Bid Manager

Job Description

Location(s): UK, Europe & Africa : UK : Guildford || UK, Europe & Africa : UK : London 

Job Title: Bid Manager

Requisition ID: 121071

Location: The role will be based from our Guildford office, operating on a hybrid working arrangement.  There will be a requirement to attend the Guildford office at least 1 day per week in line with business needs, which can increase depending on the bid(s) you are running.  Travel may also be required to our other sites such as; London, Gloucester, Christchurch and Great Baddow, depending on opportunity and bid team.

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts. We work collaboratively across 10 countries to collect, connect and understand complex data, so that governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses can unlock digital advantage in the most demanding environments.

Division overview: Functions

At BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, we pride ourselves in being a leader in the cyber defence industry, and the business could not operate without all the dedicated work of our Functions teams. From Finance & Operations through Communications & Marketing, to HR and Site Operations and more, our Functions teams enable our divisions to implement ground-breaking digital transformations and crucial defence software.

As part of Functions, you will be supporting and partnering with our global business from the backline, being a strategic advisor within your specialist area, and ensuring the business runs smoothly and efficiently. We all have a role to play in defending our clients; and this is yours.

Role summary

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced, driven Bid Manager to join our Bid Team, who were the recipients of the 2023 APMP Collaborative Teamwork Award. We are seeking someone with a track record of excellence and success of bidding within Public Sector and Commercial environments to join us and help continue this high standard.

As part of this highly regarded, central Business Winning team, you will be responsible for running competed bids from across our business areas encompassing; Central Government, Defence, International, National Security and Space.  This exciting role brings challenges and opportunities for the successful candidate, working across our business areas, as well as the varying products and services that enable our clients to realise their mission.

 Principle Responsibilities

As the Bid Manager, you'll spearhead the entire bid process from initial EoI/PQQ activity to tender submission and closure. Working under minimal supervision, you'll manage and tailor the process and will be responsible for:

• Implementing (and where appropriate defining) the bid strategy, driving PWin;
• Managing the bid team and orchestrating the governance process and compliance, including the production of the associated internal bid deliverables in-line with corporate process;
• Managing the development of a quality, coherent, compelling proposals in-line with Shipley best practice;
• Prioritising own workload according to demand, deadlines and business priorities;
• Suggesting, owning and delivering process improvements.

Common activities undertaken by our Bid Manager’s for specific opportunities include:

• Leading all aspects of the planning and execution of the overall bid cycle/governance plan throughout the lifecycle including RFIs, PQQs and main bid responses ITT/ITN/RFP/RFQs, applying corporate assurance and business winning best practices (e.g. Shipley).
• Managing the bid development in a timely and efficient manner, scheduling and overseeing key reviews
• Defining, tailoring and implementing a suitable Bid process to fit the Opportunity including coaching around ROMs and Firm Price tailoring (building on process mandates and best practices available)
• Owning, Editing and formatting of the customer proposal or formal response, including providing the response structure
• Generating and gaining approval for implementing a realistic Bid Plan and Bid Schedule (including resources, budgets, responsibilities and task allocation), and then tracking and managing, and taking action where these deviate from agreed budget or agreed task contingency
• Establishing the bidding environment, including Project Share
• Managing the business approval process at all required delegated authority levels, supports any security and export approvals, if required
• Leading the multi-disciplined Bid team and ensuring the entire team is kept appraised of developments in requirements and bid status, on a day-to-day basis.
• Managing virtual bid teams and inputs from a variety of stakeholders, typically involving contributions from sales, HR, Projects, Finance, Commercial and Legal.
• Coordinating the Costing and Pricing activity, including acting as an independent challenger to keep the team focused on meeting the Price to Win
• Supports the development and deployment of functional learning and development including coaching other bid managers in bid management techniques

In addition, you may provide support to a Senior Bid Manager on higher complexity deals, as well as supporting the bid function in its day-to-day operations.
 

Education / Experience At least two of (or equivalent)

Is qualified to Degree Level (or equivalent), preferably in a Business, Sales, Engineering, or Project related course

Possesses c.5years + of experience in competitive tendering within the public / commercial sectors

Holds a current APMP certification

Knowledge and practical application of best practice bidding processes (e.g. Shipley)

A good understanding of the buying processes within the Public Sector / Defence environment

Knowledge, experience and understanding of UK Government Frameworks and other buying mechanisms to sell our services.

A track record of working on high-value and technically complex bids, including frameworks

Technical Skills

MS Office

MS SharePoint

Proposal management software

Personal Characteristics

Meticulous attention to detail and highly motivated.

Maintains a positive attitude and thrives under challenging deadlines.

Adept at managing multiple priorities in dynamic environments.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong interpersonal skills.

Adopts a flexible approach to work, showcasing the ability to proactively take initiative and work independently, yet equally comfortable collaborating within a team where ideas and skills are shared.

Quick learner with the ability to acquire new skills on the job.

Professional and adaptable, capable of swiftly adjusting to changing requirements or priorities and redirecting efforts to assist other teams or bids.

Other Attributes

Candidates must be able to hold UKSC to be considered for the role and be a UK national.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We also want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.”

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