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- Tasks: Lead and coordinate high-value bids in Defence and National Security sectors.
- Company: Join a diverse team at Roke, focused on solving meaningful problems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working on innovative projects that shape the future.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of bid management experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Great ideas come from different minds. That’s why we bring together engineers, scientists, analysts, and creatives from every background — and give them the trust, tools, and freedom to make a difference. What connects us is the mission: solving meaningful problems and building capability that protects what matters most. And as the challenges evolve, so do we — working on the technologies that will shape tomorrow, not just today.
We are seeking an experienced Bid Manager to join our bids team on a 12-month contract, supporting the delivery of complex and high-value bids within the Defence and National Security sectors. The successful candidate will manage bids typically valued between £1m and £10m, ensuring compliance, quality, and timely submission in line with client requirements and organisational standards. This role coordinates inputs from functional areas, Business Units and Client Managers. The role will follow Roke's Bid Assurance process taking opportunities through the Shipley lifecycle with reviews up to CEO level.
Key Responsibilities
- End-to-End Bid Management: Lead and coordinate the full bid lifecycle, with involvement from opportunity qualification through to submission and handover on bids ranging from tactical follow-on business through to multi-million-pound strategic initiatives and Frameworks.
- Capture Support: Work with opportunity teams on data management, developing win themes, storyboards, graphics, and compelling narratives woven into bid submissions, developing and delivering competitive proposals.
- Bid and Proposal Development: Schedule, plan, and drive bid activities including: kick-off; clarification questions; bid progress reviews/daily standups; bid/proposal production; bid/proposal content collation; mandatory bid reviews (e.g. colour reviews); and, approvals documentation.
- Content Development: Oversee the storyboarding; content structure and development, creation, review, and refinement of bid content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and persuasive messaging.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams, subject matter experts, and external partners to gather inputs and ensure alignment with bid strategy, and drive bid teams to find winning solutions.
- Compliance & Governance: Ensure all bids meet client requirements, security protocols, and internal governance standards.
- Planning & Scheduling: Develop and maintain bid plans and timelines. Collaborate with Client Managers and Resource Managers to ensure resource allocations achieve deadlines.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with bid delivery, including resource constraints and compliance issues.
- Continuous Improvement: Contribute to best practices in bid management and support process improvements across the team.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience managing bids in the Defence and/or National Security sectors.
- Strong understanding of complex procurement processes and compliance requirements.
- Minimum 5 years Bid Management Experience, and demonstrable knowledge of the Shipley process.
- Demonstrated success in managing bids valued between £1m and £10m.
- Excellent project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and resource coordination.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
- Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of government frameworks.
- Experience with digital collaboration tools (e.g., SharePoint, MS Teams).
- Social value knowledge and bid content experience.
- Practical experience of IFS will be an advantage.
Why You Should Join Us
We have a competitive salary and access to a number of additional flexible benefits, which will cover Health and Wellbeing, Savings and Protection and Life, Leisure and Entertainment. Roke has a great community of groups with shared interests. These enable people to share ideas and be passionate about tools, technologies and techniques, which interest them.
We are committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion. Our working environment is friendly, creative and inclusive and support a diverse workforce and those with additional needs.
Security Information
Due to the nature of this position, we require you to be willing and eligible to achieve a minimum of SC clearance. To qualify, the candidate should have resided in the UK for the last 5 years for SC.
The Next Step
Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV. We look forward to hearing from you.
Bid Manager 12 mth FTC in Romsey employer: Roke
Contact Detail:
Roke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager 12 mth FTC in Romsey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Defence and National Security sectors. Use LinkedIn to connect with current employees at Roke and ask for insights about the company culture and the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the Shipley process inside out. Be ready to discuss your past experiences managing bids, especially those valued between £1m and £10m, and how you tackled challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Bring examples of how you've successfully planned and coordinated bid activities. Highlight your ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Roke.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager 12 mth FTC in Romsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing bids, especially in the Defence and National Security sectors, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with the Shipley process!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about bid management and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to connect your experiences to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Bid Manager, strong written communication is key. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to create persuasive narratives and compelling proposals right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Roke
✨Know Your Bid Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the Shipley lifecycle and Roke's Bid Assurance process. Be ready to discuss how you've managed bids from opportunity qualification to submission, highlighting your experience with high-value bids in the Defence sector.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've engaged with internal teams and external partners to gather inputs for bids. Emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively and drive teams towards winning solutions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Brush up on compliance requirements and procurement processes relevant to the Defence and National Security sectors. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured bids meet client requirements and internal governance standards in your previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Project Management Expertise
Be ready to talk about your project management skills, especially in planning and scheduling bid activities. Share specific instances where you successfully coordinated resources and met tight deadlines, showcasing your ability to work under pressure.
