Bid Manager - Defence & Security
Location: North Essex (Hybrid - 3 days onsite) | Type: Permanent, Full-Time
We're currently partnering with a growing Defence & Security organisation that is looking to hire an experienced Bid Manager to support a strong and expanding sales pipeline. This role is ideal for someone with hands‑on Defence bid experience, particularly managing and coordinating bids, proposals, and tenders across a range of contract values.
This is a key, customer‑facing role, working closely with Sales, Engineering, Legal, and Delivery teams, and offers real ownership of the bid framework within the Defence function.
The Role
As Bid Manager, you'll take full responsibility for the end‑to‑end bid lifecycle, from opportunity qualification through to submission, contract support, and handover to delivery. You'll be managing multiple bids concurrently and ensuring high‑quality, compliant, and compelling responses within tight deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate Defence & Security bids, proposals, and tenders from initial opportunity through to contract award
- Own and continually improve the bid management process and frameworks
- Lead bid kick‑offs and reviews, assigning actions and managing timelines
- Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Project Management, Legal, and CTO teams to gather inputs
- Prepare and contribute directly to technical and commercial bid documentation, including delivery plans
- Respond to supplier onboarding and due diligence questionnaires
- Manage and track opportunities across government and Defence frameworks
- Own and maintain the CRM system (HubSpot), producing pipeline and sales performance reporting
- Support legal review of contracts, Ts&Cs, and bid documentation
- Manage subcontractor and partner input on collaborative bids
- Oversee order acceptance and ensure a smooth handover to delivery teams
- Coordinate weekly and forward‑looking resource requirements with engineering and delivery teams
About You
- Proven experience managing Defence‑sector bids, tenders, or proposals
- Strong understanding of government procurement and Defence frameworks, alongside B2B bidding
- Background in a technical services or engineering‑led environment
- Experience producing both commercial and technical proposal documentation
- Confident in client‑facing and internal stakeholder environments
- Degree‑qualified in Electronics, Physics, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Highly organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple deadlines
- A self‑starter who thrives in fast‑paced, ambiguous Defence programmes
Why Apply?
High‑impact role with real ownership of Defence bidding activity. Regular involvement in live Defence opportunities across all value levels. Hybrid working model. Opportunity to shape and improve bid processes within a growing Defence organisation.
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