Purpose/overview of the role:

We are recruiting for a Bid and Proposals Manager to be based in Horsham, with the opportunity for hybrid working.

The Bids and Proposals Manager will be key to the sustainable and ambitious growth of the Company. A hybrid role, you will work from our offices based in Horsham as well as the opportunity for off-site working.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join successful and growing business, the Bid and Proposal Manager is responsible for developing and transforming our Bids, Estimation and Tenders process surpassing best in class rankings. Leading the co-ordination and creation of the proposal (RFI, PPQ, ITT, RFP etc.) responses, nurturing, and growing process, collateral and a team that has the skills to deliver winning proposals.

Collaborating closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), offering informed recommendations and strategies for successful implementation. The individual will contribute to maintaining high-quality business practices and upholding Sureserve's values, notably our commitment to excellence.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the entire bid, estimation & tender/proposal management process, including reviewing bid invitations, conducting bid/no-bid analysis, establishing timelines, responsibilities, and delivery of successful bids & proposals within customer defined time-frames with overall responsibility of the quality and win rate of our submissions
• Initiate proposal meetings, lead story-boarding sessions, facilitate bid review meetings and oversee the review and finalization process to fulfillment and final stage
• Successful mapping of tender award criteria into written responses
• Lead and mentor the commercial team and to develop and train other colleagues as required
• Develop competitive pricing strategies that align with bid requirements and profitability targets
• Be a thought leader on industry trends, market insights, a deep understanding of competitors and emerging best practices in bid management

Required skills and experience:

• Experience as a Bid Writer/Manager, Estimating Manager, Proposal Manager or a similar role, with experience of fire protection, social housing and/or adjacent public sector a distinct advantage
• Successful track record of delivering tendering and bids, experienced in managing bids for complex projects or large-scale contracts
• Strong understanding of the bid life-cycle, proposal writing, estimation, development, contract
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
• Knowledge of industry practices, regulations, and emerging trends in the Fire & Electrical compliance and testing sector – Preferred not essential
• Proposal automation software (or similar) experience desirable not essential
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field - Preferred not essential

What we offer:

• Competitive fully negotiable salary
• 10% car allowance
• 25 days holiday (plus 8 statutory holidays)
• An extra day off for your Birthday
• Hybrid working
• Performance related bonus
• Career progression opportunities
• Ongoing Mentoring and ‘career / performance coaching’
• Commitment to training and development
• Structured induction program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bike 2 Work & Employee savings schemes