Bid Director - (2018) in Bristol

Locations: Birmingham - Birmingham, B16 8PE GB (Primary), Bristol - Bristol, BS32 4UB GB, London - London, N1C 4AB GB

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 to name but a few. 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 as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9‑day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and up to 30 days of annual leave. Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

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.

By “doing” as well as leading, you’ll gain valuable insights into the people, processes, and tools that shape our current ways of working — enabling you to design solutions that are pragmatic, scalable, and impactful. A critical dimension of this role is the connection to Brand and Marketing. Working closely with our marketing and visualisation teams, you’ll ensure that every submission reflects the Hoare Lea brand — distinctive, professional, and client‑centred — with market‑leading content and design that make our proposals easy to navigate, engaging to read, and meaningful. It’s a chance to build credibility through action, demonstrate leadership through collaboration, and create the foundations for lasting transformation in how Hoare Lea approaches work‑winning.

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 — not just as a “win in name.”
  • 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.
  • Strengthen our approach to main contractor relationships, bringing insight and experience to enhance collaboration and value creation.
• 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, and that our content stands out in the marketplace for clarity, quality, and creativity.
  • Collaborate with our visualisation team, bid managers and coordinators to create visually impactful, easy‑to‑consume proposals and presentations that strengthen our client relationships and reinforce our value.
  • Drive cross‑firm collaboration, connecting project, commercial, and design leaders to produce coherent, persuasive, and client‑centred proposals.
  • Represent Hoare Lea within Tetra Tech Europe’s network to identify shared opportunities and strengthen our collective offer.

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 us. If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) 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 (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) 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.