Bid Manager
Swindon, UK
Construction / Civil Engineering
The Role
We’re looking for a high-calibre Bid Manager to lead complex, high-value tenders across the UK construction and civil engineering markets. This is a pivotal role within the work-winning function, responsible for shaping winning strategies, driving team performance, and securing profitable pipeline aligned to business targets.
You’ll operate at the centre of multi-disciplinary bid teams, influencing senior stakeholders, supply chain partners, and clients to position the business for success.
Key Responsibilities
Winning Work
- Own the end-to-end bid process on major tenders, from qualification through to submission and client interview
- Develop and execute compelling win strategies that clearly differentiate the business
- Challenge and refine bid approaches to maximise probability of success (PWIN)
- Lead bid settlement and key decision-making forums
Leadership & Coordination
- Lead and energise cross-functional bid teams (commercial, technical, operational, planning, supply chain)
- Set clear direction, drive accountability, and maintain momentum against demanding deadlines
- Act as the focal point for all bid-related activity, ensuring alignment across internal and external stakeholders
Commercial Focus
- Shape tender commercial strategies to ensure competitive and sustainable pricing
- Work closely with Commercial leads to protect margin and manage risk exposure
- Oversee bid budgets and ensure efficient use of resources
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong, credible relationships with clients, consultants, and delivery partners
- Lead client-facing engagements including presentations, interviews, and post-tender negotiations
- Manage communication strategies with third parties, including joint ventures and key suppliers
Technical & Delivery Integration
- Ensure robust, deliverable solutions are developed in collaboration with engineering and operational teams
- Oversee design input and value engineering to optimise bid solutions
- Align proposals with delivery strategy and operational capability
Governance & Risk
- Ensure full compliance with internal governance, approvals, and work-winning procedures
- Lead risk and opportunity management, driving clear mitigation strategies
- Maintain high-quality, audit-ready bid documentation
Handover & Feedback
- Lead structured handover to delivery teams for successful bids
- Capture lessons learned and embed continuous improvement into future tenders
About You
- Proven track record of leading bids within a Tier 1 or major contractor environment
- Strong understanding of UK construction and civil engineering markets
- Commercially astute, with deep knowledge of contract forms (e.g. NEC, JCT)
- Confident operating at senior level, influencing both internal leadership and external clients
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
- Resilient, organised, and able to perform under pressure in fast-paced bid environments
Why This Role
- Opportunity to lead high-profile, complex tenders across major infrastructure and construction projects
- Visible role with direct impact on business growth and strategic pipeline
- Collaborative, high-performance work-winning environment
