Tender & Bid Manager

TENDER & BID MANAGER

Build It. Lead It. Own It. Make It Count.

Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Arrangement: Flexible - Hybrid

THIS ISN'T JUST ANOTHER BID MANAGEMENT ROLE. IT'S YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD SOMETHING.

We're delighted to be representing an ambitious and expanding business within the playground, play equipment and outdoor landscaping sector, who are looking to appoint an experienced Tender & Bid Manager to establish, develop and lead a brand-new tender department.

Our client is looking for someone who can identify opportunities, develop winning strategies and turn potential contracts into commercial success.

THE OPPORTUNITY - YOUR DEPARTMENT. YOUR STRATEGY. YOUR SUCCESS.

Taking ownership of the complete tendering and bidding function, you'll work closely with the senior management team to identify opportunities, develop a strong pipeline and introduce the processes and systems needed to deliver successful bids.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building from the ground up: Establish and lead the tender department, introducing your own systems, processes and best practice.
• Finding opportunities: Research and identify new business opportunities across public and private sector markets.
• Owning the bid lifecycle: Manage PQQs, SQs, ITTs, framework applications and complex tender submissions.
• Developing winning bids: Produce compelling, commercially competitive proposals that showcase the business's capabilities.
• Unlocking public sector growth: Identify local authority opportunities, procurement portals, framework agreements and wider public sector contracts.
• Bringing teams together: Coordinate input from sales, design, estimating and project delivery to create strong, joined-up submissions.
• Creating structure and visibility: Develop tender pipelines, reporting systems, submission schedules and performance tracking.
• Driving quality and improvement: Maintain compliance, meet deadlines, analyse wins and losses and continually improve success rates.
• Influencing business growth: Work alongside senior management to identify opportunities and shape the wider commercial strategy.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We're looking for more than someone who can simply complete a tender submission. Our client wants someone who can identify an opportunity, develop a strategy, bring people together and create a winning result.

• Proven experience in tender management, bid management, procurement or a similar role.
• A strong understanding of public sector procurement, particularly local authority tendering.
• Experience managing PQQs, SQs, ITTs, framework applications and complex submissions.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce persuasive bid responses.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple opportunities and deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a thorough understanding of tender compliance.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to recognise genuine business opportunities.
• The initiative and confidence to establish processes, introduce systems and build a department from scratch.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to bring together information from different teams.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Opportunities to build a department from scratch don't come along every day. This position offers the chance to create your own function, influence the business and build a role around your strengths and achievements.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• A blank canvas: The freedom to introduce your own ideas, systems and processes and create a department you can be proud of.
• Real ownership: Lead the tender function and have a direct influence over its direction and success.
• A seat at the table: Work closely with senior management and contribute to important commercial decisions.
• Visible impact: See your work translate into new contracts, business opportunities and company growth.
• Career progression: Develop your role and responsibilities as the department and business expand.
• Competitive salary: A package that reflects your experience, skills and the value you bring.
• Flexible working: Hybrid flexibility, with the choice of working from home or attending the Southend-On-Sea head office as required.
• An entrepreneurial environment: Join a growing business where fresh thinking, initiative and taking ownership are genuinely valued.

WHY THIS ROLE IS DIFFERENT

Our client is offering the opportunity to:

• Create the department and develop the strategy.
• Identify new markets, clients and contract opportunities.
• Build a structured and successful tender pipeline.
• Introduce systems that improve efficiency and win rates.
• Develop your own position as the business continues to grow.

You won't simply manage bids. You'll shape how the business wins new business.

READY TO MAKE YOUR MARK?

If you're an experienced Tender & Bid Manager ready for more responsibility, greater autonomy and the opportunity to build something of real value, we'd love to hear from you.