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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: £60,000 salary plus health and wellbeing benefits, with hybrid working options.
- Other info: Clear career progression in a collaborative, process-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on major defence bids and influence strategy.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management and strong project coordination skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
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. Your chance to drive high‑profile defence projects, coordinating technical experts, consultants, and business development teams to deliver winning proposals. This is a hands‑on manager role—you will oversee the full end‑to‑end bid process rather than focus solely on writing content.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate bid and tender teams, ensuring submissions are delivered on time, on budget, and fully compliant.
- Manage 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 central point of coordination across stakeholders, technical experts, and delivery teams.
- Maintain accurate CRM records and support continuous improvement of bid and tender processes.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Bid Manager, managing complex bid and tender submissions.
- Project management, stakeholder coordination, and governance skills.
- Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.
- Experience within defence, government, regulated or technical sectors would be useful but not necessary.
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 - Defence in Manchester employer: Palmer McCarthy
Contact Detail:
Palmer McCarthy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager - Defence in Manchester
✨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 colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in managing complex bids and your project management skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've led teams to success in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their bid processes and think about how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager - Defence in Manchester
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 any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs in the defence sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the bid lifecycle and stakeholder coordination.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver winning proposals. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, do it! It helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Palmer McCarthy
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid process and lifecycle. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, especially how it relates to the defence sector. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Bid Manager, you'll be leading teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated teams in past projects, highlighting your approach to managing stakeholders and ensuring compliance throughout the bid process.
✨Understand Their Clients
Research the company’s major clients and recent projects, particularly in the defence sector. Being able to discuss their work and how you can contribute to their success will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared for the role.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about their bid strategies, team dynamics, or future projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.