At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage proposals for exciting aviation projects worth millions.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing team at Costain, a leader in civil and building frameworks.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with excellent career prospects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation with innovative solutions and a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
As part of a rapidly growing Aviation team within Costain, we are looking for a Framework Proposals Manager for our civil and building delivery frameworks that will deliver a portfolio of projects over the next 4+ years. Reporting to the Framework Lead, you will own the Framework proposals delivery working with a multidisciplinary team to develop technical and commercial proposals for civil and building aviation projects. You will support and generate the quality, technical aspects of the solution and work alongside bid support, estimators and other technical experts throughout the framework, sector and company. Typical opportunities individual will be in the range of £3‑20m, with an anticipated tender pipeline of circa £100m per year and multiple opportunities running concurrently.
Responsibilities
- Plan, oversee and actively manage the work‑winning process for the framework opportunities from tender strategy through to submission, in line with Costain Work Winning Best Practice.
- Establish the initial tender strategy, liaising with both Project Managers and Commercial representatives, then lead and deliver proposals using in‑framework resources.
- Engage with the supply chain, estimating team and wider Costain business to establish clear requirements and responsibilities and lead kick‑off sessions.
- Develop the tender programme, monitor progress and ensure milestones are met.
- Lead and manage reviews of customer enquiry documentation and complete scope gap reviews.
- Prepare relevant governance documentation in conjunction with the framework SLT and wider Costain business.
- Lead the estimating team at each stage of the proposal phase to produce opportunity proposals in line with customer tender and internal business governance.
- Facilitate flow of information between client, design team, estimators, supply‑chain, delivery team, framework delivery team and wider Costain business.
- Coordinate with delivery team and client/other stakeholders to identify potential impacts and mitigations from the relevant 3rd parties required in support of each tender where appropriate.
Qualifications – Essential
- Significant experience working in a similar level role.
- Proven experience of developing and creating solutions that meet customer requirements.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience of pricing medium to large value contracts preferably in the aviation or building sector.
- Ability to manage and prioritise a high volume of work that requires completion within tight timeframes to meet the demands of the contract and the timely completion of multiple concurrent tenders with a fast turnaround in a framework environment.
- High level of competence using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.
- Proven experience in Tender / Bid Management / Design management.
- Ability to manage administration support and other members of the team to ensure the successful delivery of the tender.
- Commercially aware and a lateral thinker with knowledge of NEC contracts PSC, ECC Option A, C & E.
- Strong leadership capabilities.
- Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and make decisions when needed.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Excellent interpersonal skills – a great team player.
- Ability to obtain Airside security vetting and hold an airside pass.
Qualifications – Desirable
- Previous experience working at UK airports.
- Project and Programme Management experience.
- Understanding of airport operations and stakeholders both operational and project related.
- Comfortable making tender presentations in client environment.
- Delivery experience of civil and/or building projects.
- Knowledge of UK airport projects supply chain.
- Ability to hold an airside driving licence.
- APM, NEC qualifications or similar.
- Professional member level with either technical (ICE, IMechE) or Commercial (RICS, CIPS) or similar.
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that discloses a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
Senior Proposals Manager employer: Costain
Costain is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within the rapidly growing Aviation team. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, we provide opportunities for meaningful contributions to significant civil and building projects, all while fostering a culture of innovation and support. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside competitive benefits and a clear career progression path, makes Costain a rewarding place to advance your career in the aviation sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Proposals Manager
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Costain, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Proposals Manager at Costain.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Proposals Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
