Senior Bids Executive in Leeds

Make an impact at a leading UK commercial law firm. A highly regarded UK commercial law firm is looking for an experienced Senior Bids Executive to join its growing Business Development & Marketing function. The firm advises almost 2,000 organisations across a broad range of sectors, with particular strength in housing, local government, health and social care, construction, energy and resources, higher education and financial services. Its legal teams are recognised for delivering high-quality commercial, corporate, property, finance, regulatory, employment and litigation advice. With a strong reputation across the legal market, consistent recognition in independent legal rankings and a track record of sustained financial growth, the firm is entering an exciting period of ambitious growth and continued investment in its people.

This is an opportunity for an experienced bids professional to play a high-profile role in winning significant public and private sector work, working directly with Partners and senior stakeholders across the business.

The Opportunity

The Senior Bids Executive will lead complex bids from opportunity assessment through to submission and pitch, working closely with Partner Leads, lawyers, subject matter experts and the wider Business Development & Marketing team. The role will cover a diverse range of clients and markets, including Central Government, Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Health & Care providers, Universities, Financial Institutions and Energy companies. The successful candidate will also play an important role in strengthening the firm's wider bids capability, ensuring that knowledge, content and insight are captured and continually improved.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead bids from opportunity assessment through to SQs, RFIs, clarifications, tender submissions and pitch presentations.
• Work closely with Partners and subject matter experts to develop compelling, client-focused responses.
• Prepare teams for pitch presentations, including running rehearsals and providing constructive feedback.
• Analyse bid feedback and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain a high-quality bid content library, including credentials, CVs, case studies, policies, social value information and client service delivery content.
• Track and circulate new opportunities from direct approaches, adverts, hubs and tender portals.
• Produce MI reports for internal stakeholders and external clients/frameworks.
• Maintain accurate bid opportunity and outcome information within the firm's CRM.
• Collaborate closely with Business Development & Marketing colleagues to ensure all materials are high quality, consistent and aligned with the firm's brand.
• Manage multiple bids simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting demanding deadlines.

What the firm is looking for

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading complex bids within a professional services environment, ideally within the legal sector. Experience of public sector bidding would be advantageous, but the key requirement is the ability to take ownership of complex opportunities, bring together multiple stakeholders and produce compelling, high-quality submissions. The successful candidate will bring:

• Excellent bid writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Excellent organisation and project management capabilities.
• The ability to manage multiple deadlines without compromising quality.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A positive, collaborative and results-focused mindset.
• Strong IT skills, including experience with Microsoft Office, CRM systems, tender portals and document management systems.

A collaborative team culture

The firm places considerable emphasis on its people and the quality of its working environment. The Bids team is supported by experienced colleagues across the function, creating an environment where people are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and learn from one another. The successful candidate will work alongside a Senior Bids Manager, Bids Manager and wider Bids Team, while having significant exposure to Partners and senior stakeholders. It is a culture built around strong relationships, professional reputation, responsible business and delivering results.

Development and flexibility

The firm is committed to supporting the professional and personal development of its people, with access to tailored training, learning opportunities and clear routes for progression. A hybrid working model provides flexibility around where and how the working week is structured, while ensuring teams remain connected and able to deliver for clients. Core business hours are 9am-5:15pm, Monday to Friday, with flexibility around these hours.

The package includes:

• Minimum 25 days' holiday, with the option to purchase up to a further 5 days.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• Biennial private health assessment.
• Life assurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities.

A firm with purpose

Responsible business is an important part of the firm's identity. Its programme spans community engagement, environmental sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, and wellbeing. The firm actively supports charitable and community initiatives, provides pro bono legal support and has ambitious environmental commitments, including a target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The opportunity

For an experienced bids professional looking to take the next step in their career, this role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile, complex bids with some of the UK's most significant public and private sector organisations, while gaining exposure to senior Partners and playing a genuine role in the firm's growth strategy.