At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic bids in healthcare and defence, driving innovation and collaboration.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company with a strong presence in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and national security through exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior bid management, ideally in construction or critical infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Build your Future with Us! 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. As our business continues to grow, we are looking for dedicated individuals who take pride in their work and want to build a rewarding career within a supportive and collaborative environment. We are seeking a Bid Manager to enhance our team and drive success across our high value projects.
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, and 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
How to Apply:
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career with a company that values your expertise and innovation, we’d love to hear from you! Apply by clicking apply below.
Join us on our journey to #BuildingTogetherUnlockingPotential
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 employer: McLaughlin & Harvey
Contact Detail:
McLaughlin & Harvey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Bid Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with professionals in healthcare and defence. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past bid successes, especially those over £20M. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how you’ve led teams and managed complex bids. Confidence in your experience can make a huge difference during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Bid Manager
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 relevant experience in healthcare and defence, and showcase how your skills align with our values of commitment, care, and collaboration.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful bids you've managed. Use numbers and outcomes to demonstrate your impact, especially on projects valued at £20M+.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for excellence and how you’ve driven innovation in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you can check out all the benefits we offer while you're there!
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaughlin & Harvey
✨Know Your Bid Management Basics
Before stepping into the interview, brush up on your bid management fundamentals. Understand the nuances of two-stage tendering and frameworks, especially in healthcare and defence sectors. This knowledge will help you articulate your experience and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've orchestrated winning strategies for complex tenders. Highlight how you’ve managed multi-stakeholder bids and any innovative approaches you've taken. This will show that you can think strategically and lead effectively.
✨Emphasise Team Development Skills
Since mentoring and developing teams is key for this role, come ready with examples of how you've fostered a high-performance culture. Talk about your experience leading cross-functional teams and how you’ve facilitated workshops to unlock creative solutions.
✨Build Relationships and Communicate Effectively
Demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with decision-makers in previous roles and how you manage client expectations. Strong communication skills are essential, so be ready to showcase your influential communication style.