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 44000 - 52000 £ 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) in Milton Keynes 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) in Milton Keynes
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Bid Lead (Portfolio and Bids) at Connected Places Catapult, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Connected Places Catapult. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Bid Lead (Portfolio and Bids). Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Lead (Portfolio and Bids) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Connected Places Catapult:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Connected Places Catapult. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Places Catapult
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Connected Places Catapult that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Connected Places Catapult that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Connected Places Catapult’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
