Proposals Manager (Rail) in England

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

The Proposals Manager role forms part of a dedicated Rail Business Development and Proposals team, which is responsible for all aspects of work winning across the Rail business unit and multidisciplinary WSP activities within the rail sector. The role encompasses support to work winning activities across the capture and convert phases of the WSP winning work lifecycle, coordinating the interfaces between business leaders, technical staff and others in the proposals team to produce high-quality, compelling proposals.

To be successful, the Proposals Manager needs to understand the objectives of the Rail team and play an active key part in the development of well‑written, well‑presented materials and proposal content. Once assigned to an opportunity, the Proposal Manager will establish and lead the bid team, liaising with clients and partners as required, organising the appropriate reviews and gateway approval meetings, and overseeing submission of the proposal. They will lead the development of win strategies, producing tender plans, managing written responses, facilitating reviews, and ensuring the final submission is delivered effectively, including a smooth handover to delivery teams for successful bids.

In addition, the role contributes to a range of work winning and business development activities that support the growth and success of the Rail business unit. These include supporting marketing and communications (both internal and external), client account and engagement support, business development operations such as effective content and collateral management and maintenance, and administration of systems and pipeline information.

A Little More About Your Role

In this role, core responsibilities include producing high‑quality written content and ensuring that the appropriate bid governance and review processes are followed. The Proposals Manager will collaborate with technical and project leaders, liaise with clients and partners, and plan, develop and deliver responses to client procurements across the work winning lifecycle from capture to contract award. They will also enable development, implementation and continuous improvement of work winning processes, collateral and best practice.

• Bid leadership and work winning lifecycle management: Manage the work winning lifecycle from capture to contract award, including facilitating/leading kick‑off and review meetings, maintaining document control and motivating multidisciplinary teams through the proposals process. Plan and manage adherence to programmes such as from kick‑off to review meetings including all agenda, materials and outputs (minutes/actions). Manage interfaces with the proposals team, other UK/global business streams and partners/subconsultants. Manage portals/client‑facing communication channels to progress pursuits.
• Proposal development: Formulate overall structure of the proposal submission before writing starts – source existing material/best‑practice answers, develop answer plans. Write impactful, tailored, technically differentiated bid content, and create visually compelling graphics. Work with technical authors to convert knowledge into winning solutions and proposals, interfacing with senior stakeholders to progress pursuits. Support project teams in preparation for client interviews including presentation development and coaching. Follow WSP best practice governance including supporting qualification, review and close‑out procedures (e.g. lessons‑learned reviews). Improve the quality and standards of proposal writing and production, promoting best practice for layout and content of all proposal submissions. Collate proposal feedback from all members of the project proposal team for continuous improvement and emerging best practice. Ensure the WSP message and brand is promoted, including best‑practice materials such as CVs and project sheets. Act as a hub of Rail best practice and knowledge for proposals.
• Strategy, capture & market intelligence: Contribute to proposal winning strategies including deconstructs, SWOT analyses, proposal win themes and storyboard development. Conduct market research and analysis, client and competitor intelligence, contribute to capture planning for pursuits. Maintain awareness of WSP’s business strategy, services, people and projects to support the preparation of proposals and work‑winning strategies in the capture phase.
• Team support & leadership: Act as a mentor and support for junior members of the team.

Core Skills

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate:

• Excellent command of language for editing and proofing text.
• Strong and effective verbal and written communication, team player and collaborative.
• Ability to develop strong relationships and rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• People skills to encourage, motivate and enthuse others.
• Robust organisational and project management skills with a meticulous approach to detail and quality.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise.
• Flexibility to meet demanding proposal deadlines when necessary.

Technical & sector knowledge:

Knowledge and understanding of standard private and public sector proposal processes, with experience coordinating proposals, bids or work‑winning activities ideally within infrastructure consultancy or related sectors. Accurate and proficient working knowledge in Microsoft Office, Adobe suite, InDesign (desired) and graphics skills. Excellent research and analytical skills – ability to interpret data and research into meaningful content.

Behaviours & approach:

A passion for quality and continuous improvement with a focus on delivery. Drive and support the culture of openness and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Exhibit and demonstrate behaviours and attitudes in accordance with WSP core values to create a team culture and promote excellent communications. Adopt a pro‑active approach, use initiative and take responsibility for own actions.

Qualifications:

Degree‑level qualification (any relevant discipline). APMP Foundation as a minimum.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us:

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Work‑life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits programme, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.