Bid Manager

Ref: ZR_9594_JOB  ·  Posted on 23 September 2026

Introduction

Company cultures & job summary

Our client is looking for an experienced Bid Manager to lead high-quality proposal submissions across Defence, Critical National Infrastructure and other regulated sectors.

You'll need a solid background in bid or proposal management within the MOD or Defence environment — this is essential.

 This is a very hands on position working in complex environments.

Working Patterns and location – Hybrid – 2 days on site per week. Tuesdays and Thursdays required to be in the office. The rest id done from home.

Key responsibilities

·        Manage bids and proposals throughout the full lifecycle, from opportunity identification to final submission.

·        Coordinate contributions from technical teams, subject matter experts, business development and senior stakeholders.

·        Write and edit high-quality, persuasive and compliant proposal responses.

·        Develop and embed clear win themes and differentiators throughout all submissions.

·        Translate complex technical and engineering solutions into clear, customer-focused content.

·        Review and challenge proposal content to improve clarity, consistency and quality.

·        Manage bid schedules, review gates, deadlines and stakeholder input to keep bids on track.

·        Support strategic growth across Defence, CNI and other regulated markets by securing major competitive wins.

Skills & experience

·        Proven bid management, proposal management or bid writing experience in technically complex environments.

·        Experience supporting bids within the MOD or wider Defence sector — this is essential.

·        Strong understanding of the full bid and proposal lifecycle from capture to submission.

·        Experience working directly with technical, engineering and subject matter expert teams.

·        Ability to interpret customer requirements and scoring criteria and structure responses accordingly.

·        Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to make complex technical content accessible.

·        Experience working within regulated or security-conscious environments.

·        Background supporting genuine project or programme delivery environments.

The client would also like to see some of the below, but this is not essential:

·        Current or previous SC or DV clearance is advantageous, though security clearance can be sponsored.

·        Experience within Land or Air Defence domains would be particularly beneficial.

·        Previous experience supporting the Home Office, Central Government or Critical National Infrastructure programmes.

·        Knowledge or experience relating to UAS, drones or uncrewed/unattended vehicle technologies.

·        Exposure to data architecture or data-led programmes.

·        Experience working within the nuclear sector.

Our client is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Part-time opportunities/flexible working is available to suit individual needs.

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You will be required to hold a minimum of DV Clearance. If you do not hold an active DV Clearance, please familiarise yourself with the vetting process before applying.

(c) Copyright Datasource Computer Employment Limited 2026.

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