At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the tender process for exciting national and multi-site service contracts.
- Company: Join a fast-growing company focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced parental leave, and a monthly wellbeing allowance.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enjoy regular company events and socials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading high-quality proposals in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years experience in managing complex 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 Bid Manager 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, the Bid Manager will ensure the business pursues the right opportunities and submits well-structured, competitive proposals.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Skills & Experience
- 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
25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with additional days awarded for length of service. Enhanced maternity and paternity scheme. Monthly wellbeing allowance. Regular company events and team socials. Opportunity to join a fast-growing company operating in a sector that is becoming increasingly important as businesses focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Bid Manager in London employer: First Mile
First Mile is an excellent employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth within a dynamic work environment in Newark. With competitive benefits, a strong focus on health and safety compliance, and opportunities for career development, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in waste management. Join us to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a supportive culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing complex tenders. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in bid management and how you’ve successfully led proposals in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience with managing complex tenders and showcase your written communication skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you've successfully led bid processes or coordinated cross-functional teams. We love seeing concrete achievements that demonstrate your project management skills and commercial awareness.
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your responses well. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Mile
✨Know Your Tenders
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of tenders the company usually handles. Familiarise yourself with their past submissions and any recent wins or losses. This will not only show your interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As a Bid Manager, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully managed complex projects or tenders. Highlight your organisational skills and how you coordinated with different teams to achieve a common goal.
✨Understand the Commercial Landscape
Brush up on your commercial awareness, especially regarding public sector procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how you would apply bid/no-bid discipline and ensure pricing inputs are accurate. This knowledge will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing tight deadlines or coordinating with multiple stakeholders. Think of scenarios from your previous roles and how you navigated challenges. This will showcase your problem-solving abilities and adaptability.
