At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and implement complex bid processes for exciting projects in the Middle East.
- Company: Join Populous, a leading design firm focused on creating spaces where people gather.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, gym discounts, and access to events at Populous-designed venues.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant studio by the River Thames with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team transforming ideas into reality and shaping the future of design.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Middle Eastern bid management and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
About Populous
For more than 40 years, Populous has had a singular focus – to draw people together around the things that they love, to be the leading design firm that specialises in places, spaces and events where people gather. Our success is defined by designing projects that are seen as the benchmark. We are committed to future innovation, anticipating and shaping the future of our industries.
Our team is made up of highly talented people with a range of skills, all integral to successfully bringing to life the places and experiences we design. As our company has grown, our expertise has expanded to encompass a wide variety of disciplines – including architecture, audiovisual consultancy, brand activation, design & build, events, food & beverage strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and wayfinding.
This varied expertise enables us to transform neighbourhoods, revitalise cities, build relationships and create buildings, places and spaces that draw people together, from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to The Co-op Live Arena. As we continue to bring to life award-winning venues and experiences, our EMEA Practice is looking for a Bid Manager based in our Putney studio.
About the Role
This role sits within our Business Development team. You’ll work closely with internal and external stakeholders to pursue and win new work by managing and implementing complex bid processes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Being a key hire to manage the Middle Eastern bid process; shaping winning strategies and ensuring excellence from opportunity identification to delivery.
- End-to-end accountability for pre-positioning, win strategy, storyboarding, bid kick-off, clarifications, response development, submission, interview and post-bid feedback / hygiene.
- Assessing client requirements and working with internal and external stakeholders to craft, edit and review responses, ensuring they are tailored, high-quality, and submitted on time.
- Driving collaboration between internal and external stakeholders, including supply chain partners and design teams.
- Designing and implementing bidding best practices, including our approach to win strategy, the bidding process and the centralised knowledge library.
- Working with other bid specialists as a community of practice to improve the standard and effectiveness of written responses and shared best practice.
- Managing the upcoming submissions pipeline, ensuring each proposal is effectively resourced and recorded in our CRM.
Key requirements include:
- Experts in Middle Eastern bid management, with demonstrated success in establishing and reinforcing best practices.
- Experience in architecture or a construction-related field, with in-depth knowledge of construction / RIBA Design stages, supply chain roles, and procurement and selection routes including Design & Build, EPC, RFPs and design competitions.
- Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple bids with precision – APMP certification highly valued.
- Great writing and editing skills – with the ability to translate highly technical content into plain English!
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with a talent for fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
- Additional language skills may be beneficial.
- InDesign and Microsoft 365 suite including PowerPoint, SharePoint.
About the Studio
Our Putney studio, which is also our EMEA Headquarters, is located on the banks of the River Thames, a short walk from Putney High Street and with excellent travel connections. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive and competitive benefits programme, as well as the opportunity to attend events at several Populous-designed venues.
Why Join the Team?
- Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection.
- Enjoy various benefits, such as hybrid working and gym membership discounts.
- Enjoy the opportunity to attend events at Populous-designed venues.
- Connect and learn at regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party.
How to Apply
Populous is an equal opportunity employer. If you’re ready to utilise your skills to support our growing practice, click “Apply” to begin the application process. In your application, please include your CV and a one-page letter of motivation (cover letter), salary expectations, and availability.
Want to learn more about us?
Find us here: Populous
Bid Manager (Middle East) in London employer: Populous
At Populous, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our Putney studio, located along the picturesque River Thames, provides a dynamic environment where employees can thrive, with access to a comprehensive benefits programme, hybrid working options, and opportunities to attend events at our iconic venues. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to shaping the future of design and creating spaces that bring people together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager (Middle East) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those in the Middle East. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a bid manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in bid management and architecture. Share specific examples of successful bids you've managed, and how you’ve driven collaboration across teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. You’ll need to convey complex ideas simply and effectively. Think about how you can translate technical jargon into plain English, just like you would in a winning bid response.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Populous. Let’s make those connections happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Middle East) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in bid management, especially in the Middle East, and showcase any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Remember, we love creativity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality show through.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since great writing is key for this position, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We appreciate well-structured responses that translate complex ideas into plain English, so keep that in mind when crafting your documents.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Populous
✨Know Your Bid Process Inside Out
Make sure you understand the entire bid process from start to finish. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as pre-positioning and win strategy. This will help you articulate your experience and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tailor Your Responses
When discussing your past experiences, ensure you tailor your responses to highlight your expertise in Middle Eastern bid management and architecture. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to craft high-quality, tailored responses that meet client requirements.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your project management skills in detail. Highlight any relevant certifications like APMP and provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple bids simultaneously. This will show them you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've effectively worked with internal and external stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you fostered communication and knowledge sharing, as this aligns with their emphasis on teamwork and continuous improvement.
