Bid/Pursuit Manager
Location:
London Drainage Facilities, Ongar
Reports to:
Group Commercial Manager
Contract:
Full-time, Permanent
About Us
London Drainage Facilities is a leading provider of drainage and plumbing services with over 17 years of industry expertise. We pride ourselves on delivering first-time fixes, outstanding customer service, and long-term partnerships across multiple sectors including hospitality, facilities management, block and estate management, and national infrastructure. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a dynamic Bid / Pursuit Manager to join our expanding commercial team at our London Drainage Facilities premises.
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced
Bid/Pursuit Manager
to lead and manage the full end-to-end process of pursuing and winning new business opportunities. That includes both the capture ("pursuit") phase before formal tenders, and the bid/tender submission process. The person in this role will aim to maximise win rates and revenue, ensuring proposals are compliant, compelling, and cost-efficient. They will work with cross-functional teams, manage deadlines, and implement the day-to-day pursuit/bid operations.
Key Responsibilities
Opportunity Identification & Capture
* Monitor market and competitive landscape to identify new opportunities.
* Qualify and prioritise pursuits based on strategic fit, risk, reward and resource availability.
* Develop win strategies, value propositions and differentiators early (in pursuit phase).
Proposal / Tender Management
* Plan and manage the full bid lifecycle: from kick-off, scheduling, resource allocation, through to submission and debrief.
* Ensure compliance with all RFP (Request for Proposal)/ tender requirements (format, legal, technical etc.).
* Lead the drafting, editing, and refining of proposal content: technical, commercial, executive summaries etc.
* Manage reviews, rehearsals (if interviews or oral pitches are required), and ensure high quality output.
Stakeholder Coordination
* Liaise and coordinate with cross-functional teams: sales / business development, technical subject-matter experts, finance, legal, operations, marketing etc.
* Act as a central point for communication: clarify roles, responsibilities, timelines.
* Engage senior stakeholders for input, feedback, and decisions.
Implementation & Process Improvement
* Oversee day-to-day operations of the pursuit / bid function: tracking pursuits, scheduling tasks, meeting deadlines.
* Maintain or establish bid tools, templates, process flows, dashboards, trackers.
* Capture lessons learned from wins and losses; feed back into improving process, content, approach.
* Use feedback and competitor intelligence to refine propositions and increase win rate.
Quality & Cost Control
* Ensure proposals are cost-effective: manage pricing, cost models, value engineering.
* Maintain high standards of presentation, accuracy, consistency, and alignment with brand / tone.
* Manage budget or resources for bid/pursuit activities.
Reporting & Metrics
* Track key performance indicators: win / loss ratios, cost per bid, margin, submission compliance, cycle times etc.
* Provide regular reports to management; highlight risks and opportunities in the bid pipeline
Requirements / Qualifications
* Several years (typically
5+ years
) of experience in bid / tender management, capture / pursuit roles.
* Proven track record of winning or strongly competing in high-value or complex bids / tenders.
* Strong project management ability: planning, scheduling, managing multiple parallel bids, deadlines, dependencies.
* Excellent writing, editing, and persuasive communication skills.
* Strong stakeholder management: ability to work with senior leadership, cross-functional teams.
* Commercial awareness: pricing, cost modelling, risk management, value proposition.
* Attention to detail and high standard of quality control.
* Ability to operate under pressure, juggle competing priorities, meet tight deadlines.
Desirable / Nice-to-Have
* Experience of public sector tenders, regulated procurement or frameworks (if relevant).
* Sector-specific expertise (construction, infrastructure, facilities etc.).
* Certifications (e.g. APMP, or other proposal / bid management credentials).
* Experience using bid management / proposal software or tools.
* Experience in coaching, mentoring others in the bid/pursuit process.
What We Offer
* Competitive Salary, depending on level of experience
* 28 days leave (incl. Bank Holidays)
* Additional Days Leave can be earnt, known as "Golden Days"
* Pension scheme.
* Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
* The chance to be part of a growing group with a strong reputation in the industry.