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- Tasks: Lead the bid lifecycle and develop winning strategies for high-value contracts.
- Company: Dynamic aviation and defence organisation with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced pension, bonuses, private medical options, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while managing complex bids.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Join a team that values diverse perspectives and offers career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are recruiting an experienced Bid Manager to join a high-performing business operating in a complex, regulated aviation and defence environment.
This is a key role within the Business Development function, responsible for leading the delivery of high-quality, compelling bids that secure and retain long-term contracts across a diverse customer base.
This opportunity suits a proactive, detail-driven professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys owning the full bid lifecycle — from early qualification through to contract award.
A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered, including enhanced pension contributions, bonus incentives, private medical options, electric vehicle schemes, wellbeing programmes, and additional flexible benefits.
Reporting into senior leadership, the Bid Manager will take responsibility for the end-to-end management of complex bids and proposals.
You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop winning strategies, ensure governance compliance, and deliver high-impact submissions to deadline.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the full bid lifecycle, from opportunity qualification through to submission and contract award
- Develop clear bid strategies, plans, and win themes aligned to customer and commercial objectives
- Coordinate and lead multi-disciplinary bid teams, working closely with sales, delivery, finance, legal, and external partners
- Act as the central point of contact for all bid-related activity, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely progress through reviews and approvals
- Ensure compliance with internal bid governance frameworks and recognised bid-management best practice (e.g. Shipley methodology)
- Continuously improve bid processes, governance, and knowledge-sharing across the business
- Proven experience in bid and proposal management, ideally within aviation, aerospace, defence, or similarly regulated sectors
- Minimum 5 years’ experience managing complex, high-value bids
- Strong leadership and stakeholder-management skills with commercial awareness
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce persuasive, high-quality proposals
- Advanced MS Office capability and outstanding organisational skills
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a high-pressure environment
The organisation is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful working environment. Different perspectives and experiences are actively encouraged, recognising that diversity strengthens decision-making and business outcomes.
Applications are welcomed from veterans, service leavers, and armed forces spouses or partners, and reasonable adjustments will be made to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.
About the OrganisationThe business delivers highly specialised aviation and operational training services, supporting complex missions across the UK and internationally. With a modern and diverse fleet, advanced technology, and highly experienced personnel, the organisation provides mission-critical capability to customers operating in demanding environments across allied and NATO regions.
Bid Manager in Bournemouth employer: Volantes Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Volantes Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aviation and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent bids. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your bid management experience clearly and confidently. Highlight specific examples of successful bids you've led, focusing on your leadership and strategic skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex bids, especially in aviation or defence, and showcase 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. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to digest.
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 without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volantes Recruitment
✨Know Your Bid Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the full bid lifecycle, from opportunity qualification to contract award. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed complex bids in the past and what strategies you employed to ensure their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Bid Manager, you'll need to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in previous roles, highlighting your ability to manage stakeholders and drive collaboration across different functions.
✨Master the Art of Persuasion
Since you'll be producing high-quality proposals, brush up on your written and verbal communication skills. Bring samples of your work or be prepared to discuss how you craft compelling narratives that align with customer objectives.
✨Understand Compliance and Best Practices
Research the internal bid governance frameworks and recognised methodologies like Shipley. Be ready to explain how you've ensured compliance in your previous bids and how you continuously improve processes for better outcomes.
