Ref: VA139 Head Office - Harpenden Full time Permanent
REPORTS TO: Business Development Director
PRIMARY PURPOSE
As the Bid Manager, you will be responsible for leading the process of creating and submitting winning proposals from start to finish. As a highly experienced professional, you should have a successful record in managing and winning large, complex tenders, particularly in the engineering, property, or construction sectors.
Your role will be central to driving business growth by crafting competitive and compelling bids that align with client needs and securing strategic wins. Your experience will enable you to effectively lead cross-functional teams, influence senior stakeholders, and ensure that every bid delivers maximum impact for the business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Bid Development
* Analyse RFPs and tender documents to understand client requirements and shape proposals that effectively highlight our unique selling points (USPs).
* Work with executive leadership, sales, and subject matter experts to craft a proposal strategy that aligns with company objectives and client expectations.
Cross-Functional Coordination & Project Management
* Coordinate with departments, including sales, marketing, finance, legal, technical, and operations, to compile relevant inputs for a strong, unified bid.
* Act as the central communicator between technical experts and the bid team to ensure accurate, relevant information.
* Oversee bid timelines, resources, and progress, conducting regular meetings to maintain alignment and address challenges.
Bid Creation & Submission
* Write and edit proposal sections, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with client expectations.
* Ensure all bid documents meet submission criteria, including format, technical specifications, and deadlines.
* Work with finance/CFO and commercial teams to develop competitive, profitable pricing.
* Identify potential risks, such as resource limitations or technical challenges, and communicate these to stakeholders.
* Propose solutions to maintain the viability of the bid under identified risks.
Client & Stakeholder Communication
* Serve as the primary contact with clients for clarifications and updates throughout the bid process.
* Keep internal stakeholders informed of bid status, challenges, and strategic changes.
Post-Bid Evaluation
* Lead or support bid presentations and contract negotiations.
* Conduct a debrief to analyse bid outcomes and improve future bidding efforts.
Knowledge Management & Compliance
* Maintain a repository of templates, case studies, and key documents to improve efficiency in future bids.
* Ensure bids adhere to legal and ethical standards, including procurement laws and anti-bribery regulations.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, Project Management, or related field (MBA preferred).
* Minimum 3 years of experience in a closely related field of Bid Management.
* Professional certifications in Project or Bid Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, APMP) are advantageous.
* Proven ability to manage timelines, teams, and resources effectively.
* Excellent writing and communication skills to craft clear, persuasive proposals.
* High attention to compliance and accuracy in all bid components.
* Skilled in shaping commercial elements and achieving favourable outcomes.
* Experience in sectors such as construction, engineering, or frameworks (e.g., SSE/SPEN) is a plus.
* Understands business principles, assesses bid viability, and develops competitive strategies.
* Motivates cross-functional teams and gains senior stakeholder alignment.
* Performs well under pressure, adapts to changes, and remains detail-oriented.
* Manages multiple priorities efficiently, ensuring timely, accurate submissions.
* Maintains professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in managing sensitive information.
* Evaluate risks, interpret data, and develop effective mitigation strategies.
ABOUT US
Plowman Craven is a renowned surveying and geospatial company, distinguished for its expertise in providing cutting-edge measurement and imaging solutions. With a rich history spanning over 60 years, we have established ourselves as a leader in the field, delivering precise and comprehensive geospatial data to a diverse range of industries. Our commitment to innovation and advanced technology has earned us a reputation for excellence in areas such as land surveying, laser scanning, BIM, floor flatness and aerial mapping. Our unwavering dedication to accuracy and client-centric consultancy solutions has solidified our position as a trusted partner for projects of all scales and complexities.
Plowman Craven is not an immigration sponsored company and is therefore unable to accept any candidates without the appropriate UK right to work documentation. We are an equal opportunity employer and shall take additional measures to support any candidate that needs assistance with the recruitment process.
BENEFITS
Plowman Craven is a great place to work and offers a range of competitive family friendly benefits including:
* 25 Days Annual Leave - increasing to 30 days plus bank holidays
* Performance related bonus
* Salary sacrifice pension contribution scheme
* Travel loans & travel cards (Zone 1+2) for London-based roles
* Access to fleet vehicles
* Life assurance
* Enhanced family friendly benefits
* Social activities organised throughout the year
* Harpenden & London offices
* Employee owned company held in a Trust for the benefit of employees
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