Bids
& Proposals Manager – Defence (115lw) North East UK (hybrid) - £40,000–£50,000
+ Excellent Benefits
We’re
supporting a UK-based engineering and technology organisation delivering
specialist systems into highly regulated, safety-critical environments across
global defence and industrial markets. As part of continued growth, they are
looking for a Bids & Proposals Manager to take ownership of complex,
high-value opportunities across land and maritime defence programmes.
This
role would particularly suit ex-military professionals who have transitioned
into (or are looking to move into) commercial, project, or bid-focused roles - especially
those with experience in structured planning, stakeholder coordination, and
working within formal procurement frameworks.
You’ll
act as the Bid Lead (“Bid Captain”) on strategic opportunities - owning the
process from early-stage qualification through to submission and handover. Working
across engineering, commercial, and operational teams, you’ll ensure
submissions are high-quality, compliant, and commercially robust, while helping
shape win strategies in competitive defence environments.
Key
Responsibilities
Lead
end-to-end bid activity across complex defence opportunities
Develop
structured bid plans, timelines, and risk registers
Coordinate
multi-disciplinary teams to deliver compelling submissions
Manage
formal review processes (e.g. governance gates, red team reviews)
Support
early-stage capture planning and bid/no-bid decisions
Contribute
to pricing and commercial strategy alongside finance teams
Interpret
tender requirements and ensure full compliance
Maintain
bid libraries, lessons learned, and continuous improvement processes
Support
international stakeholders and customers across multiple markets
This
position aligns strongly with experience gained in roles such as, Operations /
Plans Officers, Commercial or Procurement roles within defence, Project /
Programme Management, Royal Signals / CIS / Engineering leadership roles, Staff
roles involving coordination of complex outputs under deadlines If you’re used to, working within structured
processes and governance, managing multiple stakeholders under pressure, delivering
high-quality outputs to tight deadlines…you’ll likely transition well into this
role.
What
We’re Looking For
Proven
experience in bid, proposal, or commercial delivery roles (ideally 5+ years)
Exposure
to defence, aerospace, engineering, or other regulated sectors
Understanding
of formal procurement processes (e.g. MOD, NATO-aligned, or similar)
Strong
organisational and written communication skills
Commercial
awareness and ability to interpret contractual requirements
Comfortable
working in a structured yet fast-paced environment
It
would be desirable to have experience with export controls or international
contracts. Bid Qualifications (e.g. APMP) and/or a technical or engineering
background
You’ll
be joining a collaborative, down-to-earth organisation where people are trusted
to get on with the job. The culture is supportive, delivery-focused, and values
integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement - with a strong emphasis on
developing internal talent.
Please
send a copy of your CV with a note outlining why this would be the ideal
opportunity for you, to Liz Walsh at Ex-Mil Recruitment Ltd or by email to liz@ex-mil.co.uk
https://www.ex-mil.co.uk/vacancies/8363/bids-proposals-manager