At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bid governance and commercial decision-making for a global engineering business.
- Company: Oliver Valves, a £100m innovative engineering firm.
- 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 and commercial functions within engineering or manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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
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 empowered to make impactful decisions while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace.
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 attend local engineering events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in bid governance and commercial decision-making.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to confidently challenge assumptions and make tough decisions, so rehearse how you’d present your ideas and experiences. We’re here to help you refine that message.
✨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 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 bid governance and commercial decision-making, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements in engineering or manufacturing.
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. Mention specific examples of how you've led bid functions and tackled contract negotiations, and show us your passion for improving margins and reducing risks.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! In your application, emphasise your experience in challenging senior stakeholders and making tough decisions. This will help us understand how you can drive a commercially focused culture at Oliver Valves.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid governance processes and commercial decision-making in engineering. Familiarise yourself with Oliver Valves' recent projects and how they align with your experience. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Challenges
Given the need to challenge senior stakeholders, think of examples from your past where you've successfully navigated difficult conversations. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations, what strategies you used, and the outcomes. This will showcase your confidence and ability to handle tough commercial decisions.
✨Focus on Margin and Risk Management
Brush up on your understanding of margin, risk, and quality of order intake. Prepare to discuss how you've previously improved margins or reduced risk exposure in your roles. Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your impact, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Align with Company Culture
Research Oliver Valves' company culture and values. Think about how your leadership style and approach to embedding a commercially focused culture can contribute to their goals. Be prepared to share your vision for fostering a disciplined environment that prioritises sound commercial practices.
