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- Tasks: Lead and coordinate bid teams for high-profile defence projects.
- Company: Top-tier engineering and consultancy business in the UK defence sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on major defence bids and projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Bid Manager in regulated sectors with strong project management skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence bid strategy.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a high-impact Bid Manager role at the heart of the UK defence sector. You’ll lead major bid and tender submissions for a top-tier engineering and consultancy business, working with government organisations and tier-one defence contractors. This is your chance to drive high-profile defence projects, coordinating technical experts, consultants, and business development teams to deliver winning proposals.
As the Bid Manager, you will:
- Lead and coordinate bid and tender teams, ensuring submissions are delivered on time, on budget, and fully compliant
- Manage the full bid lifecycle—from early engagement and client information capture, through PQQ, ITT, interviews, and contract award
- Develop and drive win strategies, identifying customer needs, pricing requirements, and solution opportunities
- Act as the central point of coordination across stakeholders, technical experts, and delivery teams
- Maintain accurate CRM records and support continuous improvement of bid and tender processes
This is a hands-on manager role—you will oversee the full end-to-end bid process rather than focus solely on writing content. You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
- Proven experience as a Bid Manager, managing complex bid and tender submissions
- Experience within defence, government, or regulated sectors
- Strong project management, stakeholder coordination, and governance skills
- Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail
Work on high-profile defence bids with major UK and international clients, in a collaborative, process-driven tender environment with clear career progression. Influence bid strategy, processes, and capability development across the business, while enjoying hybrid working across multiple UK locations. If you are a Bid Manager who thrives in a structured environment, coordinating teams to deliver winning proposals, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact.
Bid Manager in Bristol employer: Palmer McCarthy Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Palmer McCarthy Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you’re at interviews or networking events, make sure to highlight your experience managing complex bids and your project management prowess. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve led teams to success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Before any interview, dive deep into the company’s recent projects and their approach to bids. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show that you’re genuinely interested in their work and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your progress throughout the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex bids and your knowledge of the defence sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your previous experiences make you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your project management skills and attention to detail.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead successful bids. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so if you’ve increased win rates or improved processes, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Palmer McCarthy Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Bids
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the bid lifecycle and the specific processes involved in defence tenders. Be ready to discuss your past experiences managing complex submissions and how you ensured compliance and timely delivery.
✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills
As a Bid Manager, you'll be the glue that holds everything together. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to coordinate between various stakeholders, technical experts, and teams. Use specific instances where your leadership made a difference in the outcome of a bid.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the company and its clients thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how you would identify customer needs and develop win strategies tailored to those requirements. This shows that you’re not just a manager but a strategic thinker who can drive successful proposals.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Talk about how you've contributed to improving bid processes in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you maintained accurate records and implemented changes that enhanced efficiency or effectiveness in bid submissions.