MERITUS are recruiting for a Manufacturing Bid Manager role to join our client on an initial 12 month contract to support operations within Defence & Aerospace.
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Lead manufacturing bids, ensuring clarity of scope and alignment with business objectives.
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Develop and present cost models using Excel and PowerPoint, ensuring data is accurate, auditable, and backed by evidence (3-point estimating).
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Assess risks, costs, and compliance to produce competitive and financially sound proposals.
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Work closely with key stakeholders across programmes to maintain visibility of upcoming bids and market intelligence.
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Ensure manufacturing provides value-added input at every bid stage across the product/project lifecycle.
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Support the New Business Team in identifying and winning opportunities.
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Drive continuous improvement in bid processes, cost models, and methods.
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Participate in functional and strategic change initiatives and help embed best practices.
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Collect, analyse, and challenge data to ensure clear, traceable bid packs.
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Promote strong governance, adherence to process, and cross-programme collaboration.
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Proven experience in costed proposals or bids, ideally within manufacturing or engineering.
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Strong understanding of production processes, from procurement to delivery.
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Commercially aware, experienced in using cost models for direct/indirect costs and materials.
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Confident in presenting cost proposals to senior management.
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Effective communicator with experience in cross-functional teams and stakeholder management.
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Able to work independently and proactively manage multiple bids under pressure.
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Analytical thinker with data analysis and reporting experience.
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Strategic mindset, with a hands-on approach to day-to-day decisions.
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Committed to continuous improvement and maintaining competitive cost models.
