At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tendering process and develop winning proposals across multiple service divisions.
- Company: A leading national service provider with a focus on security, cleaning, recruitment, and training.
- Benefits: Join a people-powered organisation committed to innovation and professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career advancement and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape a high-performing tendering function and drive new business growth.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in bid management with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
A leading national service provider delivering specialist solutions across security, cleaning, recruitment and training is seeking an experienced Head of Tendering Centre to lead and develop its group-wide tendering function. With a workforce of over 11,000 colleagues and services delivered across 5,000+ sites, the organisation provides integrated solutions to both public and private sector clients. The business combines national scale with strong regional support and is continuing to expand both across the UK and internationally. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic bid leader to shape and drive a high-performing tendering function that supports both new business growth and client retention.
The Head of Tendering Centre will lead the end-to-end tendering process across multiple service divisions. You will mentor and develop bid teams, manage multiple concurrent opportunities, and convert complex requirements into high-quality, compliant and compelling proposals that win work. You will work closely with senior leadership, operational teams and subject matter experts to deliver solutions-led bids across both public and private sectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full tender lifecycle from opportunity identification through to submission
- Manage and coordinate multiple tender submissions and deadlines
- Build and lead cross-functional bid teams to develop compelling solutions
- Review, critique and approve all tender submissions to ensure quality and compliance
- Maintain tender portals and systems to capture new opportunities
- Deliver board-level reporting on tender pipeline, performance and outcomes
- Develop strong win strategies incorporating innovation, ESG and social value
- Maintain a high-quality bid library and knowledge base
- Manage external bid writers or partners where required
- Lead post-tender debriefs to drive continuous improvement
About You
You are a strategic and commercially aware bid professional who thrives in a fast-paced, service-led environment. You bring strong leadership capability alongside exceptional written communication skills and a passion for developing winning proposals.
Essential Experience
- 3–5 years’ experience in bid management, tendering or proposal development
- Experience within multi-service, facilities management or service-based sectors
- Proven experience managing public and private sector tenders
- Strong knowledge of tender portals, procurement frameworks and compliance requirements
- Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written proposals
- Experience leading or mentoring bid teams
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent tenders and deadlines
- APMP certification (or working towards it)
Key Skills
- Excellent written communication and attention to detail
- Strong commercial awareness and value-based proposal writing
- Stakeholder management across senior leadership and operational teams
- Familiarity with CRM platforms such as HubSpot
- Strategic thinking with a solutions-focused approach
- Ability to analyse tender feedback and improve win rates
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and solutions-focused
- Strategic problem-solver
- Results-driven with strong ownership
- Calm and composed under pressure
- Collaborative team player
- Authentic, people-focused leader
- Positive, resilient and adaptable
What You’ll Be Part Of
You will join a people-powered organisation where collaboration, innovation and service excellence are at the heart of everything we do. The business is committed to developing its people, improving processes and delivering high-quality services to clients across the UK and internationally. If you are an experienced bid leader looking to shape and lead a group-wide tendering function, we would love to hear from you.
Bid Manager employer: QP Group
As a leading national service provider, this company offers an exceptional work environment in Newton-le-Willows, where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a commitment to employee development and a strong focus on service excellence, you will have the opportunity to lead a high-performing tendering function while benefiting from a supportive culture that values your contributions. Join a workforce of over 11,000 colleagues and be part of a dynamic organisation that is expanding both nationally and internationally, providing meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Bid Manager at QP Group!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like QP Group or be willing to refer you for that Bid Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from QP Group who’s on the lookout for their next Bid Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Bid Manager role at QP Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at QP Group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at QP Group
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at QP Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
