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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the full lifecycle of bids in Defence & Security, from qualification to proposal submission.
- Company: Dynamic company in Great Chesterford focused on Defence and Security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a team where your skills can directly impact national security projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in government procurement and technical bidding required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on innovation and teamwork.
Bid Manager (Defence & Security)
If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application.
Great Chesterford, Essex | Full-time | Hybrid (min. 3 days in office)
£65,000 – £75,000 (dependant on experience)
I’m currently partnered with a business in Great Chesterford who are looking to hire an experienced Bid Manager to join their team, with a focus on Defence & Security. This is a customer-facing role, working closely with sales, engineering, and client teams to manage and coordinate the full bid lifecycle process.
The Role
Reporting into the Head of Defence Sales
Based at the Great Chesterford office, with a hybrid model (minimum 3 days per week in the office)
Full-time positionResponsibilities
Manage and coordinate the full lifecycle of bids, from opportunity qualification through to proposal submission, contract negotiation, and acceptance (Must have experience of writing own bids)
Own the bid management process and drive its ongoing development within the business
Lead regular bid review meetings, assigning tasks, setting timescales, and defining deliverables
Work with stakeholders across sales, engineering, the CTO office, legal, and others to gather input
Prepare and deliver compelling bid documentation, ensuring alignment with customer requirements (including contributions to project plans)
Lead responses to supplier onboarding questionnaires
Manage government frameworks, including regular reviews to identify new opportunities
Take ownership of the CRM system (HubSpot), including monthly reporting against sales targets
Liaise with legal on bid information to support review of terms and conditions
Support subcontractor management on collaborative bids
Oversee successful handovers from proposal acceptance through to project execution, working closely with project managers
Coordinate with engineering and project management teams to forecast weekly resource requirementsAbout You
Strong background in government procurement as well as B2B bidding
Several years of experience managing bids in a technical services environment, ideally within Defence
Degree in electronics, physics, or a related technical discipline
Experienced in preparing both commercial and technical bid/proposal documents
Comfortable dealing directly with clients in a professional setting
High energy, proactive, and a self-starter
Able to operate confidently when facing challenge or uncertainty
Bid Manager (Defence & Security) employer: SoCode Limited
Contact Detail:
SoCode Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager (Defence & Security)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Defence & Security sector. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to bid management. We suggest role-playing with a friend or using online resources to simulate the interview experience. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your past bids and proposals. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also give you something tangible to discuss during interviews. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with real examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to take on exciting challenges in the Defence & Security field.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Defence & Security)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in bid management, especially in Defence & Security. We want to see how your skills align with the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Bid Writing Skills: Since this role requires you to write your own bids, include examples of successful bids you've managed in the past. We love seeing concrete results, so if you can quantify your achievements, even better!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it's necessary. Make it easy for us to see why you're the perfect fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SoCode Limited
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the bid lifecycle process. Brush up on your experience with writing bids and managing the full lifecycle, as this will be a key focus in the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you’ve successfully led bids, highlighting your role in proposal submissions and contract negotiations.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare examples of how you’ve coordinated with sales, engineering, and legal teams in past roles. Highlight any successful bid review meetings you’ve led and how you assigned tasks and set deliverables.
✨Prepare Compelling Documentation Samples
Since you’ll need to prepare compelling bid documentation, bring along samples of your previous work. This could include commercial and technical bid documents that align with customer requirements. Be prepared to discuss your approach to ensuring these documents are not only informative but also persuasive.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Government Procurement
Given the focus on Defence & Security, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of government procurement processes. Brush up on relevant frameworks and be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated these in previous roles. Showing that you can identify new opportunities within these frameworks will set you apart.
