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- 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 focused on impactful work and enhancing community services.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing public/private sector tenders and strong proposal writing skills required.
- Other info: Contact Lisa Easthope for more details and to apply!
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.
Proposal Manager employer: Bid Solutions
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 a significant edge in discussions and during interviews.
✨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.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful bids you've managed. Be ready to articulate your role in these projects and the strategies you employed to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Highlight experiences where you've worked with diverse teams or stakeholders to develop proposals, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Proposal Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Proposal Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in managing public sector tenders and producing successful bids.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only introduce yourself but also explain why you are the perfect fit for this role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to develop compelling proposals and manage the business development cycle effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your CV, emphasise skills that are crucial for the Proposal Manager role, such as project management, collaboration with senior leads, and compliance with public procurement frameworks. Make sure to include any experience with IT packages and design software, as these are desirable for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it thoroughly. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and persuasive. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
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.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Public Sector Commissioning
Familiarise yourself with the public sector commissioning agenda. During the interview, articulate how your knowledge can contribute to the organisation's goals and how you can navigate the complexities of public procurement frameworks.
✨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 diverse teams. Discuss how you build relationships and influence stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may require you to think on your feet. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific challenges in the bid development process, such as tight deadlines or compliance issues, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
