Bid Manager in London

About Cardo Group

Cardo Group is a leading provider of building maintenance and improvement services to social housing providers and public bodies across the UK. With over 1,000 colleagues operating in South Wales, the South West, London, the South East, the Midlands, and Scotland, we continue to expand with ambitious plans for nationwide growth.

We deliver a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of our clients and their residents, including:

• Retrofit and energy efficiency upgrades
• Responsive repairs, voids, and disrepair (including damp & mould)
• Compliance and statutory servicing
• Refurbishment and project works
• Mechanical and electrical (M&E) services
• Commercial building maintenance
• Planned maintenance aligned to the Decent Homes Standard

At the heart of our work is a commitment to delivering high-quality services that improve homes and enhance lives. We are equally dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive workplace. Diversity drives innovation, and inclusion builds stronger teams. At Cardo Group, every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We celebrate differences, champion equality, and ensure our workforce reflects the diverse communities we serve.

We are currently recruiting for a Bid Manager who will lead the bid process and showcase Cardo's capability in delivering exceptional projects. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders and partners to create winning proposals which support our ambitious growth targets and strengthen our reputation. We are building not only better projects – but a better, fairer future.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Proposal management: Plan, manage and submit selection questionnaires and tenders. Formulate high-quality submissions to meet and exceed client specifications. Review bid submissions for quality and accuracy.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Assemble and coordinate cross-functional teams from business development, operations, commercial, legal, social value and HR departments. Maintain clear and regular communication to ensure everyone is aligned with bid requirements and expectations. Ensure milestones and deadlines are met.
• Win themes: Ensure win themes are effectively articulated throughout the bid response, demonstrating a clear understanding of client needs and how Cardo can meet them.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure all bids comply with relevant regulations, standards and client requirements. Stay informed of regulatory changes and incorporate them into bid submissions.
• Post-submission engagement: Lead debriefing sessions with clients and intermediaries after bid submissions to gather feedback and use this information to improve future bid submissions.
• Interview preparation: Help plan interviews, produce presentations for interview teams, coach teams through responses linked to the bid submission.
• Knowledge management: Visit operational sites and other offices to gather information and improve the evidence library. Enrich the bid library with active knowledge management, ensuring all lessons learned are fed back and implemented. Research ways to improve bid content, developing creative approaches to writing and presentation.

Key Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Proven track record in leading and winning a range of bids
• Min 3 years' experience of tier one or main contractor competitive tendering within the social housing maintenance or construction sectors.
• In-depth understanding of the social housing sector, including procurement processes, government policies, key stakeholders (e.g., housing associations, local authorities) and industry trends.
• Understanding of risk management principles and the ability to apply them to ensure successful and compliant bid submissions.
• Understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities in social housing maintenance, including sustainability, community impact and social value.
• Strong project management skills.
• The ability to identify challenges within the bidding process and develop innovative solutions to address them.
• Strong negotiation skills, with experience in managing stakeholder relationships at all levels.

Preferred

• Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Management, or related discipline) is preferred.
• Professional Certifications (e.g., APMP, APM) or equivalent industry qualifications desirable.
• MS Project
• Adobe InDesign

Key Attributes

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write compelling and persuasive copy.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team of bid professionals.
• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring quality and accuracy of all bid documents.
• Proactive approach.
• Familiarity with relevant construction standards, regulatory requirements, and project delivery models within the social housing context.

Why Join Cardo Group?

At Cardo Group, we are growing, evolving, and building a stable foundation for long-term success. When you join us, you become part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation, integrity, and inclusivity.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our business, drive innovation, and help us better serve the communities we work with.

• Equity – We ensure fair opportunities for growth and success, removing barriers that may stand in the way.
• Diversity – We embrace different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, knowing that diversity fuels creativity and progress.
• Inclusion – We foster a culture where every team member has a voice and feels a true sense of belonging.

At Cardo Group, EDI is more than a policy, it's part of who we are. We actively promote an environment where all individuals, regardless of race, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, or background, can thrive. Join us and be part of a company that values you—exactly as you are.