Job Description:

Bid Manager
Didcot, Oxfordshire (hybrid, 2 days per week on site)
£50,000 to £55,000 + benefits
Permanent

We’re working with a not-for-profit research and development organisation in the space and satellite sector to find a Bid Manager for their growing bids team.

The organisation helps businesses, universities and public bodies turn satellite technology into real-world products and services. Much of its funding comes through competitive R&D programmes, so winning the right bids directly shapes the work it can take on. You’d be joining a small, collaborative team that works closely with technical experts, programme leads and external partners.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll manage bids from start to finish, mostly for UK and European R&D funding calls and collaborative programmes. That means running capture and kick-off workshops, building win themes with technical teams, planning timelines and keeping contributors on track. You’ll also write and edit content, manage partner inputs on consortium bids, and run reviews before submission. After submission, you’ll help capture lessons learned and build up a library of reusable content so each bid gets a little easier than the last.

What we’re looking for

• Solid experience managing bids or funding applications end to end

• Confidence running capture workshops and pulling information out of busy technical experts

• Strong writing and editing skills, with an eye for clear, evidence-based content

• Experience coordinating multi-partner or consortium bids

• Good organisation and the ability to juggle several deadlines at once

• Exposure to R&D funding (for example Innovate UK, ESA or Horizon Europe) would be useful, but isn’t essential

You don’t need a technical background. If you’re curious about technology and comfortable getting to grips with complex subjects, the team will help with the rest.

Why apply

It’s a chance to work on bids that really matter to the organisation’s future, in a sector that’s growing fast. The hybrid pattern gives you a good balance, and the team values people who share ideas and want to improve how things are done.