At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bid governance and commercial decision-making for a global engineering business.
- Company: Oliver Valves, a £100m engineering firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression to director level, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a culture focused on margin improvement and risk reduction.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that shape the future of engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading bids, contract negotiation, and commercial functions.
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate (Office Based)
Working Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am till 5pm. 40 hours per week
We’re looking for a senior commercial leader to take ownership of bid governance and commercial decision-making at Oliver Valves, a £100m global engineering business. This role sits at the centre of how we win work. You will lead the internal sales and bid function, ensuring all opportunities are commercially sound, contractually robust, and operationally deliverable. You will act as the gatekeeper for major bids — reviewing scope, challenging assumptions, and approving or rejecting opportunities based on margin, risk, and delivery capability. Working closely with engineering, supply chain, and operations, you will ensure alignment before orders are accepted, reducing downstream issues and improving overall contract performance.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has led bid and/or commercial functions within engineering or manufacturing
- Is experienced in contract review and negotiation (LDs, warranties, liabilities)
- Has operated formal bid governance and approval processes
- Is confident challenging senior stakeholders and making difficult commercial decisions
- Focuses on margin, risk, and quality of order intake — not just revenue
You will play a key role in improving margin, reducing risk exposure, and embedding a more disciplined, commercially focused culture across the business. This is a high-impact role with a clear path to director level.
Head of Bids & Commercial (Engineering) in Knutsford employer: Oliver Valves Ltd
At Oliver Valves, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Knutsford. Our culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on commercial excellence and a commitment to employee well-being, we ensure that our team members are equipped to thrive in their roles while contributing to the success of our global engineering business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Bids & Commercial (Engineering) in Knutsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. We want you to walk in there ready to impress and show how you can add value!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Head of Bids & Commercial. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Bids & Commercial (Engineering) in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Bids & Commercial. Highlight your experience in leading bid functions and any relevant achievements in contract negotiation. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed bids and made tough commercial decisions in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior commercial leader, we need to see your leadership style. In your application, mention how you've led teams or projects, especially in engineering or manufacturing contexts. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and challenge others!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Oliver Valves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves Ltd
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid governance processes and commercial decision-making strategies relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with Oliver Valves' recent projects and how they align with your experience in leading bid functions within engineering or manufacturing.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect to be challenged on your ability to make difficult commercial decisions. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex contract negotiations or made tough calls that positively impacted margin and risk management.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Highlight your experience in working closely with various departments like engineering, supply chain, and operations. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured alignment across teams in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to act as a gatekeeper for major bids.
✨Emphasise a Commercially Focused Culture
Discuss your vision for embedding a disciplined, commercially focused culture within the organisation. Share specific strategies you've implemented in the past to improve margin and reduce risk exposure, showcasing your proactive approach to enhancing overall contract performance.
