At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic bids in healthcare and defence, managing multi-million pound projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company with a commitment to innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and national security through your work.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior bid management, ideally in construction or critical infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
We are a forward‑thinking company with an established presence across the UK and Ireland. Our values We Commit, We Care, We Collaborate shape how we work with our clients, partners, and each other.
Why join us?
- Exciting Projects – Work on varied sector projects and leave a lasting legacy
- Career Growth – Clear progression pathways and continuous professional development
- Collaborative Culture – Be part of a team that values innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence
- Competitive Package – Enjoy a competitive salary and great benefits, plus flexible and hybrid working options
What you will be doing
We're seeking an exceptional Senior Bid Manager to join our Healthcare and Defence business unit – two sectors where your work directly impacts communities and national security.
Strategic Bid Leadership
- Orchestrate winning strategies for complex, multi‑stakeholder tenders across healthcare and defence
- Champion innovation in bid responses, incorporating digital construction, sustainability, and social value themes
- Manage concurrent bid programmes with values exceeding £600M annually
Team Development & Collaboration
- Mentor and develop Bid Managers, fostering a high‑performance culture
- Lead cross‑functional teams including estimating, commercial, design, and operations
- Facilitate collaborative workshops that unlock creative solutions and build team cohesion
- Champion best practice sharing across the wider business
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build trusted relationships with key decision‑makers in healthcare and defence procurement
- Represent McLaughlin and Harvey at industry events, client briefings, and strategic meetings
- Drive business development activities including early contractor involvement and framework opportunities
- Ensure client satisfaction through proactive communication and expectation management
Risk & Opportunity Management
- Conduct thorough risk analysis on contract terms, design requirements, and delivery constraints
- Identify value engineering opportunities that enhance margins without compromising quality
- Ensure compliance with security requirements, particularly for defence projects
- Collaborate with legal and commercial teams to negotiate optimal contract positions
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience
- Proven track record in senior bid management within construction, ideally in healthcare, defence, or critical infrastructure
- Demonstrable wins on projects valued at £20M+ using JCT, NEC, and bespoke contract forms
- Deep understanding of two‑stage tendering, frameworks, and negotiated procurement routes
- Experience managing and developing bid teams or junior professionals
- Strong commercial acumen with background in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Project Management
Highly Desirable
- Active Security Clearance (SC or DV) or eligibility to obtain clearance
- Established relationships within NHS, MOD, or defence contractor communities
- Sector‑specific knowledge of healthcare (acute care, mental health facilities) or defence (training estates, accommodation, secure facilities)
- Professional qualifications (RICS, CIOB, APMP, or equivalent)
- Track record of innovation in bid presentation, digital tools, or sustainability integration
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker who can see the bigger picture while managing intricate details
- Influential communicator who can inspire teams and persuade clients
- Resilient and adaptable – comfortable with ambiguity and changing priorities
- Collaborative leader who builds consensus and drives collective success
- Passionate about excellence with uncompromising standards for quality
McLaughlin and Harvey are an equal opportunities employer who are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our clients, and the communities in which we work. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment where we will provide all reasonable adjustments at interview stage and beyond and commit to extending an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum job role requirements.
Senior Bid Manager in London employer: McLaughlin & Harvey
At McLaughlin and Harvey, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the healthcare and defence sectors. Our commitment to career growth is evident through clear progression pathways and continuous professional development, while our competitive salary and flexible working options ensure a rewarding work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact on communities and national security, all within a culture that values integrity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Bid Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your past successes in bid management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve made an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Reach out to companies you admire, even if they’re not actively hiring. A well-timed email expressing your interest can lead to unexpected opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Bid Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in healthcare and defence, and showcase how your skills align with our values of commitment, care, and collaboration.
Showcase Your Wins:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful bids you've managed. Mention projects valued at £20M+ and any innovative strategies you implemented that led to those wins.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is not only skilled but also passionate about excellence and collaboration. Share your motivations and what drives you in this field.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaughlin & Harvey
✨Know Your Bid Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your bid management knowledge, especially in healthcare and defence sectors. Be ready to discuss your previous wins on projects valued at £20M+ and how you’ve navigated complex tendering processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've mentored and developed bid teams in the past. Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and how you foster a high-performance culture – this is key for the role!
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
If possible, connect with current employees or stakeholders in the healthcare and defence sectors. Understanding their perspectives can give you valuable insights and help you build rapport during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Risk and Opportunity Discussions
Expect questions around risk analysis and value engineering. Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've identified opportunities that enhanced margins while maintaining quality, as this will demonstrate your commercial acumen.
