Permanent

Senior Defence Programmes and Bid Mana

Expert Employment

Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, EN8 7AN

65000 - 70000 Per Annum None

Posted: 16 August 2026 (Today)

Closing date: 15 September 2026

Ref: 3250

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About the Role

The Senior Defence Programmes and Bid Manager, based in Waltham Cross, assumes leadership of a portfolio encompassing intricate programmes and bids. This permanent position offers a salary between £65,000 and £70,000 annually. The role directs a team of Programme Managers alongside a Bid Manager, providing senior oversight across governance, commercial control, and strategic alignment. Responsibilities include owning portfolio performance, leading bid strategy and approvals, and managing cost, schedule, risk, and change. The position ensures seamless transitions from bid to execution, whilst cultivating senior customer relationships. Candidates require proven experience in defence programme delivery, robust bid leadership, and expertise in governance frameworks. This role demands full-time commitment, with stakeholder management central to success.

We are looking for a Senior Defence Programmes and Bid Manager to lead a team responsible for delivering a portfolio of complex programmes and bids across defence-related projects.
The role provides senior leadership across programme delivery and bid management, ensuring strong governance, commercial control, and successful transition from bid to execution.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and develop a high-performing team of Programme Managers and a Bid Manager
Own programme and bid portfolio performance and alignment with business strategy
Oversee governance, reporting, cost, schedule, risk, and change control
Lead bid strategy, approvals, and resourcing across multiple opportunities
Ensure smooth transition from bid phase into delivery
Manage stakeholder relationships at senior and customer level
Support forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting with Finance teams
Requirements
Strong experience in programme and bid management in complex environments
Proven track record delivering end-to-end bids and major programmes
Strong leadership within matrix organisations
Excellent commercial, risk, and governance capability
Experience working with defence or regulated industries (preferred)
Project management qualifications (APM, PRINCE2, MSP, PMP desirable)
Experience with international or export programmes (desirable)