At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the entire bid process, ensuring compelling submissions for graduation services.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading educational services group.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Regular visits to the Waterbeach office are essential for building relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping successful bids in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in higher education and exceptional written communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Reporting to Group Head of Graduation Services, 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.
- 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 Groups 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 will 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 - E013 in Cambridge employer: Thornton & Lowe
As a Bid Manager at our dynamic organisation, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that values innovation and excellence. With opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly within the higher education sector, you will play a crucial role in shaping our service offerings while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Our Waterbeach location fosters strong internal relationships, ensuring you are well-equipped to deliver compelling bids that make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager - E013 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 opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your bid management skills sharp! Brush up on best practices and methodologies, so you can confidently discuss how you’d manage the end-to-end bid lifecycle during interviews. Show them you’re the go-to person for procurement activities!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! If you get the chance, do mock presentations or pitch sessions with friends or mentors. This will help you nail those bid presentations and demonstrate your value proposition clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager - E013 in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:As a Bid Manager, your written communication is key! Make sure your application showcases your ability to create clear and compelling proposals. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've nailed this in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your responses to align with our job description. Highlight your experience in the higher education sector and how it relates to the role. We want to see how you can add value to our team!
Be Organised and Detailed:We love a well-organised application! Ensure your submission is accurate and compliant. Double-check for any typos or errors, as attention to detail is crucial in bid management. A neat application reflects your project management skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure you apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 they demonstrate your ability to create clear, client-focused submissions that align with evaluation criteria.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience in fast-paced environments. Share specific instances where you successfully managed multiple bids under tight deadlines, and how you kept everything organised and compliant.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves liaising with various teams, be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with different stakeholders in the past. Emphasise your ability to balance differing priorities and how you’ve supported teams during presentations.
