Senior Bids and Tenders Manager

Are you looking to step up or across into a role that offers you the opportunity to shape how we engage with NHS, public sector and private sector clients?

We are seeking a Senior Bids and Tenders Manager to take ownership of the development and execution of high-quality, compliant, and competitive NHS and public sector bids. This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring someone who can drive efficiency, implement best practices, and enhance our bid capability.

This is more than a process-driven role – we need you to bring a level of challenge to the business, adding value to strategic and commercial conversations. It’s an opportunity to redefine how we compete, influence key decision-makers, and build a best-in-class bid team. You’ll build a winning culture around the bid function, creating NHS and public sector tenders that make a real difference.

You will work closely with commercial, operational, and senior leadership teams to ensure that every bid we submit is strategically aligned, commercially viable, and executed flawlessly. Your expertise in structured bid management and rigorous governance will be instrumental in ensuring our bid function operates at the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

Developing & Embedding a Best-in-Class Bid Function

• Take ownership of the bid function, with scope to define roles, upskill internal contributors, and establish a scalable team structure.
• Create an engaged, collaborative culture around bidding, ensuring buy-in from key stakeholders.
• Establish and develop a highly effective bid framework that enhances our ability to win major NHS and public sector contracts.
• Develop a governed, structured, and efficient bid process that aligns with industry best practice.
• Develop and maintain knowledge management systems, ensuring that high-quality, reusable content is readily available.
• Define bid strategies and win themes in collaboration with commercial and operational teams.
• Establish clear performance metrics to measure and continuously improve bid outcomes.

End-to-End Bid Management & Execution

• Lead the full bid lifecycle from pipeline, qualification and capture planning through to submission, presentation, and post-bid reviews.
• Ensuring alignment with business strategy and commercial objectives.
• Work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop solutions and articulate compelling, tailored responses.
• Ensure commercial modelling is integrated effectively into the bid process.
• Lead presentation coaching, preparing teams for client meetings and pitches.
• Continuously review and refine bid strategies based on client feedback, market intelligence and competitor insights.

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Influence

• Work directly with senior leadership, commercial, and operational teams to ensure bids align with business growth objectives.
• Proactively challenge and contribute to strategic and commercial conversations, ensuring we adopt the best possible bid strategies.
• Guide SMEs and bid contributors, ensuring high-quality content that meets client needs and win strategies.
• Manage senior-level bid reviews, ensuring robust decision-making and a focused approach to winning.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in developing and leading a bid function, ideally focused on the NHS or public sector.
• Strong understanding of procurement regulations and frameworks.
• Strong strategic and commercial awareness, with a track record of developing and implementing winning bid strategies.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to challenge, inspire, and lead.
• A results-driven mindset, keen attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical solutions into compelling proposals.
• Experience managing multiple, high-value bids under tight deadlines while maintaining quality and strategic focus.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Knowledge of NHS / Public Sector procurement and commercial frameworks.
• Knowledge of NHS policy and NHS England requirements.
• APMP, Prince2, MSP, or equivalent qualifications are desirable.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and bid management tools.

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