At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the bid function for a growing engineering consultancy.
- Company: Join a dynamic engineering consultancy making waves across the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence key projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to innovate and improve processes in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of winning bids and driving success in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management with strong writing and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
A senior opportunity to build and lead a dedicated bid function within a growing engineering consultancy. Cala Consulting is recruiting a Bid Manager for an established engineering consultancy working across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK. With a growing portfolio of work and an expanding practice, the company is bringing its bid activity together under a dedicated lead. This role will shape how opportunities are assessed, bids are developed and performance is measured.
The opportunity
You will establish clear ownership, consistent processes, strong reporting and the resources needed to increase the number and quality of bids. Working closely with Directors, design leads and colleagues across the practice, you will lead each bid from opportunity review through submission and debrief. You will also use performance and sector insight to help the Directors decide where to focus future effort. This role will suit an ambitious, self-motivated bid professional who enjoys building effective systems, influencing senior colleagues and improving how a practice wins work. You will be comfortable adapting to changes in procurement and using digital tools to improve quality and capacity.
Key responsibilities
- Build and lead the practices bid function, agreeing roles, responsibilities, reporting and sign-off with the Directors.
- Review current bid practices and establish a documented process from opportunity identification to debrief.
- Select and implement appropriate bid systems, including a live pipeline tracker, templates and searchable content library.
- Monitor tender portals and identify relevant opportunities.
- Lead and record Go/No-Go reviews for new opportunities.
- Manage submissions across pre-qualification questionnaires, expressions of interest, frameworks and invitations to tender.
- Agree bid strategy and requirements with the designated Bid Director.
- Set bid plans, coordinate internal and external contributors, run kick-off meetings and track deadlines.
- Lead structured bid reviews and coordinate final approval and submission.
- Coordinate sub-consultant inputs and ensure submissions align with the fee proposal.
- Arrange interviews and presentations where required.
- Build and maintain a bid library of project information, case studies, CVs and reusable content.
- Hold post-submission debriefs and record lessons learned.
- Track pipeline and win rates by sector, client, procurement route, fee value and region; report findings to Directors.
- Analyse client feedback and bid scores, identifying practical improvements.
- Research sectors, public sector pipelines, frameworks, clients and competitors to identify opportunities and inform priorities.
- Prepare regular pipeline and performance reports and support an annual sector and business development plan.
- Plan bid workloads and agree the contribution required from design leads and other colleagues.
- Assess future resource requirements and present a clear business case as the function develops.
- Keep up to date with procurement developments, including the Procurement Act 2023, and introduce suitable digital tools and improved ways of working.
Requirements
- You will bring strong bid management experience and the confidence to lead a structured process across a busy engineering practice.
- You will be organised, commercially aware and able to turn technical input into clear, persuasive and compliant submissions.
- At least five years bid management experience, including experience in architecture, engineering or construction.
- Experience developing a bid process, team or content library.
- Experience of public sector bidding in Northern Ireland and/or the Republic of Ireland, including selection and tender stages.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to shape technical contributions into persuasive answers.
- Confidence presenting pipeline and win/loss information clearly to senior leaders.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to manage several bids and fixed deadlines at once.
- Confident communication and the ability to secure buy-in from senior colleagues and provide constructive feedback.
- Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and experience with InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite.
- A degree in built environment or technical subject, or equivalent experience.
Bid Manager in Belfast employer: Cala Consulting Limited
Cala Consulting is an exceptional employer that prioritises purpose-driven work and employee development, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful careers. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages continuous improvement and offers opportunities for growth across various teams. Located in Ireland, the company provides flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, including pension contributions and health support, ensuring a rewarding work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager in Belfast
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Bid Manager role you’re after at Cala Consulting Limited.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Cala Consulting Limited a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Cala Consulting Limited.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Bid Manager at Cala Consulting Limited, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Bid Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Cala Consulting Limited a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Cala Consulting Limited specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cala Consulting Limited
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Cala Consulting Limited, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Cala Consulting Limited want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
