Bid Manager - Stage 1 Work Winning
Location: Trafford, Manchester (with travel as required)
Salary/Package: £65,000 to £80,000 plus package
Job Type: Permanent
About the Company
Our client is a highly respected construction business delivering major projects across a range of sectors throughout the UK. With a strong reputation for quality, innovation and successful project delivery, the business is continuing to strengthen its pre-construction and work-winning capabilities.
As part of its ongoing growth, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Bid Manager to join the team and play a key role in securing significant construction opportunities.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Pre-Construction Director, the Bid Manager will take the lead on Stage 1 tender opportunities, managing the work-winning process from initial opportunity qualification through to submission and award.
This is a pivotal position within the pre-construction function, requiring someone who can bring together multidisciplinary teams, develop compelling bid strategies and translate client requirements into high-quality, commercially robust submissions.
You will work closely with colleagues across estimating, design, commercial, planning, operations and the supply chain, ensuring every submission is customer-focused, strategically aligned and demonstrates a clear understanding of the client's objectives.
The successful candidate will have experience working within a Tier 1 contractor or major construction environment, with a strong understanding of two-stage procurement, frameworks and negotiated tender opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Bid Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and manage Stage 1 bids from opportunity qualification through to submission and award.
- Develop and implement effective bid strategies aligned with client requirements, procurement routes and market positioning.
- Take ownership of the bid programme, ensuring all activities are delivered within agreed timescales.
- Identify key risks, opportunities and competitive advantages, developing appropriate strategies and solutions.
Stakeholder & Team Management
- Coordinate multidisciplinary bid teams across estimating, design, commercial, planning, operations and supply chain.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and key stakeholders.
- Gain a thorough understanding of project objectives, client priorities and success criteria.
- Lead bid workshops, progress meetings, technical reviews and tender settlement meetings.
- Influence and motivate internal teams to achieve a consistent and successful work-winning approach.
Submission & Commercial Management
- Ensure all bid submissions are compelling, professional, compliant and customer-focused.
- Clearly communicate the proposed project approach, value proposition and benefits to the client.
- Drive programme compliance, governance and quality throughout the bid lifecycle.
- Manage bid budgets, resources and deadlines effectively.
- Ensure commercial, technical and operational proposals are aligned and fully developed.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve bid processes, quality and overall work-winning performance.
- Promote best practice across the pre-construction function.
- Ensure commitments to health and safety, sustainability, social value and quality are embedded throughout tender submissions.
About You
- Proven experience as a Bid Manager, Pre-Construction Manager or Senior Work Winning professional.
- A strong track record of leading and securing complex construction projects.
- Experience working for a Tier 1 contractor or within a major construction environment.
- A thorough understanding of two-stage procurement, frameworks and negotiated tender opportunities.
- Strong knowledge of pre-construction processes and the wider construction delivery environment.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
- The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and bring people together around a shared objective.
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of project risk and opportunity.
- Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple bids and competing deadlines.
- High-quality written and verbal communication skills.
- A collaborative, proactive and customer-focused approach with a genuine passion for winning work.
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary and package, depending on experience.
- Opportunity to join an established construction business.
- A pivotal role within the pre-construction and work-winning team.
- Involvement in major construction projects and significant tender opportunities.
- Opportunity to influence bid strategy and contribute directly to business growth.
- Long-term career development within a progressive construction environment.
Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Bid Writer in Ringway employer: Building Careers UK Ltd
Our client is a leading civil engineering and highways contractor based in Stockport, offering a collaborative work culture and a strong focus on employee development. With a substantial forward order book and long-term framework contracts, employees benefit from exposure to major projects across the North West, competitive salaries, and excellent packages, making it an ideal environment for experienced professionals seeking meaningful career growth.
