We are currently recruiting for an experienced Subcontract 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.
Location: Guildford (Hybrid working)
Contract: 12-month contract (Inside IR35)
Clearance: Must hold live SC Clearance used within the last 12 months (Sole British Nationals only)
The Role
We are supporting a leading defence organisation in the search for an experienced Subcontract Bids Manager to support the delivery of complex, high-value bid submissions.
This role sits within the bids and commercial function, with a strong emphasis on subcontracts, procurement and supply chain strategy rather than traditional bid writing. You will play a key role in shaping bid solutions by managing supplier engagement, subcontract strategies, commercial inputs and risk.
Working closely with bid, procurement, legal, engineering and finance teams, you will ensure that all subcontract and supply chain elements of bids are commercially robust, compliant and competitive.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and develop subcontracting and supply chain strategies for bids
Manage supplier engagement, RFQs, negotiations and commercial inputs
Support bid pricing, cost models, assumptions and risk management
Draft, review and manage subcontract terms and commercial flow-downs
Ensure compliance with internal governance, defence standards and procurement regulations
Act as the key commercial interface between bids, procurement, legal and supply chain teams
Support bid reviews, approvals and submission readiness activities
What We're Looking For
Strong experience in commercial, procurement or subcontracts within a bid environment
Background working on defence, aerospace, engineering or other highly regulated sector bids
Proven capability managing supplier strategy, negotiations and commercial risk
Comfortable supporting complex, multi-stakeholder bid environments
Knowledge of defence contracting and supply chain frameworks (desirable)
Active SC clearance and Sole British nationality
Why Apply?
High-impact role supporting critical defence bid activity
Clear ownership of commercial and supply chain elements of bids
Hybrid working with a Guildford base
Opportunity to work on long-term, complex and high-profile programmes
