Head of Bids

Head of Bids

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
SELWOOD LTD

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the bid process and deliver high-quality tender submissions for our Pump Rental Solutions.
  • Company: Join Selwood, the UK's leading pump rental solutions company with a stellar reputation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, company car, bonuses, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role while driving continuous improvement and team success.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing complex tenders and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Hybrid working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Selwood is the leading pump rental solutions company in the UK. We have an outstanding reputation for exceptional customer service backed by one of the largest fleets of quality pump products. Each customer and each project is unique and our deep technical knowledge means we are proud to deliver a bespoke and genuine 24/7, 365 days-a-year service. This is an exciting time to join Selwood as we drive our business forward and build on a foundation of over 70 years of success within our industry. We are committed to ensuring our staff have the right skills, knowledge & experience to deliver to our customers, as well as creating career paths to help develop, retain, and motivate them.

About The Role

We are looking for a Head of Bids to lead the bid and tendering function for our Pump Rental Solutions division. This role can be based in either Chandler’s Ford or Monmouth, Wales. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality, commercially robust and fully compliant tender submissions, while providing day-to-day leadership, driving continuous improvement and supporting the wider commercial strategy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the end-to-end bid and tender process (RFI, PQQ, ITT), delivering compliant high quality and commercially accurate and compelling submissions.
  • Provide senior commercial and writing expertise, supporting board reporting and deputising at leadership level when required.
  • Manage and develop a high‑performing bids team, setting clear standards, coaching capability and driving accountability for quality and output.
  • Own tender governance and risk, ensuring alignment with client scoring criteria, procurement rules and commercial objectives.
  • Oversee Contract Quality Plans (CQP) from award through mobilisation, embedding contractual compliance and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, SHEQ, Finance and Legal to ensure a unified, customer‑centric and commercially aligned approach to tendering.
  • Drive continuous improvement by maintaining content libraries, refining processes and incorporating client and internal feedback into future submissions.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

  • Demonstrable experience managing complex tenders within public procurement.
  • Proven line management or leadership experience.
  • Advanced writing and editing skills.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
  • Understanding of procurement regulations compliance, and commercial risk.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and AI tools.

Desirable

  • APMP or equivalent bid management qualification.
  • Relevant sector experience (pump rental, utilities, construction, infrastructure).
  • Experience with procurement portals (Achilles, Ariba, Jaggaer/Bravo).
  • Understanding of pump rental operations and applications.

What We Can Offer You

  • Competitive salary
  • Company car
  • Eligible for company bonus scheme (annual and quarterly payments)
  • 28 days holiday + 8 Bank Holidays
  • Holiday buying (up to an additional week)
  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for yourself and either your partner or your children
  • Medical cash plan for yourself and your partner – reimburse health costs e.g. dentist or optician, access to 24‑hour online GP services, discounted gym memberships
  • Pension scheme with contribution based on total earnings not just salary
  • Life assurance protection at 4 × salary
  • Employee discount scheme (discounts/vouchers for supermarkets, high street shops, holidays and more)
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) & access to Mental Health first aiders
  • Employee referral scheme (up to £1,000 per referral)
  • Hybrid working (i.e., working from home and in the office) pattern
  • Support for development and training

This role is not open to Agencies – Please no calls or emails – Thank you.

EDI Statement

Workdry International Ltd is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We value transparency, respecting others and understanding differences. We give full and fair consideration to all applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. As part of your recruitment journey, we are happy to support requests for reasonable adjustments.

Head of Bids employer: SELWOOD LTD

Selwood is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including private medical insurance, a generous holiday allowance, and hybrid working options, Selwood fosters a culture that values diversity and inclusion while empowering staff to excel in their careers. Join us in Chandler’s Ford or Monmouth, Wales, and be part of a team that is dedicated to delivering bespoke solutions and outstanding customer service in the pump rental industry.
SELWOOD LTD

Contact Detail:

SELWOOD LTD Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Bids

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know Selwood inside out! Research their projects, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to bid management and leadership. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Bids

Bid Management
Tendering Expertise
Commercial Acumen
Leadership Skills
Advanced Writing and Editing Skills
Organisational Skills
Procurement Regulations Compliance
Risk Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Continuous Improvement
Microsoft Office Proficiency
AI Tools Proficiency
Content Management
Client-Centric Approach
Public Procurement Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what the role of Head of Bids entails and how your experience aligns with it.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing complex tenders and your leadership skills, as these are key for us at Selwood.

Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since advanced writing and editing skills are essential for this position, use your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. We love a well-structured and engaging submission!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that apply button on our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Selwood.

How to prepare for a job interview at SELWOOD LTD

✨Know Your Bids Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid and tender process. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the Head of Bids role at Selwood, especially around delivering high-quality submissions and managing a bids team. This will help you speak confidently about your experience and how it aligns with their needs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a potential leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage and develop a high-performing team. Prepare examples of how you've set standards, coached team members, and driven accountability in previous roles. This will show that you can lead effectively in the fast-paced environment of pump rental solutions.

✨Understand the Industry and Regulations

Brush up on your knowledge of public procurement regulations and the specific challenges within the pump rental sector. Being able to discuss these topics will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company’s operations.

✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration

Selwood values a unified approach to tendering, so be ready to discuss your experience working cross-functionally with teams like Sales, Operations, and Finance. Think of specific instances where collaboration led to successful outcomes, as this will highlight your ability to work well within their organisational structure.

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