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 organisationFor further information, apply now