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- Tasks: Lead bids for geospatial survey and digital services in infrastructure.
- Company: Plowman Craven, a leader in infrastructure and built environment.
- Benefits: Direct influence on business growth and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Shape high-profile projects and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in bids, strong commercial judgement, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to innovative practices.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
London / Harpenden (Hybrid) | Infrastructure and Built Environment
We are looking for a Bid Manager who can lead from the front. Someone who understands that winning work is about commercial judgement, technical credibility, clear thinking and strong relationships, not just compliant paperwork. As Bid Manager, you will lead the end-to-end bid and tendering process for geospatial survey and digital information services across infrastructure and the built environment. You will act as the bridge between clients, commercial teams and delivery, ensuring bids are technically robust, commercially sound and clearly differentiated. You will also lead and develop a team of estimators, setting standards for pricing accuracy, governance and commercial discipline. This is a role for someone who is comfortable making decisions, challenging assumptions and raising the quality bar.
What will you be responsible for?
- Leading complex bids from opportunity review through to submission
- Setting bid strategies aligned to market conditions, client priorities and business objectives
- Owning bid governance, approvals, risk reviews and quality standards
- Shaping win themes and value propositions that clearly articulate our technical and digital strengths
- Developing pricing strategies that balance competitiveness, margin and risk
- Reviewing and approving cost models, assumptions and commercial qualifications
- Identifying and managing commercial risks and opportunities within bids
- Building trusted relationships with clients, consultants and contractors
- Leading, mentoring and developing a team of estimators
- Embedding best practice in estimating processes, tools and commercial awareness
- Working closely with Project Managers, Survey Managers and Digital Leads to ensure bids are deliverable
- Representing Plowman Craven in client meetings, industry events and external forums
- Contributing to sales reporting, forecasting and strategic planning
- Supporting marketing activity, case studies and thought leadership
This role will suit an experienced bid or commercial professional who understands infrastructure, surveying and digital delivery, and who wants real influence rather than a narrow remit.
You will already have:
- Experience leading bids or commercial processes in geospatial, surveying, digital construction, engineering or infrastructure environments
- A strong track record of winning work in competitive construction or infrastructure markets
- A solid understanding of survey methodologies and digital workflows, including BIM and CAD
- Experience developing pricing strategies and managing margin and risk
- Confidence working with UK procurement routes, frameworks and tender processes
- Experience leading or mentoring estimators or commercial colleagues
- Strong written skills and the ability to produce clear, persuasive proposals
- The confidence to engage directly with clients and influence decisions
- The ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines without losing quality
- A collaborative mindset and the credibility to work across technical and operational teams
- A proactive, strategic approach and a desire to keep improving how things are done
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for client meetings and events are required.
What do you get here at Plowman Craven?
- Direct influence over how the business grows and positions itself
- A collaborative environment where technical excellence and commercial discipline matter
- The opportunity to lead and shape a capable estimating function
- Exposure to complex, high-profile infrastructure and built environment projects
- A business that invests in capability, innovation and long-term growth
Bid Manager employer: Plowman Craven
Contact Detail:
Plowman Craven Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your successful bids and projects. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s recent projects and challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your skills can directly address their needs and help them win more work.
✨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 Bid Manager
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 leading bids and your understanding of geospatial and digital workflows. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful bids you've led. Use numbers and outcomes to demonstrate your impact. This helps us see your potential to win work and influence decisions.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate strong written skills, so make sure your proposals are persuasive and easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application 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 Plowman Craven
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid processes relevant to geospatial and digital information services. Familiarise yourself with the specific methodologies and workflows mentioned in the job description, like BIM and CAD, so you can confidently discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience in developing pricing strategies and managing risks. Think of specific examples where you've successfully balanced competitiveness with margin, and be ready to explain your thought process behind those decisions. This will demonstrate your commercial judgement and technical credibility.
✨Build Relationships on the Spot
Since this role involves building trusted relationships with clients and teams, practice how you would engage with different stakeholders during the interview. Use examples from your past where you’ve successfully collaborated with various teams or clients, highlighting your ability to influence decisions and foster strong connections.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that challenge your assumptions and decision-making skills. Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to outline how you would lead a complex bid or manage multiple deadlines. This will showcase your strategic approach and ability to maintain quality under pressure.