Bids Manager

Description

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Bids Manager to support a leading organisation operating within the Defence and Digital domain. This role will play a key part in supporting major business-winning activity through the leadership of procurement and supply chain strategy across complex bids.

Contract Details

Contract Length: 3 months

Location: Guildford (1-2 days per week onsite)

Rate: £400 to £500 per day (Umbrella)

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Due to the security nature of this role, candidates must hold live and transferable SC clearance (used within the last 12 months) and be UK nationals.

Role Overview

The Bids Manager will lead and manage procurement activity for strategic bids and campaigns, ensuring robust procurement strategies are developed and executed to support business growth. The role requires strong commercial judgement, stakeholder management, and experience operating within complex, high-value programmes.

You will work closely with commercial, technical, and project teams, managing subcontract structures, negotiations, and contract implementation, while ensuring governance and compliance requirements are met.

Key Responsibilities

Lead procurement activity across major bids and business-winning campaigns

Develop and implement supplier and third-party bid strategies

Manage subcontract structures, negotiations, and contract implementation

Ensure governance, compliance, and flow-down of customer contract terms

Drive value, innovation, risk reduction, and continuous improvement across the supply chain

Support category management and S&OP planning aligned to business demand

Essential Experience & Skills

Strong background in business-winning procurement within Defence or IT environments

Significant negotiation and contract drafting experience

Experience leading large, complex bids from a procurement perspective

Proven experience managing subcontracts on large programmes xjnqpsq (typically £50m+)

Commercial, deal-construct mindset (not a buyer / purchasing role)

Desirable Qualifications

Defence or IT industry background

Experience managing overseas / export subcontract partners

Degree in a relevant discipline

CIPS Level 5, IACCM, or equivalent (beneficial but not essential if experience aligns)

Security Requirements

Live and transferable SC clearance (used within the last 12 months)

UK nationals only

If you are a commercially focused procurement professional with strong experience in complex bids and are available for a short-term contract, please apply or get in touch for further details

Ad ID: 5417732535