Job Description
Senior Programme & Bid Manager
We are seeking an experienced Senior Programme & Bid Manager to lead the delivery of complex programmes and bids within a dynamic, technology-led environment. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving performance across a portfolio of high-value projects, from early-stage capture through to delivery.
The Role
You will oversee both programme execution and bid activity, leading a team of Programme Managers and bid resources within a matrix structure. This role is critical in ensuring successful delivery, robust governance, and alignment with business strategy, while maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders and customers.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Programme Managers and bid professionals
* Own the overall performance and health of the programme and bid portfolio
* Ensure alignment of programmes and bids with strategic business objectives and customer priorities
* Balance resources and priorities across multiple concurrent programmes and opportunities
* Establish and maintain robust governance, reporting, and control across cost, schedule, risk, and change
* Oversee bid strategy, planning, resourcing, and approval processes
* Ensure seamless transition from bid phase into programme delivery
* Manage risks, issues, and opportunities across the full lifecycle
* Provide clear and concise reporting to senior leadership and governance forums
* Ensure compliance with internal processes, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations
* Drive continuous improvement and capture lessons learned across programmes and bids
* Support financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities
* Engage with customers, partners, and suppliers to support successful programme execution
* Contribute to wider operational and strategic initiatives as required
About You
* Proven leadership experience managing complex programmes and bids in multi-stakeholder environments
* Demonstrated success delivering large-scale projects from concept through to completion
* Strong understanding of matrix organisations and cross-functional team leadership
* Excellent commercial, contractual, and risk management expertise
* Confident decision-maker with strong governance and assurance capability
* Highly effective communicator with the ability to influence at senior and executive levels
* Collaborative, resilient, and able to perform under pressure
* Customer-focused with strong commercial awareness
* Willingness to travel occasionally within the UK and internationally
Experience & Qualifications
* Background in project/programme management, ideally within a highly regulated or engineering-led industry
* Professional certification such as APM, PRINCE2, PMP, MSP, or equivalent
* Experience managing bids and programmes end-to-end
* Exposure to international customers or export projects is advantageous
* Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and forecasting