Theo James Recruitment

Job Title: Bids & Proposals Manager Location: North Yorkshire (Hybrid) Salary: £45,000-£55,000 The Company Our client is a globally recognised engineering and manufacturing organisation, operating at the forefront of advanced sensing technology across defence, aerospace, and highly regulated industries. With a strong reputation for innovation, sustainability, and quality, they offer a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where employees can make a real impact on cutting-edge projects worldwide. Working Hours 39 hours per week (Hybrid working available) Job Description As a Bids & Proposals Manager, you will take ownership of end-to-end bid activity across global defence opportunities. The Bids & Proposals Manager will act as Bid Lead on key strategic tenders, ensuring submissions are high-quality, compliant, and commercially competitive. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Bids & Proposals Manager will develop bid strategies, coordinate inputs, and drive successful outcomes across complex international projects. You ll lead bid planning, manage governance processes, and ensure all proposals align with wider business objectives. This Bids & Proposals Manager role will also involve supporting early-stage capture activities, contributing to win strategies, and engaging with stakeholders across engineering, commercial, and sales teams. The Bids & Proposals Manager will play a critical role in improving bid performance, win rates, and overall proposal quality. Skills & Experience Proven experience as a Bids & Proposals Manager (or similar) within defence or regulated industries Strong understanding of military procurement frameworks (MOD, NATO or similar) Experience managing complex tenders (RFPs, RFQs, ITTs) Commercial awareness with knowledge of contract structures Excellent written and organisational skills Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deadlines Experience working in a hybrid or autonomous environment Desirable: Knowledge of export controls (e.g. ITAR, UK regulations) APMP or equivalent qualification Background in engineering or technical sectors Why Should You Apply? This is an exciting opportunity for a Bids & Proposals Manager to join a growing, innovative business working on high-impact global projects. You ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team, with real opportunities to influence major contract wins and shape strategic growth. If you re a driven Bids & Proposals Manager looking to step into a role where your work directly contributes to business success, this position offers both challenge and reward in equal measure. Only sole UK nationals eligible due to security clearance requirements.

Job Title: Contract Manager Defence Location: North Yorkshire (hybrid working available) Salary: £40,000-£50,000 DOE The Company: Our client is a globally recognised engineering and manufacturing organisation, operating at the forefront of advanced sensing technology across defence, aerospace, and highly regulated industries. With a strong reputation for innovation, sustainability, and quality, they offer a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where employees can make a real impact on cutting-edge projects worldwide. Job Description: The Contract Manager will take ownership of complex commercial contracts within a regulated defence environment, managing the full lifecycle from negotiation through to delivery and close-out. You will act as the key commercial interface, ensuring all contracts are compliant, commercially sound, and aligned with business objectives. The Contract Manager will also support bid activity, helping shape pricing strategies, risk positions, and contractual terms. Key responsibilities include: Managing contracts end-to-end, including negotiation and performance Leading on commercial strategy, balancing risk and opportunity Acting as the primary contact for customers and stakeholders Ensuring compliance with defence regulations and governance Managing contract changes, disputes, and performance metrics Supporting bids and tenders with commercial expertise Skills & Experience: To be successful in this Contract Manager role, you will need: Degree in Law, Business or similar Proven experience in contract management (3+ years) Background in a regulated environment (defence, public sector, etc.) Strong knowledge of contract law, pricing, and risk management Experience negotiating complex contracts Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC) Desirable: Experience working with defence organisations (e.g. MoD) Knowledge of government procurement processes Professional accreditation (IACCM or similar) Why Should You Apply? This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Contract Manager to step into a strategic, high-impact role within a growing and innovative organisation. You ll be working on meaningful defence projects, gaining exposure to complex, high-value contracts while being supported in your professional development. The Contract Manager role offers long-term career progression, a strong benefits package, and the chance to be part of a business that truly values its people. Only sole UK nationals eligible due to security clearance requirements.

Product Manager Location: Newcastle / Sudbury (Travel to both sites is essential) Salary: Competitive DOE Benefits: Comprehensive package including pension, a strong commitment to health and safety and career development opportunities Job Description We are seeking a Product Manager to take ownership of our UK product portfolio. This is a pivotal role where you will shape product ideas from concept to launch, streamline existing ranges, and ensure compliance with regulatory changes. You ll work across sales, marketing, R&D, and engineering teams to bring innovative solutions to market and maximise commercial opportunities. The role will involve travel between the manufacturing and distribution sites across the UK as well as customer visits. As Product Manager, you will: Lead the development of new product ranges and drive innovation in the UK market. Rationalise product lines, reducing slow-moving stock and SKUs. Analyse competitors, market trends, and regulatory changes to identify risks and opportunities. Deliver technical training and CPDs to internal teams and customers. Represent the business at industry meetings, technical committees, and customer events. Collaborate with sales and marketing to communicate product updates across websites, brochures, and social media. Monitor performance through monthly KPIs, sales of new products, and portfolio optimisation. Skills & Experience The ideal Product Manager will bring: Previous experience in product management (construction, HVAC, or a related sector is advantageous). Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance technical detail and customer needs. Knowledge of sales and customer service principles. Strategic thinking and the ability to spot market opportunities. Confidence in presenting to customers, industry groups, and internal teams. Proficiency in MS Office/Google Suite. Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset. Why Should You Apply? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected manufacturer and distributor in a role where you can make a tangible impact. As Product Manager, you will: Shape the future product portfolio for a market-leading brand. Work with a dynamic team across multiple functions. Be part of a forward-thinking business focused on innovation and sustainability. Gain exposure to senior management and play a key role in business strategy. Enjoy varied responsibilities spanning product development, market analysis, and training. If you re a motivated Product Manager looking to take on an exciting challenge, we d love to hear from you. The Company We are a well-established manufacturer and distributor. With a strong reputation for innovation, quality, and customer service, we supply both commercial and domestic markets across the UK. This is an exciting time to join a growing business that is investing heavily in product development, sustainability, and market expansion.

Job Title: Production Planner Location: Peterlee Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 Benefits: Attractive benefits package available Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday Job Description: We are seeking a Production Planner to join the logistics team, supporting production scheduling and ensuring customer requirements are met. The Production Planner will be responsible for checking and clarifying customer orders, entering data into planning systems, and liaising across departments to guarantee schedules are achieved. This role also involves prioritising and scheduling production orders, supporting outbound delivery schedules, maintaining accurate documentation, and assisting with inventory management. The Production Planner will play a key role in stakeholder communication, responding to requests for information, preparing reports, and contributing to both internal and customer meetings. Ideally, candidates will bring experience from a similar role, though strong IT skills and a flexible, proactive attitude will also be considered. Skills & Experience: Previous planning experience, ideally in an automotive or manufacturing environment Strong IT skills, particularly Excel (Power BI knowledge an advantage) Excellent attention to detail Clear and confident communication skills Flexible and adaptable approach to work Why Should You Apply? This is a fantastic opportunity for a Production Planner seeking to make an impact in a forward-thinking organisation. With exposure to both operational and customer-focused elements of the business, the Production Planner will develop valuable cross-functional skills. If you are detail-oriented, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to progress your career in planning and logistics, this Production Planner role is the ideal next step. The Company: An established and innovative manufacturer within the North East, this business is recognised for delivering high-quality products to a global customer base. With a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement, they provide long-term career opportunities and a supportive environment for growth and development.