Bids & Pursuits Assistant Manager (6Mth Ftc)

Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of a global network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, made up of some 58,000 people in over 135 countries. We're a team of independent thinkers who put quality, inclusion and integrity first. All around the world we bring a different experience to our clients. A better experience. One that delivers the expertise they need in a way that goes beyond. Personal, proactive, and agile.

We are looking for a Bids and Pursuits Assistant Manager to join our Bids and Pursuits team on a 6-month fixed-term contract, supporting our Business Risk Services (BRS) practice. We’re keen to find someone who can start soon. If you enjoy working on a variety of proposals, and playing a key role in winning work and growing the business, you’ll fit right in.

You will take charge of the bids process, managing your own proposals from the initial kick-off meeting right through to managing the design process and the tender debrief stages. Working closely with senior colleagues, you will make sure tight deadlines and deliverables are met, and that supporting documents are compelling. You will work closely with BRS Partners and Directors on proposals for new and existing clients.

On larger, strategic pursuits, you’ll help shape the bid strategy and how we position ourselves to win, with the opportunity to develop creative and innovative ways to influence it. AI tools, including our Claude-based proposals tool, are already in place to support you, so more of your time goes into the work that makes the difference.

The team has a history of developing internal talent to progress, so you will have the chance to grow your knowledge and build strong working relationships with key stakeholders across the firm. This is a hybrid role based in the London office, with travel to see stakeholders as needed.

As a Bids and Pursuits Assistant Manager, you will:

• Manage your own proposals, from the arrival of a tender invitation to the final response and presentation.
• Work with members of the wider team, owning elements of larger, strategic tender responses.
• Produce high-quality documents, writing and reviewing compelling proposals, and providing input at different stages of the proposals process.
• Take a hands-on approach to supporting engagement teams with bid evaluation, project management, document production, meeting and presentation preparation, and process debriefs.
• Make the most of our AI tools to produce strong first drafts quickly, freeing up time for strategy on larger pursuits.
• Act as a point of contact for general bid-related queries, including day-to-day support for client teams, and bring ideas to influence the proposals process by understanding internal and external stakeholders’ needs.

Joining us as a Bids and Pursuits Assistant Manager, the minimum criteria you’ll need is previous proposals or bids experience, as well as confidence in managing internal stakeholders and projects to strict deadlines, with an ability to ‘get up to speed’ quickly. It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way:

• Demonstrable experience in writing proposals in a professional services environment, with attention to detail.
• Experience in running meetings with senior internal stakeholders, and excellent communication skills.
• The ability to build business relationships quickly and effectively.
• Advanced-level knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint and working knowledge of other Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong ability to challenge thinking, share ideas and articulate reasoning.

The culture at Grant Thornton is what sets us apart, we’re known for our inclusive culture and creating environments where all our people can flourish. The things that set you apart, we value them, and this helps us all to perform at our best. Our values are the unwavering principles that shape our daily behaviours and decisions, alongside our drive to do the right thing.

In addition to a competitive salary and reward package, you’ll also get:

• Tailored development programmes and access to coaching.
• Flexible bank holidays – allowing you to celebrate the days that are important to you.
• Benefits including pension, life assurance and private medical, additional holiday purchasing and health benefits.
• Access to shopping discounts, gym memberships, financial advice.

We have a trust-based way of working, driven by responsible people who have the best interests of our firm and our clients at heart. Our framework gives flexibility in where, how, and when we work to deliver the best results for our clients, whilst helping you keep a balance between work and life.

We’re looking for people who can help drive the business forward, who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.