Bid Manager (Manchester)

Bid Manager (Manchester)

Trafford Park Full-Time 42000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage bids to secure new business and client appointments.
  • Company: Join a dynamic firm focused on growth and innovation in the legal sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of business development, making a real impact with your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in bid management, strong communication skills, and familiarity with AI tools preferred.
  • Other info: We value diversity and encourage all candidates to apply, even if they don't meet every requirement.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Manchester

Salary: £50k to £60k DOE

Full time: Permanent

Hybrid: 2 days per week in the office

We are seeking a dynamic professional to lead and manage pitches and related pursuits that drive new business and secure panel appointments with target clients. This strategic role sits at the heart of our client’s growth efforts, playing a key part in converting business development opportunities into successful outcomes. You’ll work closely with a dedicated operational team, with access to pitch infrastructure, BD Executive support, and document production resources to deliver high-quality, compelling submissions.

The Role:

  • Lead the end-to-end delivery of major bids and tenders, collaborating with partners, BD, Client Development, and other business teams.
  • Assess RFPs, support go/no-go decisions, and shape pitch strategies.
  • Apply project management principles to ensure smooth coordination from RFP receipt to final submission.
  • Build strong relationships with partners to align pitches with their goals and keep stakeholders updated throughout.
  • Ensure compliance with risk management procedures and flag potential issues early.
  • Maintain a solid understanding of the firm’s services to craft tailored, commercially driven content.
  • Produce standout, client-focused pitch materials that clearly differentiate the firm from competitors.
  • Coach lawyers for presentations and beauty parades, supporting content, delivery, and rehearsals.
  • Track pitch activity and success rates, sharing insights with key client teams.
  • Drive improvements in pitch processes and contribute to global best practice initiatives.
  • Lead bid reviews to gather feedback and refine future approach.

Who we are looking for:

  • Experience at Senior Bid Executive or Manager level.
  • Highly organised with excellent communication skills and a calm, focused approach.
  • Familiarity with AI tools for pitch creation (e.g. CoPilot or similar) is a strong plus.
  • Extensive experience in a senior BD pitch role within a fast-paced professional services environment, ideally in the legal sector.
  • Strong understanding of procurement-led panel processes, as well as transactional and project-based bidding.
  • Skilled negotiator with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with partners and senior stakeholders.
  • Confident and diplomatic, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build credibility quickly.
  • Proactive and resilient, able to drive initiatives forward and motivate cross-functional teams.
  • Commercially minded, with a clear grasp of the firm’s value proposition and how to deliver profitable outcomes.
  • Self-starter with strong project management skills and the ability to lead teams to meet deadlines.
  • Excellent copywriting skills and a solid understanding of brand and design principles in bid production, including working closely with design teams.
  • Tech-savvy with proficiency in CRM systems (ideally InterAction), Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At We Are Adam, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!

We are more than happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you may require.

Interested? Please apply now. We look forward to hearing from you!

Bid Manager (Manchester) employer: We Are Adam

Join a forward-thinking firm in Manchester that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact business growth. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to resources and support for professional advancement, alongside a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Embrace the opportunity to lead high-stakes bids in a supportive environment that champions diversity and inclusion.
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Contact Detail:

We Are Adam Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Bid Manager (Manchester)

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the legal sector, especially those who have experience in bid management. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest AI tools for pitch creation, as this is a strong plus for the role. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills in using these technologies effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led bids and managed cross-functional teams in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the firm’s services and recent projects to understand their value proposition. This knowledge will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their growth.

We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Manchester)

Bid Management
Project Management
Strong Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Negotiation Skills
Copywriting Skills
Understanding of Procurement Processes
Relationship Building
AI Tools Familiarity
Commercial Awareness
Interpersonal Skills
Resilience and Proactivity
CRM Proficiency (e.g. InterAction)
Attention to Detail
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Bid Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in bid management and business development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead pitches and manage relationships effectively.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your familiarity with AI tools for pitch creation and your experience in a fast-paced professional services environment.

Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from previous roles. For instance, mention successful bids you’ve led or improvements you’ve driven in pitch processes to demonstrate your impact.

How to prepare for a job interview at We Are Adam

✨Understand the Role Thoroughly

Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Bid Manager does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around managing pitches and collaborating with various teams.

✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with project management principles. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully coordinated bids from start to finish, ensuring smooth delivery and compliance with procedures.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

As a Bid Manager, strong communication is key. During the interview, showcase your ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders. Use examples that illustrate how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in past roles.

✨Familiarise Yourself with AI Tools

Since familiarity with AI tools for pitch creation is a plus, do some research on relevant technologies like CoPilot. Be ready to discuss how you can leverage these tools to enhance pitch quality and efficiency.

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