At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the full lifecycle of bids and manage complex SaaS RFPs.
- Company: Join SHL, a leader in people science and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible workplace, competitive benefits, and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming workplaces with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
This role can be UK (Thames Ditton) or US based (Atlanta) - hybrid working available.
Responsibilities
- Bid and RFP ownership – full lifecycle of bids, lead complex SaaS and enterprise HR Tech RFPs, RFIs, DDQs and procurement exercises, clear bid plans established, chair bid kick-offs, stand ups, governance reviews.
- Commercial and Risk Management – ensure proposals are commercially viable, deliverable etc., manage assumptions, dependencies, risks, exposure and work with Finance and Legal on proposal detail.
- Presales and Technical Integration – collaborate with Solutions Architecture and Engineering to shape scalable solution designs, translate technical capability into compelling customer value and ensure architectural and security accuracy. Act as the single orchestration point between technical, commercial, and delivery streams.
- Content & Value Proposition Excellence – own and continuously improve standard proposal responses, win themes, value propositions, differentiation narratives and ensure all bids clearly articulate key messages.
- Governance & Operating Rhythm – enforce bid qualification thresholds, No-Go governance, executive approvals and track performance metrics. Maintain a structured bid library and response knowledge base.
- Stakeholder & Executive Engagement – trusted partner to Sales Leadership, Presales Leadership, Product Executives, Finance & Legal. Prepare and support Executive bid reviews, Strategic deal boards and Client-facing clarifications and presentations.
Success Measures - Increased enterprise win rates, improved bid quality and consistency, reduced sales cycle time, strong margin protection, high stakeholder confidence in bid execution, reduced reactive and last-minute bid behaviours.
What we are looking for from you
Essential
- Bid Management, Proposal Management, or Commercial Operations experience in SaaS, HR Tech, HCM, or enterprise software environments.
- Proven delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder RFPs.
- Strong comprehension of SaaS commercial models, Subscription pricing, Data privacy, InfoSec, and compliance.
- Excellent structured communication and stakeholder management, highly organised, deadline-driven, and resilient under pressure.
Desirable
- Experience within HR Tech, Talent Tech, Assessment, ATS, HCM, or People Analytics.
- Familiarity with ISO, SOC2, GDPR, data residency, AI-enabled SaaS platforms.
- APM, PMP, or Bid Management certification.
All Applicants must be eligible to work in the country they have applied for without sponsorship.
Get in touch: Find out how this one-off opportunity can help you to achieve your career goals by making an application to our knowledgeable and friendly Talent Acquisition team. Choose a new path with SHL.
About Us
We unlock the possibilities of businesses through the power of people, science and technology. We started this industry of people insight more than 40 years ago and continue to lead the market with powerhouse product launches, ground-breaking science and business transformation. When you inspire and transform people’s lives, you will experience the greatest business outcomes possible. SHL’s products insights, experiences, and services can help achieve growth at scale.
What SHL can offer you
- Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are key threads in the fabric of SHL’s business and culture.
- Employee benefits package that takes care of you and your family.
- Support, coaching, and on-the-job development to achieve career success.
- A fun and flexible workplace where you’ll be inspired to do your best work.
- The ability to transform workplaces around the world for others.
SHL is an equal opportunity employer. We support and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. We can, and do make adjustments to make sure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible.
Bid Manager - Presales in Thames Ditton employer: SHL
Contact Detail:
SHL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager - Presales in Thames Ditton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at SHL or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you ace your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the role inside out. Dive deep into bid management and SaaS concepts, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled complex RFPs or managed stakeholder expectations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the challenges of the Bid Manager role.
✨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 the SHL team and making an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager - Presales in Thames Ditton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience with SaaS, HR Tech, and any relevant RFPs you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, it's crucial to demonstrate your structured communication abilities. Use clear examples in your application that showcase how you've effectively managed multiple stakeholders in the past.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: Being organised is key in bid management. Share specific instances where your organisational skills helped you meet tight deadlines or manage complex projects. We love seeing how you keep everything on track!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at SHL!
How to prepare for a job interview at SHL
✨Know Your Bids Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the bid management process and the specific requirements of the role. Familiarise yourself with the full lifecycle of bids, especially in SaaS and HR Tech environments. This will help you articulate your experience and how it aligns with the company's needs.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively. Highlight instances where you've collaborated with sales leadership, finance, and legal teams to deliver successful proposals. This will show that you can be a trusted partner in the bid process.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Commercial Viability
Understand the commercial models relevant to the role, such as subscription pricing and data privacy. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure proposals are commercially viable and how you manage risks and assumptions. This knowledge will set you apart as a candidate who can think strategically.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires being highly organised and deadline-driven, come prepared with examples of how you've managed complex projects under pressure. Discuss your methods for maintaining structured bid libraries and response knowledge bases, as this will highlight your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.