Who We Are:
At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.
Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.
Bid Manager needed to join our dynamic Growth team, here at VML Enterprise Solutions.
The opportunity:
This crucial role drives revenue growth by leading the bid management process for new business opportunities within a fast-paced sales environment. This role is laser-focused on winning new business through meticulous bid management and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a highly organized and strategic thinker with a proven track record of developing and executing winning bids. A preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrable interest and/or experience in technology, commerce, and new business development, plus a strong desire to work from our fantastic London office, fostering in-person collaboration and relationship building.
What you'll be doing:
As a Bid Manager, you will own the entire bid lifecycle, from opportunity identification to post-bid analysis. You will be the driving force behind crafting compelling proposals, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely and compliant submissions. You will work closely with the Sales Lead to develop winning bid strategies, plans, and budgets. Your primary focus will be on optimizing the bid process and maximizing our win rate.
1. Bid Process Management: Oversee, coordinate and own the entire bid lifecycle, from opportunity qualification and kick off meetings through to proposal development, submission, and post-bid analysis. This includes meticulous planning, resource allocation, risk management, deadline management, and conducting post-bid retrospectives to continuously improve our process.
2. Proposal Development & Content Management: Direct and oversee the creation of high-quality, persuasive proposal content that clearly articulates our value proposition, addresses client needs, and differentiates us from the competition. Ensure all submissions are accurate, compelling, compliant, and consistent with brand guidelines. Manage and maintain the Bid Toolkit and relevant templates.
3. Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between internal stakeholders across different departments (Sales, Marketing, Technical, Legal, Finance, etc.) to gather information, coordinate resources, and ensure alignment on bid strategy and execution. Resolve any issues or conflicts that impede the bid process quickly and effectively.
4. Client & Competitor Analysis: Conduct thorough research on target clients, competitors, and industry trends to inform bid strategies, identify new business opportunities, and develop compelling win themes.
5. Pipeline Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of all bid opportunities in Salesforce, providing regular updates to management on pipeline status, win rates, and key performance indicators. Develop and deliver regular bid pipeline reports and presentations.
6. Continuous Improvement & Best Practices: Identify opportunities to improve the bid management process, implementing best practices, tools, and templates to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Propose and take ownership for process improvement activities and championing best practice.
7. Sales Support (Bid-Focused): Provide support to keep sales materials up to date, support on case studies and wider administrative tasks.
What we want from you:
1. Experience and interest: in bid management, sales, or a related field.
2. Proven ability: to develop and execute winning bid strategies.
3. RFPs & Presentations: Strong understanding of the RFP process, with experience writing proposals, developing presentations, and managing complex responses.
4. Motivated and Results-Oriented: A self-starter with a proven track record of success in bid management in a fast paced sales or business development environment. Keen to grow and progress their career in the VML organisation.
5. Passionate and Confident: Excited to sell VML's services and build strong relationships with clients.
6. Team Player: Collaborative and supportive, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams across different departments.
7. Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
8. Strong Organizational and Time Management Skills: Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
9. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word are essential.
10. Strong Preference for Office-Based Work: A commitment to working from our London office to foster collaboration and team building.
If you know some of this, even better:
1. Experience in the technology or commerce industry is highly desirable.
2. Experience with Salesforce and Familiarity with CRM systems is a plus.
What we can offer you:
Alongside the opportunity to work with some of the most exciting brands around the world, we'll also prioritise your career development and help you grow your skills. We'll empower you to make a difference, allow you to be yourself, and respect who you are.
We offer a great benefits package including a discretionary bonus scheme, training opportunities, competitive pension, medical insurance, life assurance, social events, opportunities to buy and sell holidays, family friendly policies, discounts with hundreds of retailers and much more.
Our personality and behaviours: We believe that we are what we do, not just what we say. Our shared values and behaviours show how to bring the VML Enterprise Solution's culture to life through the actions we all take every day:
1. Connect Meaningfully
2. Inspire Creatively
3. Include Purposefully
4. Approach Positively
Our brilliant, talented people are what makes VML Enterprise Solutions what we are. That's why we look for people who go beyond and always push our thinking to be better than yesterday.
AT VML Enterprise Solutions
Our Enterprise Solutions division houses strategic consultants, creative and technical architects and skilled developers and operators that together help some of the world's leading organisations to deliver outstanding digital experiences across all major routes to market worldwide: marketplaces, online retailers, D2C, B2B and social platforms. With over 4,200 experts in 55 operational centres across 34 countries, our capabilities span the entire buying journey from customer acquisition, through engagement, to conversion and loyalty, driving multi-channel growth for world-leading brands.
We work with some of the most exciting brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, EY, Bosch, Unilever, Ford, DFS, Mercedes-Benz, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, Sainsbury's, Selfridges, Shell and Tiffany & Co. We've built over 500 platforms for brands and retailers and generate in excess of $29bn annually for our clients and work with over 50 strategic partners including Adobe, SAP, Salesforce, HCL, Shopify, Sitecore, BigCommerce, commerce tools and Acquia. Our reputation is based on our people, and we believe we have some of the best in the business.
As our business grows internationally, we're looking for new people to join us on our journey to inspire and take a key role in shaping some of the best commerce solutions, services, and websites in the world. Working as a team, no problem is insurmountable; we share in our client's successes and believe that anyone can show creative bravery no matter what their role is in the team.
At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization-creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers-who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.
VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. #J-18808-Ljbffr