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For Companies 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 52000 ÂŁ 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: ÂŁ51,000 - ÂŁ62,000 / year
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full time (9‑day fortnight companywide)
Band: 3.1
Salary: ÂŁ51,000 - ÂŁ62,000 (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) in Milton Keynes employer: Connected Places Catapult
Contact Detail:
Connected Places Catapult Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Lead (Portfolio and Bids) in Milton Keynes
✨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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it aligns with the role of Bid Lead. A confident and clear presentation can make all the difference in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Keep track of your applications, follow-ups, and any feedback you receive. This will help you refine your approach and show potential employers that you're proactive.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values innovation and inclusivity.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Lead (Portfolio and Bids) in Milton Keynes
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 how it aligns with our strategic priorities. We want to see how you can contribute to our success!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful bids you've managed. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact. This helps us understand your capabilities and what you can bring to the table.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity and a well-structured format. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for the position shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to develop strategic bid campaigns. Think about how you’ve aligned bids with customer requirements and organisational priorities, and be ready to share insights on how you’ve integrated lessons learned into future submissions.
✨Highlight Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working across diverse teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've built collaborative relationships in previous positions. Share specific instances where your communication and facilitation skills led to successful outcomes in bid management.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Since proficiency in CRM tools and MS Office 365 is essential, brush up on your technical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools to track performance and manage bid pipelines effectively, as well as any experience with Dynamics365 or Power BI.