resource-loaded plans. Maybe even bring a sample plan to showcase your expertise!
✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness
This position demands strong commercial awareness, so come armed with examples of how you've estimated costs, managed budgets, or conducted viability analyses in previous roles. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are key. Think of instances where you've successfully engaged with different stakeholders, whether in risk workshops or during project governance. Be ready to share how you navigated those relationships.
