At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage bids to secure exciting projects in the Built Environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on local growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day fortnight, generous holiday, and competitive pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving successful bids and shaping future projects.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in bid management with strong communication and planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 62000 £ per year.
Bid Specialist Department: Built Environment & Local Growth
Locations: London, Milton Keynes
Application Deadline: 10 December 2025
Internal Job Code: RC044
Closing date: 9am on 10 December 2025
Compensation: £51,000 - £62,000 / year
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full time (9‑day fortnight companywide)
Band: 3.1
Salary: £51,000 - £62,000 (depending on office location and proven ability)
Reports to: Head of Built Environment & Local Growth
Operations Office requirement: Milton Keynes or London; minimum two days per week in the office, with option for more days
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Sales and Business Development
Industry: Research
The Role
The primary focus of this role is to manage the submission of bids and proposals that maximise the Catapult’s chances of winning work, and align with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage bid activities to ensure timely, high‑quality, and compliant submissions.
- Identify and qualify UK procurement frameworks and tender opportunities via relevant portals.
- Manage the bid pipeline, track performance, and drive continuous improvement.
- Integrate lessons learned and market feedback into future bids.
- Develop strategic bid campaigns aligned with customer requirements.
- Provide analysis and insights to support business unit decision‑making and prioritisation.
- Ensure all opportunities and stakeholder engagements are accurately documented in the CRM.
- Oversee the bids and approvals process, ensuring CRM data integrity for reporting.
- Collaborate across the organisation to align with internal processes and systems.
- Deliver analytics and guidance on revenue, account management, utilisation, and capacity planning.
- Champion new systems and processes, supporting colleagues through change.
- Promote best practices in bid management and drive continuous improvement with operations and delivery teams.
- Foster equity, inclusivity, and diversity in all activities and contribute to inclusive innovation.
- Perform other duties as required to support strategic objectives and effective operations.
Skills and Experience Required
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in bid management with a record of successful bids.
- Strong planning, prioritisation, and workload management skills.
- Experience managing multiple complex, high‑value bids simultaneously.
- High attention to detail and process compliance.
- Proven ability to work with internal and external partners for successful submissions.
- Creative approach to identifying bidding and commercial opportunities.
- Experience navigating internal governance and approval processes.
- Proficient in CRM tools for tracking customer engagement and revenue opportunities.
- Professionalism, resilience, and strong self‑awareness.
- Excellent facilitation, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse teams.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office 365.
Desirable
- Experience with research applications (e.g., Horizon Europe, Innovate UK).
- APMP Foundation or equivalent bid qualification.
- Familiarity with Dynamics365 and Power BI.
- Experience embedding new systems within organisations.
Competencies
- Encourage creative thinking and systems‑based problem solving.
- Build effective networks and use influence to overcome challenges.
- Represent the customer perspective in all activities.
- Manage communications across teams and stakeholders, and contribute to publications and events.
- Advocate for inclusion and sustainability.
Benefits
- 9‑day fortnight for everyone.
- 23.5 holiday entitlement for everyone, with pro‑rata calculations for part‑time employees, plus a Christmas shutdown period for additional days off.
- Competitive pension – up to 10% company contribution to help you save for your future.
- Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro‑rata for part‑time employees).
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential work/life support services to you and your immediate family members.
- Cycle to Work Scheme encouraging a healthy and sustainable commute.
- Cash Health Plan offering reimbursement for a wide range of essential and everyday healthcare expenses, promoting your well‑being.
- Payroll Giving scheme allowing regular charitable contributions from pre‑tax income, maximizing the impact of your donations.
- Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers, enhancing your purchasing power and providing savings opportunities.
- Mortgage Advice benefit, delivered in partnership with Charles Cameron & Associates – provides employees with free, expert mortgage advice and end‑to‑end mortgage support from the application process through to completion.
Bid Lead (Portfolio and Bids) employer: Connected Places Catapult
Connected Places Catapult is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of the UK's infrastructure sector. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of infrastructure delivery. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing the UK's infrastructure landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Lead (Portfolio and Bids)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a bid lead opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether it's for an interview or a casual chat, being able to clearly articulate your experience in bid management will set you apart. Make sure to highlight your successes and how you can add value.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Use tools to track your applications and follow up with contacts. Keeping everything in check shows your professionalism and dedication to landing that bid lead role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Lead (Portfolio and Bids)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bid Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in bid management and showcase how your skills align with our strategic priorities.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful bids you've managed. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles, so let your achievements shine!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Places Catapult
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid management process and the specific requirements of the role. Familiarise yourself with successful bids you've managed in the past, and be ready to discuss how you maximised chances of winning work.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build collaborative relationships and how you've successfully navigated internal governance processes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the high stakes of bid submissions, attention to detail is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and quality in your submissions, and share any tools or methods you use to maintain accuracy.
✨Be Ready for Creative Problem Solving
The job calls for a creative approach to identifying bidding opportunities. Think of instances where you've had to think outside the box to overcome challenges in bid management, and be ready to share these insights during your interview.
