At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage bid teams to create winning proposals that drive success.
- Company: Join SEA, a leader in advanced solutions for global defence and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive culture with excellent career growth and wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while supporting global safety initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in proposal management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
Engineered to Protect, that’s our promise, we protect what matters - our nations, our waters, our land, our cities, our people, our environment, our world. The Head of Bid supports the achievement of SEA strategic objectives by driving the development of successful bid responses and is the ‘go-to’ expert for all aspects of Bids and Proposals best practice including process development, implementation and management. The role will be based at any of SEA’s UK sites, with travel to other sites as required. This role allows for flexible working. The salary for this role is up to £80k, depending on experience.
What you’ll be doing:
- Provide oversight, leadership, management and guidance to bid managers and bid teams to develop high quality bids that are delivered on time to achieve a successful outcome.
- Lead complex bids with multi-disciplined teams through to the successful submission of the proposal.
- Continually improve the bid winning processes to ensure a high percentage of bids won and delivered efficiently, making best use of company resources and people.
What we’re looking for:
- Experienced proposal manager, with a track record of success in leading teams to deliver winning bids.
- Credible understanding of engineering and SEA’s product portfolio, and good knowledge of the global defence market.
- Completer‑finisher with excellent planning and delivery credentials, able to bring leadership and management skills to support and direct bid teams toward high-quality output.
- Customer focused individual able to tackle difficult issues and maintain good relationships both internally and externally.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiating, organizational and decision‑making skills, along with energy, passion and commitment to support a dynamic and growing business.
About our company:
At SEA, we develop and deliver advanced solutions to make our world safer, cleaner and more efficient. We provide state‑of‑the‑art applications for naval ship and fleet protection, and undersea surveillance systems. In-service across the globe, our systems deliver a rapid response to threats and system effectiveness and interoperation. Our systems support an ever‑growing number of navies across the world, and we continue to bolster our already specialist, on‑the‑ground knowledge of key overseas markets.
What we offer:
- Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave, plus buy and sell
- Up to 16 days flexi leave accrual
- Half day Fridays
- Reservists in the Armed Forces receive special paid leave
- Private medical health insurance & Employee Assistance Program
- All Staff Bonus
- Group Pension Plan of up to 7% employer contribution
- Cycle to work scheme
- Wellbeing Centre
- Sports & Social activities
- Employee Discounts portal - online and in-store discounts, travel savings
- Life assurance policy
- Publication and recruitment bonus rewards
- Development opportunities, including LinkedIn learning
- Electric vehicle charging points at all sites
- Private seated lunch areas
- Onsite bistro (Barnstaple office) and free hot and cold beverages
- Onsite showers and toiletries provision
- Free onsite parking
Head of Bids and Proposals in Bristol employer: SEA Ltd
At SEA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a commitment to development opportunities, we empower our team to thrive while contributing to meaningful projects that protect our world. Our supportive environment, coupled with unique benefits like private medical insurance and onsite facilities, makes SEA an attractive place for talented individuals seeking a rewarding career in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Bids and Proposals in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your skills can contribute to their mission of protecting what matters.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past successes in bids and proposals to the table. We’re talking about quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and deliver high-quality results. Make sure they see the value you can bring!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their goals. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Bids and Proposals in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Bids and Proposals role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and delivering successful bids, as well as your understanding of engineering and the defence market. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your leadership and management skills. Share examples of how you've guided bid teams to success and improved processes. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive results, so let that shine through!
Be Customer-Focused:Demonstrate your customer-focused approach in your written application. Talk about how you've maintained good relationships and tackled difficult issues in past roles. We value strong interpersonal skills, so make sure to highlight those experiences!
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 you’re keen on joining our team at SEA!
How to prepare for a job interview at SEA Ltd
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bidding process and best practices. Familiarise yourself with SEA's product portfolio and the global defence market. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're the right fit for leading complex bids.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led bid teams in the past. Highlight your ability to manage multi-disciplined teams and deliver high-quality bids on time. Use specific instances where your leadership made a difference in achieving successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Customer Focus
SEA values customer relationships, so be ready to discuss how you've tackled difficult issues while maintaining good relationships. Share stories that illustrate your interpersonal skills and how you've navigated challenges to meet client needs.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Process Improvements
Think about ways you've improved bidding processes in previous roles. Be prepared to share your ideas on how to enhance efficiency and increase the percentage of bids won. This shows your proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement.