Bids & Proposals Manager

About This Role

About us

CAE’s Defence & Security business unit is a globally recognized training and mission systems integrator. As a high technology company, we are at the leading edge of digital innovation providing training and mission support solutions across multi-domain operations – air, land, maritime, space and cyber. We are committed to being our customer’s partner of choice to help elevate safety, efficiency, and readiness so that our customers can achieve their best performance.

About the role

Is one of these you?

• You would like to participate in business development activities and support shaping the future of a company?

• You just started your career in the Bid & Proposal domain and are looking for new opportunity in your personal development?

• You are familiar with complex engineering projects and gain first experience as technical team lead?

• You already generate estimates and contribute to proposals as a subject matter expert?

We are seeking a talented Bid and Proposals Manager to join our Defence and Security (D&S) team.  The D&S Bid and Proposals team are made up of 11 people based in the UK, Germany and Canada. The position typically covers tenders that are not competitive or, depending on complexity and scope, represent a contract volume in the single-digit million range (in GBP).

 As a key member of a capture team, the ideal candidate will be responsible for leading the proposal generation activities between initial Bid-No-Bid Pursue (BnB) gate and Bid Submission for bids for the UK and Europe.

This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent project management skills, and experience of in complex new build engineering scenario’s, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

This role is based out of our UK head office in Burgess Hill and will require you to be in the office 3 days per week, with the other 2 days either being home or office based.

Candidates must be able to obtain or transfer Security Clearance which the Company sponsors. (applicants must have lived continuously in the UK for the past 5 years in order to obtain security clearance) or currently hold NATO SC level Security Clearance that can be transferred from overseas to the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads proposal generation activities between initial Bid-No-Bid (BnB) and Bid Submission for bids to include Prototype and repetitive simulation product and Post delivery Life Cycle Cost (LCC) services.

• Acts as the main interface between Sales / Business Development, Program Management, Solution Development, Contracts, Pricing and any other stakeholders for proposal related activities across EMEA, involving CAE Montreal as required

• Reviews Customer Requirements, identifying the critical needs and securing a compliant solution gets defined in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SME).

• Provides continued guidance on bid deliverables, documentation structure and requirements and remain responsible to provide a compliant proposal securing CAE’s interests.

• Interfaces with major stakeholders/SMEs to communicate proposal scope of work and associated estimates to obtain inputs and get buy-in.

• Identifies project risks, defines mitigation plans and includes these in the cost estimates.

• Documents Basis of Estimate (BoE) for all costs including baseline used, comparables, execution strategy, assumptions, risks and limitations.

• Supports the generation of Requests for Quotation (RFQ) to major suppliers and subcontractors including detailed Statements of Work (SOW) with SME where appropriate.

• Prepares and communicates lessons learned after bid submission for selected proposals.

• Supports as required after bid submission:

  • Questions and clarifications requests from Customers;

  • Prepare and deliver presentations to Customers to explain proposals;

  • Support Customer audits.

• Supports Sales Baseline activities with the Project Manager during Sales Hand Over (SHO) after contract award.

• Investigates potential tools and process changes to improve accuracy and efficiency.

About you

• Experience on complex engineering projects

• Management experience as a technical team leader or similar responsibility in the environment of a matrix organisation without formal authority

• Experience of the UK MOD / Government agency procurement process is desirable e.g. PQQs, RFQs, RFPs, ITT, ITN etc.

• Broad understanding of engineering and training concepts across a variety of disciplines.

• Language skills: native English but fluency in German or another European language would be an advantage.

• Knowledge and experience of the simulation and training domain would be a distinct advantage

Position Type                       

Regular

CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

CAE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As "One CAE," we take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, nationality, colour, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, Veteran status, age, or other legally protected characteristics.  

If you don't see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed in the job posting, we still encourage you to reach out and apply. At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please get in touch with us at [email protected].