At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bids and contracts for exciting MOD opportunities, shaping winning narratives.
- Company: Fast-growing defence-tech company with a mission-first mentality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and real ownership of projects.
- Other info: Join a supportive team where your contributions matter and growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a direct impact on the future of defence technology and win big contracts.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management with proven wins in UK defence.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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.
Contracts / Bid Manager in Swindon employer: Xtend
Xtend UK is an exceptional employer for a Contracts / Bid Manager, offering a dynamic work environment in Swindon where your contributions directly impact the success of high-stakes defence contracts. With a strong mission-first culture, employees are encouraged to take ownership and collaborate across teams, fostering both personal and professional growth. The fast-paced nature of the role, combined with opportunities for continuous learning and development, makes Xtend UK a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts / Bid Manager in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Xtend UK, their mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to bid management and contracts. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. We want to hear your winning stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts / Bid Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Winning Narrative:When you're crafting your application, make sure to highlight your ability to create compelling narratives. We want to see how you've turned technical capabilities into winning bids in the past. Use specific examples that showcase your skills under pressure!
Tailor Your Application:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Contracts / Bid Manager role. Mention your experience with MOD tenders and how you’ve successfully managed bids before. We love seeing candidates who take the time to personalise their applications.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:This role is all about collaboration, so make sure to mention your experience working with cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you've coordinated with different departments to deliver successful bids. We’re looking for team players who can drive results together!
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 it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission-driven team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xtend
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of bids and contracts the company handles. Familiarise yourself with MOD tenders and any relevant regulations. This will not only show your interest but also demonstrate your expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Winning Mentality
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful bids you've managed. Highlight your role in those wins and how you contributed to the overall success. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements and illustrate your bid-winning mentality.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Leadership
Since this role requires coordinating various teams, be ready to share experiences where you led cross-functional teams under pressure. Discuss how you managed deadlines and ensured everyone was aligned towards a common goal, showcasing your ability to drive results.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about how you would handle tight deadlines or shifting requirements. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
