Business Administrator Apprentice (Ultra Sonar Systems Ltd (Ultra Maritime)

The Role

As a Business Administrator Apprentice, you will support the activities that help the organisation win new business. Reporting to the Head of Bids & Proposals, you will provide administrative and coordination support across a range of business development activities, helping to ensure opportunities and customer submissions are managed efficiently and delivered to a high standard.

Working within a fast-paced Business Development team, you will help coordinate bid activities, organise and maintain documentation, support meetings and reviews, and ensure important information is accurate, accessible and up to date. You will gain experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM to maintain customer and opportunity records, alongside SharePoint and Microsoft Office applications to manage documents and support collaboration across the business.

You will assist with the production of professional proposal documents, including formatting, quality checking and coordinating information from subject matter experts liaising with colleagues across the business from engineering, project management, finance, commercial and leadership teams. You will also support reporting activities, maintain proposal content libraries, conduct market and competitor research, and contribute to governance and continuous improvement activities.

Through a combination of structured apprenticeship learning and practical workplace experience, you will develop valuable organisational, communication and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to the full bid and proposal lifecycle. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build a foundation for a career in business administration, bid management, project support or business development within the defence sector.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Information & Systems Management: Update customer and opportunity information in Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM; Maintain bid documents and SharePoint libraries; Maintain proposal content, including case studies, CVs and certifications; Prepare reports, trackers and other team information.
• Bid & Proposal Support: Support the production and quality checking of proposals and tender submissions; Assist with the administration of proposal approval processes, ensuring documents are reviewed, approved and recorded in line with bid governance requirements; Support bid governance and document control activities.
• Coordination & Administration: Coordinate meetings, reviews and actions.
• Research & Business Intelligence: Conduct market and competitor research.

What can you expect from us? 

More than just a job, we offer a mission. More than just a workplace, we provide the opportunity to protect lives, advance technology, and shape the future of maritime security. We know that great work happens when people are supported to live well — not just work hard. Your life outside of work matters just as much as what you do inside it, which is why flexibility is built into how we operate. 

Where possible, we actively support flexible working arrangements, whether that means a hybrid setup, remote working, or the structure and collaboration of being on-site. We’re open to conversations about part-time roles, compressed hours, and bespoke working patterns that fit your lifestyle — because one size doesn’t fit all. 

Across each of our sites we go even further - offering a 9-day fortnight giving you an extended weekend every other week and more time to recharge, pursue your passions, and spend time doing what matters most. 

BPP apprenticeship training programmes are delivered virtually by our fully qualified and industry-experienced training team. Using their expert knowledge, we’ve purposefully built our programmes around the real-world use of modern technology, so that the skills we create can be directly applied in the workplace.

Throughout the apprenticeship learners receive coaching, help and guidance from a dedicated team who are there to ensure they get the most from their work experience.

This apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for a career in business administration, project support, business development or bid management. Through hands-on experience and formal training, you will develop transferable skills in communication, organisation, stakeholder management and business systems that are valued across a wide range of industries.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into roles such as Business Administrator, Bid Coordinator, Proposal Coordinator, Project Support Officer or Business Development Coordinator. The skills and experience gained will also provide a strong platform for further professional development and future career progression, both within the organisation and beyond.

Security Requirements 

This role requires you to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard Check (BPSS) as a minimum and some roles will require further national security vetting checks. 

In line with Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the United Kingdom Vetting Service (UKSV). 

This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. 
 
To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. 
 
For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the United Kingdom Vetting Service (UKSV)- United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion 

Ultra Maritime embraces the power of diverse perspectives to fuel innovation. We strive to build an open, inclusive workplace where ideas flourish and every individual can make a meaningful impact. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let the recruitment lead managing your application know. 

Together, we deliver cutting-edge solutions that safeguard our oceans and secure a safer world. 

• Flexible start and finish times, including a 1.00pm finish on a Friday.
• Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) of up to one day per calendar month. 
• Annual bonus. 
• 25 days annual leave with a holiday buy and sell scheme. 
•  A culture rooted in Integrity, Transparency, and Alignment.

Protecting What Matters. Powering the Future of Naval Technology. 

Ultra Maritime is a global leader in advanced maritime defence solutions. We operate at the forefront of innovation, delivering technologies that protect lives, secure nations, and enable a safer, more sustainable world. At Ultra Maritime, we’re committed to helping you reach your full potential. If you meet some, but not all of the criteria, we still encourage you to apply. We value passion, curiosity, and the drive to make a difference. To support your growth, we offer industry-leading development programs, and mentorship from some of the brightest minds in maritime technology.