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 (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.
