At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bid process and create high-quality submissions for major water projects.
- Company: Specialist contractor in the UK water and infrastructure sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and clear accountability.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and improve win rates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by winning major contracts in a regulated industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management with strong writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a specialist contractor operating in the UK water and infrastructure sector. They work closely with utility companies and framework partners, delivering technically robust, compliant solutions in a highly regulated environment.
We are now looking to appoint an experienced Bid Manager to take ownership of our end-to-end tendering activity and materially improve our win rate on high-value frameworks and projects. This is a senior specialist role, not a sales role. Your value is in judgment, technical credibility, and the quality of submissions you produce.
The role
You will lead the full bid lifecycle across PQQs, ITTs and RFPs within the water and infrastructure sectors. You will work closely with the Commercial Director and technical teams to produce persuasive, compliant and commercially sound submissions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning and managing the full bid process from opportunity identification through submission
- Writing original, high-quality, technically accurate bid content (not recycling boilerplate)
- Coordinating pricing, technical inputs, case studies and operational detail from internal stakeholders
- Ensuring strict compliance with water industry regulations, environmental standards and client requirements
- Maintaining and continuously improving a structured bid knowledge bank
- Supporting visibility of bid wins, project milestones and regulatory updates through high-value social and industry channels
What we’re looking for
This role will suit someone who already understands how utilities procure and how bids are really won. You should bring:
- At least 5 years experience in bid writing or bid management within utilities, water or infrastructure
- Exceptional written English and the ability to translate technical detail into compelling client-facing responses
- Strong working knowledge of tender portals and bid management systems
- Confidence dealing with senior technical and commercial stakeholders
- The judgment to spot risk, ambiguity or weakness in tender documents and escalate appropriately
- APMP qualification is desirable but not essential if experience is strong
There are no direct reports, but you will act as the specialist who pulls multiple disciplines together and sets the quality bar.
Why join?
You will have direct influence on winning major water-sector contracts. Clear accountability and autonomy within a specialist role. Hybrid working with minimal travel. A business that values quality submissions over volume. Salary band - £50 / 60,000.
Curious? Why not drop your CV to Gary Simpson.
Bid Manager in Bolton employer: Simpson Recruitment Services
As a leading specialist contractor in the UK water and infrastructure sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises quality and compliance. We foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing our Bid Managers with the autonomy to influence major contracts while enjoying hybrid working arrangements. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we ensure that our team members are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.
Contact Details:
Simpson Recruitment Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your best bid submissions and case studies. This will demonstrate your skills and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s recent projects and challenges in the water sector. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in bid writing and management, especially within the utilities or water sectors. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since this role requires exceptional written English, include examples of your previous bid submissions or any relevant writing samples. We need to see your ability to translate technical details into compelling content!
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your experience, be specific about the types of bids you've managed and the outcomes. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your success rates or improvements, that’s a bonus!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Recruitment Services
✨Know Your Bid Lifecycle
Make sure you understand the full bid lifecycle, from PQQs to RFPs. Familiarise yourself with the specific processes and regulations in the water and infrastructure sectors, as this will show your potential employer that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your exceptional written English by bringing examples of your previous bid submissions. Highlight how you've translated complex technical details into compelling narratives that resonate with clients. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you've coordinated with various internal stakeholders in past roles. Share specific examples of how you’ve gathered technical inputs and case studies, and how you ensured compliance with industry standards. This will illustrate your ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple disciplines.
✨Spot Risks and Ambiguities
During the interview, be prepared to talk about how you identify risks or ambiguities in tender documents. Discuss your judgment process and how you escalate issues appropriately. This will demonstrate your critical thinking skills and your proactive approach to bid management.
