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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of bids and proposals, crafting compelling content with a talented team.
- Company: Grimshaw, a global architecture firm known for innovative and sustainable design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative studio environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of architecture while mentoring a dynamic team in a creative setting.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in business development with strong project management and communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diverse perspectives and offering flexible working arrangements.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Grimshaw is a global architecture and design practice founded by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw in 1980, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Dubai, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland employing over 600 staff. We are driven by a desire to connect people to each other and the world around us, delivering architecture characterised by strong conceptual legibility, innovation and a rigorous approach to detailing, all underpinned by the principles of humane, enduring and sustainable design. Our work has been recognised with over 200 international design awards, including winning the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize for the Elizabeth Line.
Join our London studio as we continue to shape the future of architecture and design. We are seeking an experienced Proposals Manager to manage our bid function and support the studio in securing high-quality new work.
You will manage the end-to-end delivery of bids, proposals, and competition submissions, leading a talented team to produce compelling, high-quality content. Reporting to the Business Development Lead, this is a strategic role where you will develop win strategies and themes, coach contributors across the business, and champion best practice across the studio.
Working closely with Partners, Principals, sector leaders, and creative teams, you will craft persuasive, brand-aligned responses that articulate our capabilities and approach. Your strong project management skills will be essential as you balance multiple live opportunities and tight deadlines while maintaining consistently high standards.
As guardian of our bid process, you will mentor and develop your team, set standards for excellence, and drive continuous improvement. You will contribute to Go/No-Go decisions, manage relationships with key internal departments including IT, Contracts, Sustainability, Finance and Marketing, and represent the studio at client events when appropriate. The role also includes budget management, oversight of bid systems and content libraries, and collaboration with our global studios to share best practice.
Principal Responsibilities
- Leading the coordination and delivery of all bids, proposals, and competition submissions for the London studio
- Managing and developing the London bid team, providing mentorship, coaching, and identifying opportunities for career progression and performance development
- Developing clear win strategies and themes in partnership with senior leadership for priority bids and competitions
- Reviewing, editing, and writing bid content to ensure compliance with brand tone, house style, and quality standards, while coaching others to improve their outputs
- Overseeing the development and maintenance of bid libraries and best-practice responses in collaboration with global studios
- Managing bid budgets, forecasting, tracking systems, and relationships with external suppliers
- Championing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles across all business development activities
- Building and maintaining strong working relationships with core departments to ensure aligned and compliant submissions
- Coordinating input from graphics and communications teams to ensure submissions are visually and editorially compelling
- Reporting on bid programme status to Partners meetings, providing clear updates on priorities, risks, and resource planning
Required Competencies
- Minimum of 6 years' relevant experience in business development, bids, proposals, or competition submissions, with a proven track record of leading complex, high-value bids
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write, edit, and proofread to a high standard while maintaining brand tone and house style
- Demonstrated experience managing, mentoring, and developing team members, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high performance
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple live bids simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Strategic thinking capability, including developing bid strategies and compelling win themes
- Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency
We recognise that strong candidates come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you meet most of these competencies and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly with every requirement.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Knowledge of the architecture and design industry and experience supporting design teams in securing new work (transferable experience from other professional services sectors is also valued)
- Experience improving and evolving bid processes, templates, best-practice responses, and the adoption of digital tools
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) for layout, editing, and production of publication-ready documents
- APMP Foundation or Practitioner level qualification
- Strong foresight and proactive communication skills, with the ability to anticipate risks, prioritise effectively, and propose practical solutions
- Confident communicator with the diplomacy and influence to guide contributors at all levels
- Flexible, resilient, and solutions-focused, able to perform effectively under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and ways of thinking are valued. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups in the architecture and design industry, including women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
We offer flexible working arrangements and are open to discussing adjustments to support your success in this role.
What We Offer
- Collaborative, creative studio environment
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- Supportive, values-driven culture
- Competitive salary and benefits package
To Apply
Please submit your ATS friendly CV outlining your interest in this role and the experience and perspective you would bring to our team.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
Bid Manager employer: Grimshaw Architects
Contact Detail:
Grimshaw Architects Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the architecture and design industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and showcases your experience in managing bids and proposals. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate, so when you land that interview, you can impress them right from the start.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to bid management and project leadership. Get a friend to do a mock interview with you, so you can refine your answers and boost your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits we look for in a Bid Manager. So, don’t hesitate—submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bid Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in managing bids and proposals, and don’t forget to showcase your project management skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about architecture and design, and how your skills align with our values at Grimshaw. We love a good story, so make it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, be sure to highlight your experience in mentoring and developing others. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and accountability in past roles. We’re all about teamwork here!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Grimshaw!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grimshaw Architects
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid process and the specific projects Grimshaw has worked on. Familiarise yourself with their recent submissions and awards, as this will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your project management experience in detail. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple bids simultaneously, highlighting your ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high standards. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the fast-paced environment at Grimshaw.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership and Mentorship
Since the role involves managing and developing a team, come prepared with examples of how you've mentored others in previous roles. Discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and accountability within your team, as this will resonate well with Grimshaw's values.
✨Align with Their Values
Grimshaw places a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Be sure to articulate your understanding of these principles and how you've championed them in your past work. This will show that you not only fit the role but also align with the company's culture and mission.
