Bid Director - (2018)

Locations: Birmingham - B16 8PE, Bristol - BS32 4UB, London - N1C 4AB

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Business Development

Division: Strategic Business Development

About us: Hoare Lea is a human‑centric and planet‑conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield. We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem‑solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves. We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential.

About the role: We’re creating a new senior leadership role to transform how we win work across our three divisions — Public, Commercial, and Technology. The Head of Bidding Strategy & Frameworks will define, lead, and continuously improve Hoare Lea’s firmwide approach to bidding — shaping policy, process, and behaviours that drive consistency, efficiency, and measurable performance improvement. This role combines strategic leadership with practical delivery. In the early stages, you will work hands‑on within live bids and frameworks, helping to diagnose current challenges and identify the real‑world opportunities to improve.

What You’ll Do:

• Strategic Leadership & Transformation: Assess existing processes, identify risks and opportunities, and lead change across teams and disciplines to deliver a high‑performing bid function. Lead by example through early, hands‑on involvement in bids and frameworks — using direct experience to inform and shape strategy, policy, and process improvements. Introduce governance and performance metrics (e.g., hit rate, ROI, bid/no‑bid decisions) that track and improve effectiveness over time. Embed digital tools — including AI‑assisted authoring, CRM, and data analysis — to enhance efficiency and consistency.
• Framework Leadership & Business Growth: Lead the management and performance of key national and sector frameworks, using them as platforms to generate real work. Shape our approach to framework ownership, ensuring delivery teams are supported to convert positions into tangible project appointments and consultancy revenue. Act as Hoare Lea’s senior representative for strategic frameworks, ensuring strong client relationships and alignment with Tetra Tech’s wider operations.
• Capability Building: Establish a professional, scalable bid management infrastructure and build internal capability across all divisions. Develop collateral, templates, and training materials that elevate the quality and impact of submissions. Mentor and coach emerging bid and business development professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning.
• Collaboration, Brand & Influence: Partner with Divisional Directors, Sector Leads, Program Managers, and the Strategic Business Development team to ensure a joined‑up approach to opportunity management. Work closely with Marketing and Brand colleagues, ensuring that all bid and framework submissions reflect Hoare Lea’s visual and tonal identity. Collaborate with our visualisation team, bid managers and coordinators to create visually impactful proposals and presentations that strengthen our client relationships and reinforce our value.

About you: To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• Proven experience in a senior bid, pursuit, or frameworks role within construction, engineering, or consultancy.
• Track record of shaping bid strategy and improving hit rates across complex, multi‑disciplinary submissions.
• Confidence working in ambiguous or evolving environments — with the ability to create structure, clarity, and momentum.
• Strong influencing and communication skills, with credibility at senior leadership level.
• Deep understanding of how digital tools (AI, CRM, data) can enhance work‑winning outcomes.
• A passion for brand integrity and design quality — with an eye for how presentation and storytelling drive engagement and success.
• Experience managing frameworks and client relationships in the public or infrastructure sectors.
• Background in major project, main contractor, or consultancy bidding.

How to apply: To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact louiescottodiperta@hoarelea.com. If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices.

Adjustments and accommodations: If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Data privacy: We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates. Please find out more.

Recruitment agencies: We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.