As a Senior Proposals Manager (SPM), you will work closely with the Head of Bids to support WSP’s work winning activities and identify and develop operational best practice, raising the standards in how we produce and manage bids.
You will develop innovative strategies (capture, win and sector etc.) and translate these into successful bid management plans, incorporating bid negotiation, presentation, and handover into programme delivery.
In this hands-on role, you will be a senior member of WSP’s UK work winning function, regularly interacting with senior colleagues and building relationships with teams across internal business units.
The SPM will encourage bid best practice and champion work winning strategies throughout the proposal lifecycle. Alongside capture and bid management responsibilities, the SPM will also line manage and coach both direct and indirect reports to develop competencies and bring fresh thinking into the team.
* Applying WSP’s work winning process, helping our technical experts and proposals team to provide innovative ideas and high-quality evidence.
* Implementing and leading on governance and stage gate decisions, including investment calls and go-no go bid decisions.
* Leading and developing capture plans and strategies alongside technical capture leads to influence WSP’s position on nominated opportunities.
* Working closely with the Bid Director to build and manage bespoke bid teams, including bid writers, coordinators and administrators assigned to the pursuit, alongside technical specialists and SMEs.
* Developing bid strategies – including document analysis, undertaking a wide range of research, facilitating win workshops and building commitment to the strategy within the bid team.
* Creating detailed bid plans and additional materials as required – including guidance templates, writing style guides and CVs – with the support of bid managers, coordinators, writers, and administrators.
* Managing the work winning process and owning the bid/capture plan – owning deliverables and project managing the pursuit from start to finish.
* Leading progress meetings including bid kick-off workshops – setting the agenda, agreeing attendees, and leading the discussion.
* Driving outputs and solutions to maintain momentum and meet programme targets.
* Writing the bid – lead and deliver answer planning and storyboarding sessions and interviews to develop benefits driven copy aligned to bid win strategies.
* Managing review deadlines – lead, guide and coordinate quality colour reviews, programming them into your bid plan.
* Liaising with the commercial lead to manage outputs, ensuring reviews incorporate commercial strategy.
* Submitting the bid – ensure all required reviews and sign offs happen in line with WSP governance processes.
* Post bid presentations and negotiation – ensure storyboards and/or scripts align to bid strategy and produce additional supporting materials as required.
* Coaching and rehearsing – work with the team to ensure successful delivery of content.
* Extensive experience of “hands on” tendering for publicly procured professional services contracts.
* A degree-level qualification in an appropriate subject.
* Strong interpersonal skills including line management skills.
* A pro-active approach, using initiative and taking responsibility for own actions.
* Confidence to delegate to all levels, where required.
* Knowledge of various IT packages both in-house and Microsoft based.
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