Bids & Proposals Manager- Germany (al genders)

About Us STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.
Your mission As the Bid and Proposals Manager for the DACH region, you will lead and manage the development of compelling and winning bids for defence contracts. Reporting to the International Bidding Director, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of the bid process, ensuring compliance with the Shipley Method and implementing a robust gate review governance approach. Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full bid lifecycle, from opportunity identification through to submission and contract award.
• Implement and maintain the Shipley Method for capture and bid management, ensuring best practices are followed.
• Drive and uphold the gate review governance framework to ensure consistent, high-quality inputs for decision-making throughout the bid process.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, technical teams, and BD personnel to develop compelling and compliant proposals.
• Develop and maintain a library of reusable content, templates, and proposal resources.
• Facilitation of colour review workshops in accordance with Shipley Method, and coordinating technical and programme planning workshops.
• Orchestrate end-to-end bid planning, defining critical milestones and driving adherence to strict submission deadlines to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery.
• Contribute to post-bid reviews to identify areas for improvement and lessons learned.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, competitor activities, and government procurement regulations.
• Partner closely with the Sales team to translate early-stage front-end activities into structured, actionable bid strategies that drive tangible outcomes.
• Champion regional bid compliance, ensuring all proposals meet strict regulatory and client-specific compliance standards.
• Drive Shipley Method-based capture planning and shape winning strategies well ahead of the formal RFP stage.
• Support the best use of CRM, and drive the currency and hygiene of information within the system.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing and winning large, complex bids, preferably in the defence sector or for government contracts.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of the Shipley Method for capture and bid management.
• Excellent project management, organisational, and time management skills.
• Strong written, communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with a strong drive for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Must be able to communicate fluently and professionally in German and English; other European languages would be beneficial.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance.

For more details please reach out to Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner via talent@stark-defence.com