At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bid strategy and manage complex tender processes for high-value opportunities.
- 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 growth and development.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving successful bids and shaping business opportunities.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in managing tenders, strong project management, 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, 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.
- Bidding 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
Commercial Bid Leader in London employer: First Mile
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 ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a strong focus on employee well-being and a hybrid working model, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to high-value projects while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Bid Leader in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Commercial Bid Leader role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent bids. Show us that you understand their commercial strategy and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with complex tenders and cross-functional collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your approach to managing the bid lifecycle and how you've successfully led teams in the past. We want to hear about your project management skills and how you ensure high-quality submissions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
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, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use professional language but let your personality shine through. We love a bit of flair in our proposals!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to emphasise your past experiences managing bids or proposals, especially in public sector contexts. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it easy for us to see your relevant achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Mile
✨Know Your Bids
Familiarise yourself with the types of tenders and proposals the company typically handles. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex bids and how you've successfully managed them in the past. This shows you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills
Since this role involves coordinating multiple stakeholders, prepare examples that highlight your project management and organisational skills. Think about times when you successfully brought together different teams to achieve a common goal, especially in a bidding context.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Brush up on your knowledge of commercial principles and how they apply to bid management. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure pricing inputs and commercial assumptions are accurately documented and validated in your proposals.
✨Prepare for Post-Submission Reviews
Understand the importance of tracking bid performance and conducting internal debriefs. Be ready to share how you've used feedback from previous submissions to improve future proposals, demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement.
