At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bid strategy and manage complex tender processes for high-value contracts.
- Company: Dynamic company in London with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, 25 days holiday, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving successful bids and shaping business opportunities.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years experience in managing tenders and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: London, UK (Hybrid)
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 + performance bonus
Reporting to: Interim Commercial Lead
Role Overview
The Commercial Bid Leader owns the commercial bid strategy and execution for complex, high-value opportunities and is responsible for managing the end-to-end tender process for complex national and multi-site service contracts. This role ensures the business identifies appropriate opportunities, submits high-quality proposals, and maintains commercial discipline throughout the tender lifecycle. The Bid Manager acts as the central coordination point for formal procurement processes including framework agreements, public and private sector tenders, and structured RFP opportunities, working closely with Business Development, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure the business pursues the right opportunities and submits well-structured, competitive proposals.
Tender Intelligence & Opportunity Management
- Maintain oversight of relevant tender portals, procurement platforms, and framework opportunities.
- Monitor upcoming procurement activity across target sectors and maintain a structured opportunity pipeline.
- Identify relevant opportunities and coordinate internal evaluation and decision-making.
- Maintain a central register of live tenders, frameworks, and upcoming re-tender opportunities.
Bid Process Management
- Lead the full bid lifecycle from PQQ through to final submission.
- Coordinate cross‑functional contributors including operations, finance, supply chain, and business development.
- Develop clear response structures and ensure high‑quality written submissions.
- Manage bid timelines and ensure all submissions are accurate, compliant, and delivered on time.
- Ensure clear documentation of assumptions and commitments made within each proposal.
Commercial Coordination
- Support the Interim Commercial Lead in applying bid/no‑bid discipline.
- Ensure pricing inputs and commercial assumptions are clearly documented and validated prior to submission.
- Prepare summary information for internal approval on larger or higher‑risk tenders.
- Ensure proposals align with agreed commercial and operational parameters.
Framework Management
- Maintain oversight of framework agreements and approved supplier lists.
- Coordinate submissions required to access new frameworks and procurement platforms.
- Track mini‑competitions and framework opportunities relevant to the business.
- Support Business Development colleagues in identifying opportunities arising from framework membership.
Post-Submission Review
- Track bid performance and maintain records of win/loss outcomes.
- Lead internal debriefs following key submissions to identify improvement opportunities.
- Maintain a library of proposal content, responses, and supporting materials.
- Support continuous improvement in submission quality and bid efficiency.
Mobilisation Handover
- Ensure a structured handover from sales to operations following contract award.
- Document key operational and commercial commitments made during the tender process.
- Support the transition into delivery to ensure contract mobilisation aligns with the submitted proposal.
Requirements
- 5‑7 years' experience managing complex tenders or proposal processes.
- Experience responding to public sector or structured procurement processes.
- Strong project management and organisational capability.
- Excellent written communication and proposal development skills.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to work with pricing and operational inputs.
- Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across commercial and operational teams.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent opportunities within a structured process.
Success Measures
- Bid win rate
- Quality and consistency of submissions
- Bid process efficiency and on‑time delivery
- Framework participation and opportunity capture
- Commercial discipline within submitted proposals
Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus
Commercial Bid Leader in London employer: First Mile | Certified B Corp
As a Commercial Bid Leader in London, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises collaboration and innovation. The company offers competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and generous holiday allowances, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. With a strong focus on employee well-being and a culture that encourages continuous improvement, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact within the organisation while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
Contact Detail:
First Mile | Certified B Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Bid Leader in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you get that chance to chat with potential employers, make sure you can clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with their needs. A confident and concise pitch can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Bid Leader in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Bid Leader role. Highlight your experience with complex tenders and showcase how your skills align with our needs. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since this role requires excellent written communication, include examples of your previous proposals or submissions. We love seeing clear, concise writing that demonstrates your ability to manage the bid process effectively.
Be Organised:We appreciate candidates who can manage multiple opportunities at once. In your application, mention any tools or methods you use to stay organised and ensure timely submissions. This will show us you're ready to handle the fast-paced environment here!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Mile | Certified B Corp
✨Know Your Bid Process Inside Out
Make sure you understand the entire bid lifecycle, from PQQ to final submission. Brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes and be ready to discuss how you've managed complex tenders in the past.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Coordination Skills
This role requires collaboration with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated with operations, finance, and business development in previous roles. Highlight your project management skills and how you keep everyone aligned.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be prepared to discuss how you approach pricing inputs and commercial assumptions. Show that you understand the importance of maintaining commercial discipline throughout the tender process and can provide insights into how you've done this before.
✨Prepare for Post-Submission Reviews
Talk about your experience with tracking bid performance and conducting internal debriefs. Emphasise your commitment to continuous improvement and how you've used feedback to enhance submission quality in the past.