At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex bids for innovative nuclear power projects, shaping strategies and guiding teams.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the green energy sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading major bids and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 63600 - 83500 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid, based from one of our offices in Derby, Manchester or Warrington
Salary: we anticipate paying a salary in the £63,600.00 - £83,500.00 range
Rolls‑Royce SMR is leading the transformation of clean energy through innovative Small Modular Reactor technology. Our mission is to provide secure, low‑carbon, affordable energy at global scale — enabling industry, communities and nations to decarbonise. Backed by decades of engineering excellence, we are creating the UK’s flagship green export product and setting new standards in nuclear innovation.
Our Strategy & Business Development – Proposals team sits at the heart of how we win and deliver new nuclear programmes. The team partners with engineering, regulatory, commercial and project delivery colleagues to shape winning solutions that reflect our SMR capability and strategic ambition.
As a Lead Bid Manager, you will guide high‑performing teams through complex bid development, directly influencing the future pipeline of national and international SMR projects.
We’ll Need You To:
- Lead the end‑to‑end development of significant, complex bids for new nuclear power plant programmes in the UK and internationally.
- Shape bid strategy, oversee solution development, and advise on risk, positioning and commercial structure.
- Lead multidisciplinary bid teams across engineering, safety and regulatory affairs, commercial, PMO and supply chain.
- Support client engagement activities including presentations, clarifications and negotiations.
- Manage bid budgets, timelines and governance reviews.
- Coach and mentor team members and act as a functional expert in best‑practice bidding.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of processes, tools and templates across the function.
What You’ll Bring:
- Demonstrable experience leading major bids within nuclear, energy or large infrastructure sectors.
- Strong leadership skills with experience guiding multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
- Extensive understanding of bid governance, compliance, and quality assurance.
- Ability to solve complex technical, commercial and strategic challenges.
- Experience authoring and reviewing technical content from SMEs.
- Ability to manage risk, budgets and programme timelines.
- A relevant degree (engineering, business, PM or similar); APMP/PMQ desirable but not essential.
What’s in it for you?
We anticipate a salary of £63,600.00 - £83,500.00 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring.
We Also Offer Excellent Benefits Including:
- Bonus - Performance related bonus of up to 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance - £2200, enabling you to create a bespoke package
- Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
- Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
- Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care
- Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
- £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases
Why Join Us?
- A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
- Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
- A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we’ll let you in on a secret: there’s no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector‑jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.
Our Application Process:
Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:
- Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
Lead Bid Manager employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
Contact Detail:
Rolls-Royce SMR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Bid Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the nuclear and energy sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially around clean energy and SMR technology. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals – this will make you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience leading bids and managing multidisciplinary teams. Use specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex challenges. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to transform clean energy. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Bid Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading bids, especially in the nuclear or energy sectors, and showcase how your skills align with our mission at Rolls-Royce SMR.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your strong leadership abilities! Share examples of how you've guided multidisciplinary teams through complex projects. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our high-performing teams.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid processes and strategies relevant to the nuclear sector. Familiarise yourself with past bids you've led or contributed to, and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you shaped bid strategies and managed multidisciplinary teams.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Bid Manager, your leadership abilities are crucial. Prepare to share stories that highlight your experience in guiding teams through complex projects. Think about challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve success, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research Rolls-Royce SMR's mission and recent developments in clean energy and Small Modular Reactor technology. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals, and how you can contribute to their vision of providing low-carbon energy solutions.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Since client engagement is a key part of the role, practice how you would handle presentations, clarifications, and negotiations. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged clients or stakeholders, and be ready to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to build relationships.