Commercial & Bids Manager Milton Keynes Hybrid working Competitive salary 

We’re supporting a leading engineering organisation that specialises in complex, high‑value electrical and control systems for naval platforms. They’re looking to appoint a driven Commercial & Bids Manager to take ownership of end‑to‑end tender activity and help shape their commercial growth.

In this position, you’ll lead the full lifecycle of bids and proposals—from commercial review and risk assessment through to submission and negotiation. You’ll work closely with engineering, commercial and leadership teams to build compelling, compliant proposals, while acting as a key customer interface with major defence primes.

It’s a hands‑on, commercially critical role with direct influence over revenue, margin protection, and long‑term customer partnerships.

• Lead compilation and submission of high‑quality, compliant tenders
• Coordinate technical, engineering, costing and commercial inputs
• Develop win themes and value‑led bid strategies
• Review pricing structures, margin positions, and commercial risk
• Negotiate terms with defence primes and Tier 1 suppliers
• Manage contractual documents including NDAs, frameworks and flow‑down terms
• Act as customer‑facing commercial contact throughout bid and negotiation stages
• Support capture planning, pipeline development and wider growth initiatives

• Proven experience managing bids within defence, marine, or complex engineered systems
• Strong commercial acumen, pricing understanding and contract awareness
• Familiarity with NEC/JCT/bespoke defence contracts (DEFCON knowledge ideal)
• Ability to assess contractual risk around liabilities, LDs, IP, export controls etc.
• Confidence engaging senior stakeholders and managing customer relationships
• Comfortable working in an SME-style environment—hands-on, agile, and collaborative

You’ll thrive here if you’re commercially sharp, calm under pressure, and confident owning negotiations. This role suits someone who enjoys responsibility, is comfortable influencing decision makers, and can bring structure and clarity to complex tender activity.

'Apply Now' or reach out to Ellie at Orion Electrotech for further details

INDKA