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- Tasks: Manage the entire bid process, ensuring compelling submissions for graduation services.
- Company: Dynamic group focused on graduation services with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working options and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Regular visits to the Waterbeach office to build relationships and knowledge.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while honing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in higher education and exceptional written communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Reporting to Group Head of Graduation Services
Role Purpose
Acting as the in‑house authority on procurement activities across the group, the Bid Manager will take ownership of the entire end‑to‑end process, working closely with Senior Leadership to continually refine the Group offering. The role will primarily support three companies within the Group to ensure effective submissions for the services relating to Gown Hire, Photography and Videography services at Graduations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end‑to‑end bid lifecycle, from opportunity identification through to final submission and contract handover, applying best bid management methodologies.
- Prepare (write) clear submission responses demonstrating value propositions aligned to bid evaluation criteria.
- Communicate directly with procurement teams in relation to both pre‑market engagement, and clarifications during and after tenders.
- Ensure submissions are accurate, compliant and compelling.
- Co‑ordinate multi‑lot responses from across Group companies and support Senior Leadership with balancing differing company priorities.
- Support the development of pricing and commercial strategies in collaboration with senior leadership team.
- Coach and support delivery team(s) with bid presentations if required.
- Lead formal post‑bid reviews and provide clear, actionable recommendations to internal stakeholders.
- Continually develop and maintain suitable bid templates, tools and content library.
- Using content to support RfPs and/or B2B marketing where necessary.
- Manage access to, track and keep information up to date on the sector tender portals and compliance trackers.
- Monitor and recommend third‑party software solutions which can improve the Group's responses to tenders.
Key Requirements
- Higher Education sector experience.
- Exceptional written communication skills, with evidence of creating compelling, client‑focused proposals.
- Project Management ability, particularly operating effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑volume bid environment with short timelines.
- Working knowledge of SharePoint and incorporating feedback from multiple sources.
- Good documentation management and generally well organised to keep numerous external and internal information up to date.
- Ability to liaise with designers to generate effective infographics.
Other Information
This role can support hybrid working, but it is preferred that the candidate is able to regularly visit the core of the business in Waterbeach (Cambridgeshire) frequently to build internal relationships and knowledge. It will be expected on site days at Waterbeach to be for entire working days (9am – 5.15pm). Requirements to be on site will change regularly based on live tender requirements. Some additional travel to other sites will be required from time to time.
Bid Manager in Cambridge employer: Thornton & Lowe
Contact Detail:
Thornton & Lowe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Bid Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get familiar with the bid lifecycle! Brush up on best practices and methodologies for managing bids. This will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! If you get the chance, prepare for potential presentations by rehearsing your delivery. Being able to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from our site. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out in the crowd. Plus, you'll be one step closer to joining our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Writing Skills: As a Bid Manager, your written communication is key! Make sure to highlight your ability to create clear and compelling proposals in your application. Use examples that demonstrate how you've successfully communicated value propositions in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Mention your experience in the higher education sector and how it aligns with our needs at StudySmarter.
Be Organised: We love a well-organised application! Ensure your documents are neatly formatted and easy to read. This reflects your project management skills and shows us you can handle the fast-paced environment we work in.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thornton & Lowe
✨Know Your Bid Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end bid lifecycle. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed bids in the past, from opportunity identification to final submission. Highlight any methodologies you've used that align with best practices.
✨Craft Compelling Proposals
Prepare examples of your written communication skills by bringing along samples of previous proposals. Make sure you can explain how you tailored these submissions to meet specific evaluation criteria and demonstrate value.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Show that you can effectively communicate with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve liaised with procurement teams or senior leadership in previous roles, especially during tender processes.
✨Stay Organised and Adaptable
Emphasise your project management skills and ability to stay organised in a fast-paced environment. Share strategies you use to keep track of multiple bids and how you adapt to changing priorities or timelines.