Bid & Funding Manager
Join iCOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing!
ICOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company with game changing technology that delivers the lightest structures possible for aerospace and automotive, at a scale, rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.
We have ensured iCOMAT is made up of people with the drive and imagination to grow a business that will revolutionise the use of composite materials to enable the next generation of lightweight cars, planes and spacecraft.
We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 and OEMs. The business has 3 main divisions that focus on the development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools and lastly the operation of the factory.
Now working with >25 customers (multiple leading OEMs) and earlier this year we completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing (link) to fuel a significant scale-up with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next 2-3 years and expand operations into Europe and the US.
The business currently has facilities in Gloucester UK (Factory 1), Bristol UK (Hardware R&D Centre) and in Athens GR (Software R&D Centre).
As we scale and grow, we’re looking for talented individuals to help us continue driving this transformation. If you're ready to be part of a pioneering team that’s reshaping industries and pushing the boundaries of technology, we want to hear from you!
Objectives of the role
• Proactively identify and secure new public funding opportunities (e.g., Horizon, ATI, APC, EIC, national funds) that align with iCOMAT's strategic technology roadmaps in aerospace, defence, and space.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive funding pipeline, mapping out the landscape of relevant grants and tenders across the UK and Europe.
• Lead the end-to-end bid management process, from initial opportunity assessment to proposal writing, consortium building, and submission, with a high degree of autonomy.
• Ensure all secured funding directly contributes to iCOMAT's strategic objectives, such as advancing our technology, building key partnerships, or entering new markets.
What will you be doing?
• Conduct thorough research and analysis of funding bodies and their specific requirements, building a deep understanding of the European and UK funding ecosystem.
• Develop and write high-quality, compelling grant proposals and tender responses, working closely with technical and commercial teams to ensure accuracy and alignment.
• Build and manage relationships with key funding agencies and potential consortium partners, representing iCOMAT at industry events and networking opportunities.
• Take ownership of the entire bid lifecycle, including coordinating internal resources, managing deadlines, and ensuring all submissions are of the highest standard.
• Collaborate with the finance team to develop project budgets and ensure the financial viability of all funding applications.
• Provide regular reports and updates on the funding pipeline and bid status to senior management.
What do we need from you?
• Proven experience in a similar role, with a successful track record of securing public funding and managing bids in the technology or manufacturing sectors (aerospace, defence, or space experience is highly desirable).
• A "hunter" mentality – you are a self-starter who is proactive, driven, and able to work autonomously to identify and pursue new opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information in a clear and persuasive manner.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.
• Experience in building and managing consortiums for collaborative R&D projects.
• A generalist mindset with a willingness to be hands-on and get involved in all aspects of the bid process.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic scale-up
Why iCOMAT?
- Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
- Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unmatched professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
- Innovation-Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on our inclusive, forward-thinking work environment. Recognized by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
- Global Impact: Be a part of our mission to redefine lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and space industries, working with some of the most influential companies worldwide.Ready to be part of something big?
Apply now to learn more and join us on our exciting journey!
- Locations
- United Kingdom
- Remote status
- Hybrid

About iCOMAT
iCOMAT is an Advanced Manufacturing business, which provides state-of-the-art lightweighting solutions based on the Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) process.
We are proud to collaborate with the world’s top OEMs and end-users. Together we develop new frontiers in automated composites manufacturing which revolutionises the aerospace, automotive and space sectors.
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