At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bids from opportunity identification to proposal submission and customer negotiations.
- Company: Join Stirling Dynamics, a fast-paced company with a global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and social events throughout the year.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in aerospace, marine, and defence engineering while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field; bid management experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 € per year.
Stirling Dynamics is recruiting a Bid Manager to join the team. The successful candidate will report into our Head of Business and will primarily be involved in managing a variety of bids across all areas of the business. The role involves leading bids from initial opportunity identification through to submitting proposals and supporting customer negotiations. Key to this is ensuring that bids are controlled in line with the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) and bid management procedures within the level of delegated authority. This role would suit a candidate who has previous engineering and current bid management experience looking to move into a fast-moving company with a world-wide customer base. This role will be based in our Bristol offices with travel to our clients’ sites as required; however, as part of our commitment to flexible working, employees are able to combine office work with remote working.
Responsibilities
- Manage bids across Business Units in accordance with the company procedures.
- Participation in the early Bid Phase, this could involve customer liaison and supporting initial requirement/scope capture and definition.
- Tracking, monitoring progress, management and delivering allocated bids and projects in terms of: Time, Cost and Quality.
- Leading engineering and operational bid teams as required in creating compelling and competitive technical, commercial and financial proposals in support of offers to customers.
- Management of risk in accordance with company procedures to ensure all technical, commercial and financial risks are considered and included in bids.
- Preparation of all Bid Process Documentation, including: Bid Initiation; Bid Approval and Contract Acceptance.
- Ensure a seamless transition from the Bid to the Project Delivery Teams, assisting with Project Start-up and Initiation Documentation and attending Project Kick Off meetings.
- With SME support, to generate robust costings (WBS, Hours, Purchased Items), and facilitating stakeholder cost reviews in support of Bid Approval.
- Continuous improvement: development of standardised bid libraries: proposal content; standardised costs management of bid lessons learned.
- Stakeholder communication and management (both internal and external to customers and suppliers).
- Early and clear reporting, raising and escalation of bid issues, risks, and potential problems.
- Support the implementation of Best Practice bid management across the company and identify opportunities for improving processes and efficiency.
- Support the project management team in process streamlining and improvement.
Qualifications
- Degree qualified in an engineering, science, technology, mathematics or related discipline.
- Recognised Project Management training and qualification – Desirable.
Essential skills
- Ability to lead teams and drive deliverables in challenging technical environments.
- Able to work with a wide experience level from junior engineers to well-regarded technical consultants.
- Financially astute, able to define and manage bid budgets.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Confident in prioritisation and managing concurrent workstreams.
- Ability to manage own workload and work to deadlines.
- Be an effective communicator, both written and verbal.
- A proactive and assertive nature with the motivation to succeed.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Experience
- General experience within the aerospace, marine and defence engineering environment.
- Experience of bid and project management in engineering technical services provision and/or full life cycle development programmes.
- Experience of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Epicor - Desirable.
Benefits
Competitive package - Grade 5-6, £42,000-£60,000 dependent on experience. We offer a range of benefits to our employees to recognise their efforts. Playing hard is equally as important as working hard, so regular events are held throughout the year which provide an ideal opportunity to mix socially.
Bid Manager employer: Stirling Dynamics
Stirling Dynamics is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where innovation meets collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements that allow for a healthy work-life balance. Our vibrant culture encourages teamwork and social engagement through regular events, making it a rewarding place to build a career in bid management within the aerospace, marine, and defence sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and bid management fields. 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!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Stirling Dynamics and their recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge of their work and how your skills can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in managing bids and leading teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you’ve successfully managed bids in the past, focusing on time, cost, and quality. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to lead teams and handle challenges. Confidence is key!
✨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 Stirling Dynamics. Let’s get you that Bid Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bid Manager role. Highlight your engineering background and any relevant bid management experience. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful bids you've managed. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your achievements, even better! It helps us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stirling Dynamics
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid management process and the specific requirements of the role. Familiarise yourself with Stirling Dynamics' previous bids and projects, as well as their Quality Management System (QMS). This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Bid Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team through a challenging bid or project. Highlight your ability to manage diverse teams and drive deliverables, especially in technical environments.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Since the role requires managing bid budgets, brush up on your financial acumen. Be ready to discuss how you've previously defined and managed budgets for bids. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you had to make tough financial decisions during the bidding process.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you manage stakeholder communication and how you handle potential issues or risks in the bidding process.
