Head of Bid Management

Head of Bid Management

London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Bid Management Team and create winning proposals for diverse travel technology products.
  • Company: IBS Software is a fast-growing global software company with a strong culture of innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, remote work options, continuous learning, and a vibrant team culture.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team, work with cutting-edge technology, and make a real impact in the travel industry.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in Proposal/Bid Management, strong project management skills, and a degree in Business or Marketing.
  • Other info: IBS Software values diversity and offers equal employment opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

IBS Software is a fast-growing global software company with 5,000 employees and a 27-year track record of innovation for the world’s leading travel brands. Certified as a Great Place to Work, IBS Software has a culture built on the values of precision, commitment, passion, integrity and respect for the individual. Working at IBS Software is an opportunity to join an exciting company with a great team culture and a successful track record. We are highly selective, seeking individuals with demonstrated excellence and track records of top achievement. We look for smart people who are passionate about technology, who care deeply about their careers, and who want to work hard and have fun.

The Head of Bid Management will lead the Bid Management Team at IBS Software. This individual will spearhead the creation of winning proposals across our diverse product portfolio, including iFly, iCargo, iFlight, iLogistics, iStay, and iRetail. The role requires a visionary leader who can align proposal strategies with business objectives, manage a high-performance team, and deliver best in class proposals that enhance IBS Software’s competitive edge in the travel technology domain.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic Leadership: Define and execute a comprehensive proposal management strategy that aligns with the company’s business goals and revenue objectives. Collaborate with sales, marketing, product management, and legal teams to develop compelling, client-centric proposals that highlight IBS Software’s value proposition. Standardize processes and introduce best practices for the entire proposal lifecycle, leveraging RFP automation tools such as Loopio.
  • Proposal Development & Operational Excellence: Oversee the end-to-end proposal process, from RFP/RFI analysis, content creation, pricing strategy, compliance checks, to on-time submissions. Edit proposal content for readability, consistency, clarity, and brand compliance, using standard tools and processes. Ensure the end-to-end review of proposal responses before submission, including conducting personal reviews, managing peer reviews, and facilitating overall quality control. Work in conjunction with key stakeholders to qualify potential opportunities, challenging the viability of pursuits as necessary. Establish and maintain a centralized knowledge base of reusable proposal assets, such as templates, boilerplates, and case studies. Utilize metrics and analytics to measure proposal success rates, identify gaps, and refine processes for continuous improvement. Conduct post-bid reviews, update the RFP content library and integrating lessons learned into future proposals.
  • Team Management: Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of proposal writers, analysts, and bid coordinators. Arrange training sessions internally to raise awareness of the team’s capabilities and ensure continuous professional development. Conduct regular quality reviews to maintain consistency, accuracy, and adherence to brand guidelines. Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring the team adopts innovative tools and methodologies.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary interface for senior leadership and key stakeholders during high-value bids, providing status updates and strategic insights. Build trusted relationships with internal colleagues to facilitate cross-functional collaboration. Present proposal strategies, competitive differentiators, and recommendations for major pursuits to leadership teams.
Skills and Experience:
  • Education & Experience: 8+ years of experience in Proposal/Bid Management or Sales Operations, ideally in the SaaS travel technology domain. Demonstrated success in managing large, complex, multi-million-dollar bids and leading high-performing teams. Technical experience in travel technology domain (desirable but not mandatory). Proven track record of working on new business bids and development activities. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
  • Skills & Expertise: Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines and stakeholder expectations. Strong organizational skills, with the flexibility to adapt to changing time pressures. Proficiency in RFP automation tools such as Loopio, Responsive.io, or equivalent platforms. Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative solutions to overcome challenges. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex solutions in a clear and persuasive manner. High attention to detail and results-driven mindset, with the ability to work under pressure. Confidence to challenge peers and stakeholders while fostering a collaborative environment.

At IBS you can look forward to: Working with the latest next generation technologies and architected platforms, operating with the brightest minds in the industry, gaining additional in-depth domain knowledge, receiving global exposure, benefiting from continuous learning programs, performance-based career growth, joining an excellent work culture, and competitive compensation, company paid employee benefits, vacation, sick and personal leave.

IBS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans’ status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Head of Bid Management employer: IBS Software

IBS Software is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning programmes and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, team members thrive in a supportive environment that values integrity and respect. Located in Greater London, employees benefit from competitive compensation and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the travel technology sector.
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Contact Detail:

IBS Software Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Bid Management

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with IBS Software's product portfolio, especially the iFly, iCargo, and iFlight solutions. Understanding these products will help you align your proposal strategies with their business objectives and demonstrate your commitment to their mission.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of IBS Software on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed high-performing teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this role requires strong team management capabilities.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest trends in travel technology and SaaS solutions. Being knowledgeable about industry developments will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to IBS Software's competitive edge.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Bid Management

Strategic Leadership
Proposal Management
Project Management
RFP Automation Tools (e.g., Loopio)
Content Creation
Pricing Strategy
Compliance Checks
Quality Control
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Management
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Creative Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in proposal management and leadership. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage complex bids and lead high-performing teams, as these are key aspects of the Head of Bid Management role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for technology and your understanding of the travel industry. Discuss how your skills align with IBS Software's values and how you can contribute to their success in creating winning proposals.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your project management skills, proficiency with RFP automation tools, and your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. These skills are crucial for the role and should be evident in both your CV and cover letter.

Highlight Team Leadership Experience: Since the role involves building and mentoring a team, include specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Mention any training initiatives you've implemented or how you've fostered a culture of continuous improvement.

How to prepare for a job interview at IBS Software

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As the Head of Bid Management, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your strategic leadership and mentoring capabilities.

✨Understand the Travel Technology Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in the travel sector. Being able to discuss how IBS Software's products fit into the market will show your genuine interest and understanding of the industry.

✨Prepare for Proposal Scenarios

Anticipate questions related to proposal management and be ready to discuss your experience with RFPs and bid strategies. Think of specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication

Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight your communication skills and provide examples of how you've built relationships to achieve common goals.

Head of Bid Management
IBS Software
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