Research Bids Manager in London

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is one of the world's leading research think-tanks in the field of defence, security, and geopolitics. The Research Business Development team was established in 2023 to support RUSI's nine research groups to meet their annual funding targets by responding to competitive bids, proactively identifying new funding opportunities, and sharing best practice across the organisation.

We are seeking to appoint a Bids Manager with experience in managing the development and submissions process for successful research bids, to be an integral part of a wider team that spearheads RUSI's research fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Director, Research Business Development, the successful candidate will lead the process for preparing select strategic bids, provide high-quality contributions to other research bids, including providing quality assurance on content and budgets against scoring criteria, and be responsible for building central resources to improve and facilitate effective bids to key funders.

Main purpose of the post

• Strategic Bid Management and Ownership: The post-holder will have end-to-end ownership of the bid lifecycle for select strategically important, high-value, and complex institutional bids. This includes those that are cross-programmatic and/or involve multi-office coordination (RUSI UK and RUSI Europe) targeting major funders such as the UK FCDO and the European Commission.
• Bid and Proposal Coordination, Compliance, and Collaboration: The post-holder is the central resource providing reliable and timely strategic input, quality assurance, and compliance oversight for research bids, working closely with research and finance teams.
• Business Development and Process Improvement: The post-holder will proactively drive cultural and procedural change to establish and sustain a more rigorous, consistent, and competitive approach to business development across the organisation.

Person specification

• Essential Skills and Experience: The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, experience, skills, and behavioural competencies:
• Experience and Track Record: An extensive track record of submitting high-quality research project proposals to key funders (FCDO, European Commission, etc.), with a demonstrable history of driving process improvements and embedding lessons learnt into practice.
• Knowledge and Qualifications: Strong knowledge and awareness of common non-technical requirements for bid submissions, including statements on duty of care, quality assurance, supply chain management, and gender, diversity, equity, and inclusion (GDEI).
• Core Skills and Technical Capabilities: Able to produce clear, accurate, and insightful written output, setting high standards and enhancing our external reputation through the production of strong, persuasive bids.
• Behavioural Competencies and Time Management: Proven ability to build credibility and diplomatically manage relationships with senior internal stakeholders, peers, and external partners.

We expect all staff to abide by and promote RUSI's Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement. Benefits include 25 days annual leave (rising with service), additional days off during Christmas, generous pension contributions, access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, life assurance, season ticket loan, rental deposit scheme, and free access to RUSI's world-leading programme of events and conferences.

Application Process: To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions. You will be asked to include your CV and a Cover letter of no more than one page. Closing date: 16th January 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.