Engagement Manager - Speculative Talent Pipeline

We’re building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience. We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision-making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments.

Headquartered in Bristol, Rowden employs around 200 people and operates over 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. We have a growing international footprint and are one of Europe’s fastest-growing engineering businesses.

About The Role

Due to increased demand, we’re building a pipeline for Engagement Managers to shape and secure opportunities that deliver real value to customers and operators.

Requirements

, whilst building trusted relationships. Success in this role means not only securing new contracts, but also ensuring customers see continuing value, opening the door to long-term growth and follow-on work. Our work spans open architecture mission systems, resilient networking, intelligent automation, and software products designed for operators in the most demanding environments.

As Engagement Manager, you will take these capabilities into major government and industry programmes, ensuring Rowden is positioned as a trusted partner in delivering scalable, credible solutions. You’ll develop capture strategies, build long-term relationships with customers and technology partners, and form consortiums that can deliver major programmes. Working closely with pre-sales engineering and delivery teams, you’ll translate Rowden’s technical strengths into compelling propositions.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in defence, national security, or emergency services, who have worked on or alongside major programme delivery and understand the challenges faced by customers in these domains. You can register your interest by applying to this advert, and when a suitable vacancy opens, we’ll get in contact with you. Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.

uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels Opportunity Capture Develop and execute capture plans for large and complex sales opportunities (£5m+). Identify influence points across the sales cycle, ensuring Rowden is embedded in the right conversations at the right time. Shape win themes, value propositions, and partnership narratives that differentiate Rowden.

Act as the primary author on bids, working in collaboration with our pre-sales engineers and other business functions to ensure that technical, commercial and delivery considerations are well articulated. Track opportunity progression, reporting status and risks clearly to leadership. Consortium & Partner Development Build and sustain relationships with customers, primes, SMEs, and technology partners to position Rowden for new opportunities.

Lead the creation and management of consortiums and strategic partnerships. Ensure partner capabilities are well integrated into capture strategies and bid submissions. Customer Engagement Develop a deep understanding of Rowden’s product & services and demonstrate to customers how they address challenges faced by government agencies and frontline operators.

Build relationships with key stakeholders at all levels by demonstrating insight into their missions, roadmaps, and procurement challenges. Ensure Rowden delivers a joined-up capability, maintaining coherence across complex customer environments. Stay engaged throughout delivery phases, ensuring customers see continuing value and identifying follow-on opportunities.