At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and own every bid submission, turning technical capabilities into winning narratives.
- Company: Fast-growing defence-tech company with a mission-first mentality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment where teamwork and adaptability are key to success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping bids that secure contracts and drive company success.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management with proven wins in UK defence or regulated B2G.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
You own every bid Xtend UK submits and every contract Xtend UK signs.
Larger MOD opportunities, framework calls, and Army HQ tenders are coming, and this role is the difference between winning them and losing them.
You will run war rooms, deliver against firm deadlines, and convert technical capability into a winning narrative.
A bid-winning mentality is the core of the role.
Core responsibilities
- Own end-to-end bid response on MOD tenders, framework calls, and prime sub-contract opportunities. From qualification to submission, you run it.
- Build the bid library from the ground up - standard responses, past performance, case studies, compliance evidence, CVs, policies. Make every future bid faster than the last.
- Run the war room: coordinate BD, technical, compliance, finance, and global engineering into one coherent, on-time, on-brand submission.
- Lead contract review and negotiation support; manage red-lines with legal and external counsel.
- Own the contracts register live: obligations, milestones, deliverables, change requests, renewals.
- Drive disciplined bid / no-bid decisions. Declining the wrong opportunity is part of the role.
- Push win rate up through structured post-bid reviews. Every loss generates a lesson; every win gets templated.
Requirements
- 5+ years bid, capture, or contracts management in UK defence or regulated B2G - with wins that can be substantiated by reference.
- Demonstrable wins on MOD or prime-led tenders. Experience with DEFCON clauses and Single Source regulations.
- Outstanding written English under pressure - able to produce a winning narrative on a tight submission deadline.
- Strong programme discipline. You can drive a cross-functional bid team to a hard submission deadline under pressure.
- Fluent English; right to work in the UK.
- Strong advantage: APMP Foundation / Practitioner, prior UAV / ISR / defence-electronics sector experience, ex-military or MOD background.
Environment and expectations
- Xtend UK is a fast-growing defence-tech company. Pace is high, structure is being built, and ownership is real.
- You will be expected to contribute beyond the formal scope of your role. Team members support each other to execute the mission successfully.
- Mission-first mentality. We are building capability that ends up in the hands of operators - that comes before process and hierarchy.
- This role is built for operating under pressure with evolving requirements - submission dates move, customer asks shift, and the bid still needs to land.
- Bid leadership here is not just process management. You shape win themes, drive the technical and commercial narrative, and own the outcome.
- Revenue impact is direct and visible. The bids you run determine the contracts the company signs.
- Execution speed matters. We operate with urgency, high ownership, and a strong bias toward action.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Bid Manager in Swindon employer: Xtend
Xtend UK is an exceptional employer for a Bid Manager, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the success of high-stakes defence contracts. With a mission-first mentality and a culture that prioritises teamwork and ownership, employees are encouraged to grow and innovate while navigating the fast-paced landscape of defence technology. The opportunity to shape winning narratives and lead cross-functional teams ensures that every day is both challenging and rewarding, making Xtend UK a standout choice for those seeking meaningful employment in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Bid Manager at Xtend!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Xtend or be willing to refer you for that Bid Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Xtend who’s on the lookout for their next Bid Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Bid Manager role at Xtend!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Xtend. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xtend
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Xtend. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
