At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bid process for security contracts and create compelling proposals.
- Company: A leading UK provider of security and surveillance services with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and career development.
- Why this job: Join a respected company and shape major bids in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management and strong writing skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative leadership team and opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: Harlow (1 day per week on-site)
Salary: Up to £65,000 + Benefits
Working Pattern: Hybrid (4 days home-based / 1 day office-based)
Our client is a leading UK-wide provider of manned security, patrol services, rapid-response, and 24/7 surveillance across multiple sectors, including rail, infrastructure, land management and critical national assets. With a large, highly trained workforce and an advanced in-house control room operating 24/7/365, we deliver outstanding protection for land, property, infrastructure, and the people who rely on them. Our reputation is built on reliability, innovation, transparency, and exceptional service delivery—qualities recognised through industry awards and long-standing client partnerships. As we continue to grow across the UK, we are now seeking a talented Manager to support our continued expansion.
The Role
The Bid Manager will play a pivotal role in securing new contracts and supporting major re-tenders. You will lead the full bid lifecycle—from opportunity identification and storyboarding to producing compelling, compliant, high-quality proposals that demonstrate why Land Sheriffs is the trusted security partner of choice. This is a hands-on, content-driven role requiring strong writing ability, operational understanding, and confidence working with stakeholders across operations, compliance and senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end bid process for new business tenders and re-bids.
- Produce clear, persuasive, and high-scoring written submissions for security, patrol, and surveillance services.
- Review tender documentation to understand client requirements, specifications, pricing templates, and evaluation criteria.
- Collaborate with operational managers, regional leads, and the control room team to gather and structure technical content.
- Develop win themes, solutions, and differentiators aligned to Land Sheriffs’ operational strengths and innovation.
- Coordinate bid schedules, ensuring the timely delivery of all submissions, supporting documents, and clarifications.
- Produce case studies, CVs, risk assessments, mobilisation plans, and method statements tailored to each tender.
- Work with finance and leadership teams to support pricing exercises and commercial strategy.
- Maintain and enhance the company’s bid library, templates, and best-practice documentation.
- Prepare presentation material for post-tender clarification meetings and client interviews.
Experience & Skills Required
- Proven experience as a Bid Manager, Bid Writer, Proposal Manager, or Commercial Manager within security, FM, rail, or safety-critical services.
- Strong understanding of security service delivery models (e.g., manned guarding, patrols, rapid response, control room operations).
- Excellent written English with the ability to turn technical information into persuasive, client-focused content.
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple bids concurrently under tight deadlines.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work independently while remaining collaborative with operational teams.
- High level of IT competency (Word, Excel, SharePoint, document management).
- Understanding of public sector procurement processes (e.g., rail, local authority, utilities) is advantageous.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (up to senior-level depending on experience)
- Hybrid working model – flexibility to work from home 4 days weekly
- Opportunity to shape major UK-wide bids in a respected, growing organisation
- Supportive and collaborative leadership team
- Career development and training opportunities
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Pension scheme and additional benefits
How to Apply
If you’re a driven, detail-focused Bid Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys producing winning proposals within the security sector, we’d love to hear from you.
Bid Manager - Security Services in Harlow employer: Palmer McCarthy
Contact Detail:
Palmer McCarthy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager - Security Services in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the security services sector, attend industry events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Be ready to discuss your experience with bid management and how it aligns with the role. Use examples that showcase your skills in producing high-quality proposals and working with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge of the company! Research Land Sheriffs and understand their operational strengths and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager - Security Services in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing bids, especially in security services, and showcase how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since this role is all about producing compelling proposals, demonstrate your writing prowess. Include examples of past bids or proposals you've worked on that led to successful outcomes.
Understand the Client's Needs: Before applying, take a good look at the job description and understand the key responsibilities. Show us that you can identify client requirements and translate them into winning bid strategies.
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, and you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Palmer McCarthy
✨Know Your Bid Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire bid lifecycle, from opportunity identification to submission. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed bids in the past and what strategies you used to ensure success.
✨Master the Art of Persuasion
Since the role requires producing compelling proposals, practice turning technical information into persuasive content. Bring examples of your previous work that showcase your writing skills and ability to engage stakeholders.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Review the job description and research the company’s services thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how you would tailor proposals to meet specific client requirements and demonstrate your understanding of their needs.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with operational managers or other stakeholders in previous roles to enhance bid submissions.