Senior Bid Writer - North West Based - Driver Required in Liverpool

The primary objective of this role is to develop and submit winning tenders that deliver business growth for the charity and enhance our reputation with commissioners. The role will also ensure the creation and updating of a strong bid library that includes a comprehensive set of method statements, case studies and other evidence that can be used as a foundation for developing tenders. Working in a highly competitive, results-driven culture, the role holder will work to all deadlines, achieve annual targets set, whilst also contributing to the wider organisational objectives.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Hold overall responsibility and accountability for the quality of tenders, PQQs, EOIs and framework proposals.
• Ensure all tenders are based on a detailed understanding of the customer context so that each tender is tailored to the customer.
• Review all bid submissions for quality and accuracy, amending where necessary.
• Adhere to the compliant and timely execution of tender activity in accordance with procurement regulations and recognised industry best practice.
• Mentor colleagues in Business Development including bid writers to improve the effectiveness of their written work.
• Conduct thorough research on potential competitors and industry trends.
• Ensure that lessons are learnt from all tender feedback and incorporated into an ongoing tender improvement plan.
• In collaboration with the marketing team, create a range of case studies that will form part of a comprehensive bank of materials within the AFG evidence library.
• Create and regularly update a strong bid library that includes a comprehensive set of method statements, case studies and other evidence.
• Identify differentiators, win themes, key messages and content for proposals and presentations.
• Ensure that the tender process and procedures are clearly documented and understood by internal stakeholders.
• Lead the end-to-end bid process from opportunity review and bid or no bid recommendation through to submission.
• Manage bid kick-off meetings, response plans, compliance checks, review stages and submission timetables.
• Coordinate, challenge and support subject matter experts and senior stakeholders across various departments.
• Assess tender opportunities for strategic fit, delivery risk, competitiveness and alignment with AFG growth priorities.
• Maintain oversight of the live bid pipeline and provide regular progress updates on bid status.
• Lead the development of win strategies, tailored value propositions and compelling service narratives.
• Lead on final submission checks, including formatting and document control.
• Lead structured post-tender reviews and analyse commissioner feedback.
• Support mobilisation handover by ensuring key commitments are communicated to operational teams.
• Coach colleagues involved in bid development to improve the organisation’s overall bid readiness.
• Keep up to date with current best practice in tendering relevant to AFG’s market.

Experience

• Five years’ experience as a bid writer within the Health and Social Care sector.
• Proven track record of winning tenders within Health and Social Care.
• Experience of mentoring other bid writers.
• Understanding of the commissioning process within the Health and Social Care sector.
• Experience of maintaining a knowledge base of reusable material.
• Experience of accessing and understanding tendering portals.
• Experience of communicating regularly and effectively with teams and individuals at all levels.
• Proven experience of leading the end-to-end bid process.
• Experience of leading complex public sector tenders.
• Experience of coordinating senior stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Experience of developing win themes and persuasive service narratives.
• Experience of managing multiple live bids and conflicting deadlines.
• Experience of analysing tender feedback and improving bid performance.

Skills & Knowledge

• Good understanding of the market in which AFG operates.
• Good understanding of tendering best practices.
• Command of IT (advanced Word, intermediate Excel and PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build long-term rapport and networks with key stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to assess tender opportunities for strategic fit and likelihood of success.
• Ability to challenge, edit and strengthen draft content.
• Strong analytical and commercial judgement.
• Ability to lead bid meetings and present clear recommendations.
• Team player, calm and unflappable.
• Commitment to excellence in tender submissions.
• Highly organised, proactive and accountable.

Qualifications and Training

• Degree level qualification or equivalent relevant experience in bid writing, tender management or proposals.

With our extended flexible working options, you can choose to work your 35 hours per week on a 9-day fortnight or a 4.5-day week basis, supporting our employees with their work-life balance. In return for your contribution, we will support you throughout your career and provide a wide range of employee benefits, career development and lifestyle support services.