Bid Manager Defence Apparel - Hybrid

Bid Manager

Location: Hybrid (Broadmeadows region, VIC)Role Type: Full-Time, PermanentRemuneration: $150,000 Base Salary + Superannuation + Benefits Department: Pre-Contracts & Business Development TeamWork Rights: Australian Citizen/NZ Citizen(in Melbourne)/PR

About the Opportunity

ARO Tender Consulting is partnering with a market-leading, rapidly scaling national specialist Tier 1 contractor and manufacturer delivering mission-critical wearable supply, personal equipment, and managed inventory solutions across the Defence, Government, Law Enforcement, Emergency Services, and Healthcare sectors.

Due to a robust and expanding tender pipeline across State and Federal government frameworks, we are seeking an experienced Bid Manager to take complete ownership of the end-to-end bid function.

This is a rare, high-autonomy leadership role where you will step in to shape and run the bid function in your own image - defining processes, leveraging advanced AI tools (such as D365 / Copilot), and mentoring a dedicated Bid Coordinator. Beyond day-to-day tender delivery, this position offers a genuine career pathway into broader Business Development and senior operational management.

Main Responsibilities & Key Result Areas

End-to-End Bid Leadership: Own the complete tender lifecycle—from opportunity qualification and win-theme formulation through to content creation, review, submission, and contract award across an active pipeline of 15–20 bids per annum.Team Leadership & Mentorship: Manage, mentor, and upskill an existing Bid Coordinator, fostering team capability and process maturity.Process & Tool Innovation: Continuously develop and refine the bid library and tracking systems (Monday.com / Excel), integrating modern AI tools to drive efficiency and win rates.Commercial Governance: Apply sound commercial acumen, contract law knowledge, and familiarity with government procurement guidelines (Commonwealth and State) to review terms and negotiate favourable contractual agreements.Strategic BD Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Business Development Manager, supporting broader growth initiatives and client engagement during tender troughs.

About You

We are seeking an established bid professional who can hit the ground running from day one, bringing deep governance experience in complex government and institutional procurement.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Essential: 5–10 years of dedicated experience in bid, tender, or proposal management within complex commercial environments.Preferred Sectors: Backgrounds spanning Defence, Government, Managed Services, Apparel/Uniforms, Logistics Outsourcing, First Responders (Police/Fire/Corrections), or Secure Technology sectors.Essential: Proven track record of successfully preparing, managing, and winning State and Federal Government tender submissions.Skills: Superior writing and editorial skills, advanced Microsoft Office proficiency, strong organisational capabilities under tight deadlines, and experience using AI-driven tender drafting tools.Compliance: Ability to pass and hold a current National Police Check.

What We Offer

Competitive Remuneration: $150,000 Base Salary + Super + Benefits True Autonomy: Shape the bid function and processes your way with full executive backing.Hybrid Flexibility: Modern hybrid work model (3 days in the office / 2 days work from home).Career Runway: Clear upward mobility into senior commercial and business development leadership as the division expands.

To Apply

Please submit your resume detailing your major government and institutional tender management experience via the apply button or else for a confidential discussion please email your resume to divyakrishnan@arotenders.com.au

Kind Note: We value genuine experience and authentic communication. Resumes or applications that lack detailed, verifiable history or are AI generated may not be progressed.