Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and produce compelling proposals to secure funding for vital community services.
- Company: Join a leading advice charity making a real difference across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 6-month fixed term contract with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving social impact through innovative bidding strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing public/private sector tenders and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Contact Lisa Easthope for more details about this exciting opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Proposal Manager on a 6-month fixed term contract to work with a leading advice charity. The bid team is responsible for writing all bids for their national office and supporting other regional offices to win funding for vital services in communities across England and Wales.
You will be a results-focused individual, able to develop compelling proposals and bids to secure income on behalf of the organisation and local offices. You will have a track record in managing and producing successful bids and a strong understanding of the public sector commissioning agenda. The Business Development department is made up of market development, market positioning and proposal development specialists. The Bid Development Team works closely with the whole service to build relationships with key buyers, developing and driving revenue generating and reputation enhancing activities that help the organisation to achieve its service ambitions.
Proposal Manager Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensure national and local offices maintain and increase income through public sector tendering and commissioning by:
- Project planning and management of all stages and elements of the business development cycle applying a breadth of technical skills and knowledge to ensure best practice, legal processes and public procurement frameworks are followed.
- Directly managing and working collaboratively with senior and technical leads (local and national) and partner organisations to ensure compelling and high-quality proposals are produced and submitted on time.
- Supporting operational, legal, and technical compliance with buyer / commissioner priorities to ensure compliant, responsive bids are submitted.
- Developing and maintaining operational relationships with service providers, partners and other key stakeholders.
- Developing one to many tools for local offices to improve their skills in commissioning and bidding.
- Lead on the internal evaluation of bids at local and national level and implement lessons learned in future work.
- Ensure that the work of the team reflects and supports the service’s Equality and Diversity Strategy.
- Implement best practice systems and processes across the team and in partnership with other teams across the service.
Proposal Manager Person Specification:
- Proven ability to successfully manage public and / or private sector tenders and proposals.
- Proven ability to deliver compliant, responsive, professionally produced proposals within defined timeframes.
- Proven ability to lead, or contribute effectively to, relevant processes within the Business Development Cycle: specifically Gate Decisions, Bid Qualification, and Opportunity, (or Capture,) Planning.
- Proven ability to provide valuable input into opportunity qualification, win strategies, commercial discussions, and solution design.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with others to find creative and innovative solutions.
- Good influencing, negotiation and persuasion skills: to win the respect of others, establish credibility, inspire confidence, and enable the delivery of positive solutions.
- Proven ability to assimilate and analyse complex information and issues quickly and communicate well thought out solutions clearly, concisely and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to use IT packages, including word processing, spreadsheet and presentation packages and the ability to use email and maintain an electronic diary.
- Ability to develop graphics and use of design software, such as Microsoft Visio, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe InDesign is desirable.
- Membership of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals with Foundation Level certification as a minimum is desirable.
Contact Detail:
Bid Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Proposal Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the public sector commissioning agenda. Understanding the nuances of how public tenders work will give you an edge in discussions and help you craft proposals that align with buyer expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience in proposal management. Attend relevant workshops or webinars to build connections and gain insights into best practices that can enhance your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to lead collaborative efforts by discussing past experiences where you successfully managed teams or projects. Highlighting your leadership skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful bids you've managed. Be ready to explain your role in the process, the strategies you employed, and the outcomes achieved to demonstrate your effectiveness in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Proposal Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and skills required for the Proposal Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in managing public sector tenders and producing successful bids.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV showcases your track record in proposal management, including specific examples of successful bids you've led. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for the hiring team to identify your qualifications.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills align with the duties outlined in the job description. Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively, manage projects, and develop compelling proposals that meet buyer requirements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Proposal Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bid Solutions
✨Showcase Your Bid Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing public and private sector tenders. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led a bid, detailing the strategies you employed and the outcomes achieved.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Demonstrate your knowledge of the public sector commissioning agenda. Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in public procurement, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with senior and technical leads, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others. Discuss any experiences where you influenced stakeholders or navigated complex team dynamics.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and creativity in developing proposals. Prepare scenarios where you had to think outside the box to overcome challenges in the bidding process, showcasing your innovative solutions.
