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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth and manage stakeholder relationships in the skills training sector.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation transforming lives through employment and skills development.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, up to 32 days leave, and a supportive culture focused on your development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while leading in a values-led environment with clear progression pathways.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and bid writing, with strong communication and negotiation skills required.
- Other info: This role offers a platform for impactful leadership in a thriving, people-first organisation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ready to lead strategic growth and make a lasting impact on communities? This is your chance to take on a pivotal leadership role that blends commercial acumen with social purpose. If you’re passionate about business development and thrive in a values-led environment, this opportunity was made for you.
About the Company
Join a well-respected, mission-driven organisation that’s transforming lives by breaking down barriers to employment and skills development. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, employee wellbeing, and social value, they’ve earned Investor in People Gold accreditation — and it shows in everything they do.
You’ll benefit from:
- Hybrid working and flexible hours to suit your lifestyle
- Up to 32 days annual leave and a healthcare cash plan
- A deeply supportive culture that genuinely invests in your development
- Clear progression pathways and performance-based salary increases
This is not just a job — it’s a platform for meaningful leadership.
About the Role
As Head of Bids and Strategy, you will lead the organisation’s approach to securing growth opportunities in the skills training sector. Collaborating with senior leaders, you’ll design and execute business strategies, manage stakeholder relationships, and spearhead high-impact bid submissions.
You will:
- Develop and deliver a robust growth and bid strategy
- Manage external partnerships with local authorities, FE colleges, and employers
- Lead employer engagement initiatives and identify new revenue opportunities
- Monitor performance, oversee data reporting, and contribute to strategic decisions
- Ensure compliance with ESFA and other funding body regulations
This is a hands-on role that combines strategic planning with stakeholder influence — ideal for a commercially-minded leader who’s driven by results and impact.
Ideal Candidate
You will thrive in this role if you have:
- Proven experience in business development, bid writing, and employer engagement, ideally within FE or skills training
- Strong knowledge of funding streams, ESFA contracts, and compliance requirements
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences
- A track record of building strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors
- A data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insight into action
- A Certificate of Higher Education (or equivalent) and a valid driving licence
If you’re ready to drive strategic change and help shape the future of skills development in a thriving, people-first organisation — we want to hear from you. Apply today to lead where it matters most.
Head of Bids and Strategy employer: S Knights Recruitment
Contact Detail:
S Knights Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Bids and Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the skills training sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders. Building these relationships can give you insights into the organisation's needs and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the organisation's recent projects and partnerships. Understanding their current initiatives will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to developing growth strategies. Think about specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led bids or secured funding, as this will showcase your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with ESFA regulations and compliance requirements. Being knowledgeable about these aspects will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to the role and the organisation's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Bids and Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Bids and Strategy position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in business development, bid writing, and employer engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in these areas, particularly within the skills training sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for social purpose and inclusivity. Mention how you can contribute to the organisation's mission and values.
Showcase Your Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that reflect your ability to drive growth and manage stakeholder relationships. Use metrics to illustrate your impact in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at S Knights Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a candidate for the Head of Bids and Strategy, it's crucial to articulate your vision for growth. Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past and how they led to successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and strategically.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise your experience in business development and bid writing, particularly within the FE or skills training sectors. Be ready to provide examples of successful bids you've led and the partnerships you've built, as this aligns directly with the role's requirements.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Compliance
Given the importance of compliance with ESFA and other funding body regulations, be prepared to discuss your knowledge in this area. Highlight any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance while achieving strategic goals, showcasing your attention to detail and regulatory awareness.
✨Engage with Their Values
This organisation places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and social value. During the interview, connect your personal values and professional experiences to their mission. Show that you are not only a fit for the role but also for the culture they have cultivated.
