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- Tasks: Lead high-stakes proposals and client onboarding for major organisations.
- Company: Join CMS, a dynamic firm focused on strategic pitches and client pursuits.
- Benefits: Enjoy ongoing training, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with talented professionals in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent; experience in winning proposals and engaging with stakeholders required.
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join CMS as a Bid Manager into a dynamic and high-performing team where you'll play a key role in shaping the firm's most strategically important pitches and client pursuits.
About the role
Working closely with fellow Bid Managers and the Head of Client & New Business, you'll lead on high-stakes proposals, panel appointments, and client onboarding for major domestic and international organisations. From guiding tender strategies and presentations to analysing past performance and refining bid materials, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact and help drive the firm's growth.
In this role, you can expect to get involved in a variety of work including:
- Advising on all aspects of the proposal process from deciding to tender through to the presentation and, sometimes, onboarding new client relationships.
- Creative input regarding the proposition and being clear with the partners 'why us'.
- Project managing proposals from start to finish to ensure all key deadlines are met and partner confidence and trust is high.
- Advise partners on key commercial decisions regarding pricing strategy, rates and profitability.
- Commentating on trends in pitches/proposals.
- Managing and developing pitch statistics/the pitch database/pitch portal/Monday.com.
- Writing compelling and fresh copy for proposals.
- Liaising with international CMS BD and Practice Group & Sector BD colleagues.
- Responsible for delivering firm wide training on pitch best practice and inputting into development courses run generally for the fee earning community.
- Develop and deliver pitch and presentation training to all levels of lawyer (including partners) and the wider BD team.
- Accompany fee earners to significant client meetings in support of proposals.
About you
We will invest in your ongoing training and development to support your professional goals and help you to thrive in your role from day one. Our opportunities are open to all suitably qualified applicants, so to be considered for this role, you must meet the following skills and experience:
Technical Competence
- Recognised expert with in-depth knowledge of client services, industries, and business sectors.
- Analyses complex information with strong attention to detail and delivers clear, pragmatic, risk-aware advice in client-friendly language.
- Proficient in leveraging IT and support functions to enhance service quality and commercial positioning.
- Understands and addresses pricing, profitability, and risk management issues, including compliance and client due diligence.
- Proactively sources firm-wide expertise to deliver cost-effective client solutions.
Communication & Collaboration
- Actively shares knowledge and best practices across teams and the wider firm.
- Uses internal communication tools effectively to disseminate client insights and business opportunities.
- Promotes cross-practice collaboration to support tenders, pitches, and client engagement.
Leadership & Management
- Plans, organises, and prioritises workloads effectively to meet deadlines and deliverables.
- Facilitates productive team meetings with clear action points and accountability.
- Identifies and escalates risks early, maintaining transparent communication.
- Delegates clearly, supervises fairly, and provides regular, constructive feedback and appraisals.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or equivalent; further business qualifications (MBA, APMP, CIM) a plus.
- Proven ability to engage credibly with senior stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success in winning new business and developing winning proposals, ideally in professional services.
- Excellent business and proposal writing skills.
Bids Manager 6-month FTC employer: CMS UK
Contact Detail:
CMS UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bids Manager 6-month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in bid management and proposal writing. Understanding what makes a successful pitch in your industry can give you an edge when discussing strategies with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in bid management or related fields. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with others and gain insights into what firms like CMS are looking for in a Bids Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed bids or proposals in the past. Highlighting your experience with high-stakes projects will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing how you've facilitated team meetings or managed cross-functional collaboration in previous roles. This will illustrate your ability to lead and support teams effectively, which is crucial for the Bids Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Bids Manager 6-month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in bid management and proposal writing. Emphasise any previous roles where you've successfully led proposals or worked with senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are the right fit for the Bids Manager role. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, such as your ability to analyse complex information and manage proposals effectively.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. For example, mention how your contributions led to successful bids or improved proposal processes in previous roles.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and professional, reflecting the high standards expected in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at CMS UK
✨Showcase Your Proposal Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with managing proposals and tenders. Discuss specific examples where you've successfully led a bid or contributed to a winning proposal, focusing on your strategic input and the impact it had on the outcome.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you effectively communicate complex information. Share instances where your communication skills helped bridge gaps between teams or facilitated successful client engagements.
✨Emphasise Your Project Management Abilities
Talk about your experience in project management, especially in relation to bids. Highlight how you prioritise tasks, manage deadlines, and ensure that all team members are aligned and accountable throughout the proposal process.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific challenges related to pricing strategies or client onboarding, showcasing your analytical thinking and risk management capabilities.
