Social Value Manager - CEN

As Social Value Manager, you will lead the development, coordination and reporting of social value across McBains’ bids and commissions. This is a consultancy‑focused role, with a primary emphasis on shaping high‑quality, compliant and competitive bid responses, defining proportionate and deliverable commitments, and ensuring these are effectively tracked and reported across projects. You will act as the central point of expertise for social value within the business, supporting bid teams, project leads and senior management to align commitments with client priorities, policy requirements and McBains’ wider ESG objectives. Reporting to the Commercial Director, this strategic role provides significant exposure across the business and acts as the central point of expertise for social value, shaping both work‑winning and delivery approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre‑Contract (Bids)
• Lead the development and drafting of high‑quality, high‑scoring social value responses across bids and frameworks.
• Translate client social value requirements into clear, measurable and deliverable commitments aligned to McBains’ role as a consultancy.
• Define measurable and proportionate social value outputs aligned to McBains’ role as a consultancy.
• Work with bid teams to ensure social value responses are aligned with overall win themes and evaluation criteria.
• Research relevant local and national policy drivers to inform bid responses.
• Capture and maintain a register of all social value commitments made at bid stage.
• Delivery and Reporting
• Support project teams in implementing and evidencing social value commitments.
• Ensure commitments are monitored, evidenced and reported in line with client and framework requirements.
• Provide regular reporting to senior management, clients and project teams on performance, progress and opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate and promote McBains’ company‑wide volunteering programme.
• Process Development and Implementation
• Develop and continuously improve McBains’ social value approach.
• Maintain systems and tools for capturing, measuring and evidencing social value.
• Build and maintain a library of case studies, evidence and standard responses.
• Maintain a pipeline of community partnerships, charities and local organisations.
• Support the development and implementation of internal policies, guidance and best practice relating to social value.
• Continuous Improvement & Engagement
• Monitor emerging trends, policy changes and best practice in social value, ESG and public sector procurement.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen McBains’ social value offer and improve performance in bids and delivery.
• Support internal upskilling through guidance, training and knowledge sharing.
• Represent McBains in external forums, events and stakeholder engagement where appropriate.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Strong understanding of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and PPN 06/20.
• Good working knowledge of UK social value legislation and policy.
• Proven experience in developing high‑quality social value responses for bids.
• Understanding of how social value is applied within consultancy‑led commissions.
• Experience in defining measurable and auditable social value commitments and reporting against them.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to engage and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and innovation.

This role would suit someone with experience in social value and bid support who is looking to develop their career within a fast‑paced consultancy environment. You will play a key role in strengthening McBains’ social value offer, directly contributing to winning work and ensuring that commitments made are credible, deliverable and effectively evidenced.

Values, Culture & Benefits

• Business as a force for good: We are a unique social enterprise, with all our profits contributing directly to environmental and social initiatives.
• Net Zero by 2050: We are committed to net zero and building a sustainable future.
• Charity Community Day: All our colleagues are encouraged to take a day off work once a year to make a meaningful impact in the community.
• Give as You Earn: Empowering our team to back charities and causes they believe in.
• Electric Vehicle Scheme: We operate an EV scheme which allows you to be part of the climate change solution.
• Annual Performance Development Reviews: We’re as invested in your career growth and success as you are.
• Employee Assistance Program: Anonymous on demand support for mental health, advice and coaching needs.
• The Better Way Award & Recognition: Our monthly award to recognise the person who exemplifies our values.
• DEI Champion: McBains will always lead from the front in fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
• Team Social Events: Regular team events to foster meaningful connections with your colleagues.
• Team Sports: Teamwork makes the dream work, on and off the field.
• Employee Referral Scheme: Earn up to £5000 per referral.
• Professional Fees Paid: We understand you’re ambitious and we want to support your continuous learning and development.
• Private Healthcare via BUPA: Our colleagues’ health and well‑being are our top priorities.
• Private Dental: We care about your smile as much as you do!
• Eyecare: See the world more clearly and focus on what matters.
• Flexibility: Finding the better way.
• Growing Company with Opportunities for Career Progression: Your potential is limitless here!
• Hybrid Work Approach: Work‑life balance tailored to your lifestyle.
• Learning Management System: Never stop learning, growing, and improving.
• 25 Days Holiday Allowance: Take the time you need to recharge and rejuvenate.
• Buy/Sell AL: Flexible holiday so you can balance work and life your way.
• Bike to Work Scheme: A healthier, greener way to start your day!
• Pension Contribution: Flexible options to help secure your long‑term financial well‑being.
• Life Assurance: Providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Interest‑Free Season Ticket Loan: Making your daily commute a little easier.
• Training & Development Scheme: Begin your career journey with a team that invests in you!