Bid Manager, Engineering

Position: Bid Manager (Permanent)
I am currently recruiting for a Bid Manager on behalf of a highly established engineering business based in Poole, UK.

This is a pivotal opportunity for an experienced Bid Manager to take full ownership of complex, high-value bids within a technically demanding, project-led environment.

As Bid Manager, you will manage the end-to-end bid lifecycle — from RFQ through to submission, purchase order processing, contractual acceptance and handover to delivery teams.

The Bid Manager will play a central role in securing profitable contracts while ensuring risk is clearly identified, managed and mitigated throughout the process.

The Bid Manager role will involve:

Planning, leading, organising and controlling customer RFQ requirements to accurately define all costs and risks whilst maximising the opportunity of securing the contract
Compiling tender and bid documentation in line with company procedures
Generating detailed cost models for tenders and bids
Managing associated risks and opportunities
Preparing and executing bids within agreed timescales
Liaising and negotiating with customers and suppliers in collaboration with senior stakeholders
Processing Purchase Orders in accordance with company procedures
Managing Bid Decision Gates within the Business Winning Framework
Reading and interpreting Statements of Work, procurement specifications, engineering drawings and bills of materials
Generating accurate labour and material estimates
Liaising with Engineering and Supply Chain to obtain costings
Coordinating internally with design, operations, manufacturing, quality and programme teams
Supporting KPI adherence and company values
To be successful as a Bid Manager, you will demonstrate:

A proven track record delivering complex bids and tenders to demanding deadlines
Experience leading bid teams in high-pressure environments
Strong analytical capability and the ability to develop complex proposals
High-level proposal writing skills
Financial awareness including budgeting and project finance
Commercial management and negotiation experience

Experience with in a complex engineering or project-led business
Strong Microsoft Office skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and knowledge of Microsoft Project
Ability to work independently and build credibility with senior stakeholders
NVQ Level 4 or relevant technical qualification / equivalent experience

Whats in it for you:

25 days holiday + bank holidays (with buy/sell option and additional days for service)
5% employer pension contribution
Life insurance (4x salary)
Christmas shutdown
£500 employee referral bonus
Cycle to Work & Tech purchase schemes
Free eye tests & contribution toward eyewear
Free parking, refreshments & fresh fruit
24/7 GP access, mental health support & wellbeing services (including dependents)
Recognition awards & long service awards
Structured training & development including apprenticeships, leadership and technical training

This Bid Manager position offers the opportunity to play a key role in securing strategically important contracts within a technically advanced engineering environment. The Bid Manager will have significant visibility across the business and will directly influence commercial success.

If you are an experienced Bid Manager looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity in Poole, I would be keen to speak with you.
Ian Broadhurst
(phone number removed)
(url removed)