Bid Manager

Overview

As Bid Manager, you will lead the end-to-end bid lifecycle for the subsidiary’s commercial bids, turning customer requirements into compelling, costed transport solutions. You will own solution design, bid writing and submission, coordinating cross-functional inputs to win contracts and drive mobilisation. This role sits at the heart of a small, ambitious team with a clear path for developing the Commercial Bids Executive and scaling impact. You will operate in fast-paced, regulated tender environments, shaping outcomes for rail and ground transport services. You join a growth-focused organisation with a strong market position and a drive to differentiate through persuasive bids.

Responsibilities

• Own qualified opportunities from the Commercial Bids Executive and drive end-to-end bid lifecycle
• Translate briefs and ITT/specs into detailed, costed solutions with Operations input
• Develop competitive commercial models and pricing within approved parameters
• Engage subcontractors and partners to support solution design
• Write clear, evidence-based bid narratives addressing evaluation criteria
• Manage bid plans, review gates, and cross-functional inputs for timely content ready for review
• Prepare submissions for governance sign-off and ensure compliance with client requirements
• Maintain a library of reusable bid content and knowledge for future opportunities
• Lead post-submission debriefs to capture learnings and refine content
• Oversee multiple bids concurrently with clear deadlines and resource planning
• Support bid/no-bid assessments and provide recommendations to Head of Commercial Bids
• Manage all portal activity and maintain accurate CRM/pipeline records
• Collaborate with CBE to align pipeline and share insights for prioritisation
• Represent the subsidiary in client interactions during live bids and site visits
• Ensure seamless transition of awarded contracts into mobilisation with Operations and Customer Success
• Remain engaged post-award to resolve commercial or contractual queries
• Mentor junior commercial or bid team members

Key requirements

• Proven track record as a Bid Manager covering the full bid lifecycle from qualification to submission and award
• Strong bid writing skills with independent content creation
• Experience in solution design for managed services, transport, logistics or a regulated sector
• Solid commercial acumen with ability to develop competitive pricing models
• Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Experience in formal tender/procurement environments (ITT, RFP, RFI) and e-tendering platforms
• Strong project management and organisational skills with cross-functional coordination
• Experience mentoring junior team members
• High IT literacy including Microsoft Office, CRM systems and collaboration tools; familiarity with LinkedIn Sales Navigator or similar
• Background in transport, rail, ground transport or infrastructure; familiarity with rail replacement or TOC procurement processes
• Experience using e-tendering platforms (e.g., Jaggaer, Delta eSourcing, ProContract, Find a Tender Service)
• Knowledge of supply chain and sub-contractor engagement in bid development
• APMP Foundation or equivalent bid management accreditation
• Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification or relevant vocational experience
• Willingness to travel across the UK and work outside core hours

• Strong writing and communication
• Stakeholder management
• Collaborative mindset
• Microsoft Office
• CRM systems
• e-tendering platformsJaggaer, Delta eSourcing, ProContract, Find a Tender Service

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