Proposals Manager in Poole, Dorset

We are supporting a long-standing commercial organisation that supplies safety-critical products and services into regulated markets. Operating nationally, the business is well-regarded in its sector and has a particularly strong foothold in the Power & Utilities space, supplying a wide range of essential goods and managed service solutions to major infrastructure providers and contractors.

Following a period of strategic review, they have reshaped their approach to bidding and are now looking to bring in an experienced Proposals Manager to lead and embed a more focused, higher-quality bid function at the heart of the business.

About the Role

This is a hands-on, strategic position where you will manage the full lifecycle of bids: from identifying opportunities through to planning, writing, submission, and post-bid analysis. The successful candidate will sit within the commercial team and be the dedicated expert for all bid and tender activity across the business.

The business has adopted a refined and selective approach to bidding and has a clear view of the target clients it wants to work with. Bidding is not treated as an admin function; it is backed by senior leadership and well supported across departments.

You will have access to internal working groups across different business functions, as well as direct involvement from the CEO and senior leadership. While the company is still building out a formal bid library, you will have the opportunity to shape it and introduce high-quality content that adds long-term value.

This is a fully office-based role, based at the company’s head office in Poole. The culture is highly collaborative and fast-paced, with strong cross-departmental working.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end bid process, from opportunity tracking and qualification through to submission and lessons learned.
• Write, edit and coordinate technical and commercial responses that are accurate, persuasive and well-structured.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (including sales, operations, procurement, marketing, and the SLT) to ensure input is timely, accurate and on-message.
• Lead bid planning sessions, input into bid/no-bid decisions, and contribute to win strategy development.
• Take ownership of the ongoing development of the bid library and proposal content repository.
• Work with the procurement team to gather and integrate accurate pricing details into bids.
• Maintain awareness of upcoming opportunities via public sector and other relevant portals.
• Analyse bid outcomes and continuously improve processes and submissions.

What We’re Looking For

• Experienced Proposals Manager or Bid Writer with a solid track record of delivering high-quality submissions.
• Trained in structured bid methodologies (e.g. Shipley or APMP).
• Excellent writing and editing skills, able to translate technical input and raw information into clear, compelling content.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working cross-functionally.
• Detail-oriented, organised, and comfortable managing multiple workstreams to meet deadlines.
• Commercially astute, with the ability to understand buyer motivations and how to position value in a bid.
• Ambitious and self-motivated, with a focus on continuous improvement and personal development.
• Experience in bidding within the Power & Utilities or similarly regulated sectors would be beneficial but not essential.

Why Apply?

• Join a forward-thinking, collaborative organisation where bids are taken seriously and given proper attention.
• Play a central role in shaping the bid function and improving win rates.
• Work closely with senior decision-makers, giving you influence and visibility.
• Be part of a business that’s proactive in targeting major clients and pursuing strategic growth.
• Excellent culture, benefits, and a supportive environment where you’ll be encouraged to grow and develop.