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Senior Bid Manager

  • Location London, ENG
  • Salary £80k/year - 80k/year
  • Job Type Contract - outside IR35
  • Posted 26 November 2024

In a dynamic, fast-paced business environment, the Senior Bidding Manager will lead a bid solutions team to support business growth targets. The role requires proactive and strategic management of opportunities throughout the entire bid lifecycle. Responsibilities include supporting pre-engagement client activities, managing the bid process from inception to submission, creating compelling bid content, and transitioning to the mobilisation phase upon contract award, using a structured bid management process


This hands-on role involves leading and project-managing opportunities to completion, including developing overall bid strategies, value propositions, and solutions. The manager will ensure high-quality, winning proposals align with specific RFP requirements, demonstrating leadership in driving successful outcomes


Working on complex, global bids, the role is integral to the overall Work Winning leadership team. The successful candidate will bring innovative ideas and fresh thinking while identifying opportunities for improvement and growth


Main Responsibilities

Bid Management

  • Take full ownership of the bid process, managing business opportunities through a structured approach to maximise success
  • Manage the bidding team to achieve a high conversion rate for live bid opportunities
  • Oversee the tender process, working with subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop commercial and solution strategies and allocate resources effectively
  • Engage and collaborate with SMEs across the business and manage key stakeholder relationships


Solution Development

  • Design solutions for tender opportunities, creating propositions that address client needs and objectives while differentiating from competitors
  • Develop proposed contract structures, technology solutions, and ESG offerings to enhance client value
  • Work with the Commercial Pricing Team to develop a ‘price to win’ strategy tailored to each bid


Governance and Risk Management

  • Highlight key risks, ensuring thorough review and mitigation measures before bid submission
  • Maintain compliance with corporate governance, quality standards, and bid accuracy


Client Engagement and Collaboration

  • Attend client pre-tender meetings to position the company positively, influence client business drivers, and build trust
  • Conduct opportunity assessment meetings, identify resource requirements, and project-manage the bid process using a detailed action plan
  • Build strong internal relationships with key management personnel and SMEs to ensure cohesive bid development


Innovation and Competitor Analysis

  • Work with the Work Winning team to develop innovative solutions and robust value propositions for clients
  • Conduct detailed customer research to identify critical success factors and develop win strategies and themes
  • Regularly perform competitor analysis to maintain a competitive edge


Leadership and Team Development

  • Lead and manage direct reports and bid teams, ensuring strong performance and alignment with business objectives
  • Drive improvements and foster innovation within the bidding function


Ideal Candidate Profile

Essential Experience and Skills

  • Proven senior management experience in a bidding environment with a structured bid process
  • Strong track record of leading and managing teams in comparable industries
  • Expertise in devising FM solutions for diverse organisations
  • Experience in managing projects with a disciplined approach to processes and timelines
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver high win ratios against targets
  • Commercial acumen, with a solid understanding of negotiation strategies
  • Capability to enhance bid competitiveness through strategic insights
  • High-quality orientation and a commitment to continuous improvement


Key Competencies

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to influence and inspire confidence in client-facing settings
  • Strategic thinking, with the ability to develop innovative solutions
  • Leadership skills to manage, motivate, and guide teams effectively
  • Resilience and flexibility to deliver results under tight and changing deadlines
  • Active listening skills to incorporate feedback into bid strategies
  • Exceptional bid writing and content development skills


Preferred Qualifications and Experience

  • Familiarity with the Facilities Management industry and related knowledge in FM/engineering/built environment
  • Experience in Facilities Management bidding and exposure to international FM markets