At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage high-value bids and collaborate with a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Purcell, an award-winning architectural consultancy known for innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, study sponsorship, sabbaticals, and enhanced learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to quality and heritage conservation.
- Why this job: Make an impact in architecture while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management, excellent InDesign skills, and strong communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Purcell is looking for a Bid Manager with a passion for architecture to join our London studio. Working closely with partners, Head of Bids and the wider work winning team, the successful candidate will be responsible for the management and development of key, high‑value bids in our London studio, taking ownership to maximise our success. You will oversee the wider Bids Team workload, supporting the Head of Bids on longer‑term strategic ambitions and our positioning within the industry. As a bids team, we are constantly striving to improve and learn and are a collaborative and supportive team. This is a fast‑paced full‑time role which requires the ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines so excellent time management is essential. It also requires an excellent all‑round understanding of the bids process and the ability to multi‑task to be able to work on various multiple bids with various stakeholders, all with differing requirements and deadlines. If you are passionate about architecture, self‑motivated and have excellent communication skills, this role will allow you to work within a successful architecture practice using your creative skills to deliver quality bid submissions.
Purcell is an award‑winning employee‑owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 350 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Proudly ranked No. 1 for Heritage in the World Architecture 100 for a fifth consecutive year.
Benefits
- Agile, flexible and hybrid working (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH)
- Annual leave increasing with long service
- Life assurance
- Study sponsorship with paid study leave
- Sabbaticals
- Employee assistance programme
- Season ticket loans
- Cycle to work scheme
- Virtual GP service
- Subscription fees
- Company day out
- A volunteering scheme
- Enhanced learning & development opportunities
Responsibilities
- Manage the end‑to‑end bid process following internal bid procedures and workflow
- Use Adobe Creative Suite, in particular InDesign, to produce high‑quality bid submissions, reviewing information that is provided for bids to ensure consistency and accuracy
- Manage internal bid library filing and housekeeping, including for staff CVs, project case studies and photographs, filed in accordance with practice standards
- Report on and understand the principles of winning bids and analysis with those stakeholders involved, both wins and losses
- Implement work‑winning strategies to win new projects across a range of sectors
- Track and communicate regional opportunities across a variety of channels
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior partners, to produce proposals and presentation materials
- Take ownership and initiative to implement improvements or efficiencies
- Collaborate with wider work winning team
- Line‑management of bids team
Requirements
- Previous experience in end‑to‑end bid process ideally in architectural industry
- Experience in team line management, including overseeing workload management and team leadership
- Experience interfacing with senior management
- Excellent InDesign skills
- Strong time management and organisational skills
- Confident working with procurement portals and various submission methods
- Bid writing and editing skills
- Proactive collaboration with people of all levels and ability to adjust your communication style to manage your stakeholders
- Excellent understanding of frameworks and procurement methods
As world leaders of Heritage and Conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live. We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.
Bid Manager employer: Purcell
Purcell is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and innovation within the architectural field. With a commitment to employee ownership, we provide extensive benefits including flexible working arrangements, enhanced learning opportunities, and a supportive environment for professional growth. Join our award-winning team in London, where your passion for architecture can thrive while contributing to high-value bids that shape the future of heritage and conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Purcell who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Purcell!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Purcell. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Purcell
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Purcell.
