Job Title: Bid Manager Department: Support Services Reports to: Director of Support Services Contract: Permanent Location: Head Office (Hybrid working available upon successful completion of probation) Salary: £38,000- £50,000 (dependent on role and experience) Role Overview As part of one of the UK’s leading apprenticeship training providers, you’ll play a pivotal role in promoting our apprenticeship training programmes and educating organisations on the many benefits of growing their business through apprenticeships, as well as upskilling their existing workforce through our diverse range of training opportunities. We’re looking for an experienced Bid Manager to drive the growth and success of our organisation by leading the entire bid process—from opportunity identification through to submission. Working closely with key internal stakeholders, you’ll ensure that all bids are high-quality, strategically aligned, and reflective of our values, expertise, and leadership in the Tech and Digital sectors. You’ll be responsible for managing multiple bids and tenders simultaneously, while continually refining and improving our approach. Each submission will be crafted to a high standard to maximise our chances of success and secure opportunities that support our long-term growth. If you're passionate about what we do and have a talent for leading successful bids that contribute to strategic impact, we’d love to hear from you. Key Responsibilities & Role Expectations · Opportunity Identification and Qualification – monitor tender portals for relevant funding opportunities; assess viability and strategic fit based on strengths and targets · Bid Strategy and Planning – develop strategies aligned with business funding requirements, goals and customer needs; set timelines and responsibilities, ensuring stakeholders are informed · Stakeholder Engagement – liaise with internal (Curriculum, Quality, Compliance, Employer and Learner Engagement, Senior Leadership) and external (sub-contractors, contract holders, awarding bodies) stakeholders to identify, qualify and submit high quality, relevant bids · Proposal Development – lead the writing and development of high quality, compliant and persuasive bids · Compliance – ensure all bids comply with relevant funding body rules, procurement regulations, GDPR and safeguarding requirements · Pricing – work with relevant internal staff to ensure pricing models are accurate and proposed delivery is financially viable · Bid Submission and Clarification – submit bids within set deadlines and formats; manage any clarification and post-submission processes · Review and Improvement – organise post-bid reviews; maintain and update the bid library, templates and standard responses to develop and improve the bidding process. Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience · Bid management experience – a proven track record in managing the full bid lifecycle; strong project management skills. · Strong understanding of the Apprenticeships and Further Education (FE) sector, supported by direct experience working. within the FE sector, ideally with an apprenticeship provider. In-depth knowledge of post-16 programmes, the Apprenticeship Levy, government funding, procurement processes, and the broader regulatory and compliance landscape. · Bid writing expertise, ideally supported by training or qualifications specific to the FE sector. Demonstrates excellent writing and editing skills, with experience tailoring responses to meet the requirements of various clients and funding bodies. Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance within all bid submissions. · Stakeholder Management – ability to engage and manage relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders and operational teams to ensure bid alignment with business goals. · Financial understanding – ability to work with Finance and Funding Teams to develop costed proposals aligning with funding guidelines and ensuring financial sustainability. · Project management – proficiency in the use of project management software and tools to track and manage progress, ensuring deadlines are met. Desirable Knowledge, Skills & Experience · Employer Engagement Experience – strong understanding of aligning training to meet employer needs · Data Analysis and Reporting – experience with data management tools or reports and ability to use these to improve bid submissions · Marketing and Communication Skills – experience in marketing training programmes to employers and learners; ability to use case studies and promotional materials to strengthen proposals · Adaptability and Problem Solving – ability to deal with multiple competing priorities and handle challenges in the bidding process including last-minute changes and tight deadlines. We’re looking for a Bid Manager who will demonstrate our core values: Be the Expert: Develop and maintain deep expertise in bid processes, funding frameworks (including the Apprenticeship Levy), and sector-specific requirements. Use this knowledge to craft compelling, compliant bids that maximise success rates and reflect the strategic goals of the organisation. Be the Customer: Understand the needs and priorities of internal stakeholders and funding bodies to deliver tailored, high-quality bid responses. Collaborate effectively with delivery teams, subject matter experts, and leadership to ensure bids are aligned, accurate, and responsive. Be the Future: Drive continuous improvement in bid strategy and processes—identifying areas for greater efficiency, higher win rates, and long-term sustainability. Stay ahead of funding and policy changes to position the organisation competitively in a dynamic market. By living these values, you’ll contribute to strategic growth, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and help secure opportunities that shape the future of the organisation. Our Benefits At Baltic, we’re committed to creating an environment where you can thrive – professionally, personally, and socially. Voted one of the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Work 2024, we’re proud of our culture, our people, and the meaningful work we do every day. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of Team Baltic: Career Development: Fantastic progression opportunities and clear career pathways Full training and ongoing support from our in-house Enablement Team Tailored CPD investment including 1:1 public speaking coaching, presentation skills, and more Culture & Work-Life Balance: A fun, supportive environment with regular social events and team activities Early finish every Friday – we operate a 4.5-day working week 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with length of service No weekend or Bank Holiday working Full office closure between Christmas and New Year Additional Life Event Day annually for those big moments that matter Buy & Sell Holiday Scheme for extra flexibility Health & Wellbeing: Free, confidential mental health support through SPILL Access to high-value wellbeing initiatives, including face-to-face sessions with a Health & Wellbeing Specialist Local discounted gym memberships Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (after 2 years’ service) Recognition & Engagement: Baltic Scratch Card Scheme – instant wins for great work Baltic Breakfasts, competitions, and engagement days Volunteer Day annually to give back to causes you care about We don’t just believe in a people-first culture – we bring it to life every day. And the most exciting part? We’re only just getting started. Join us on our journey and be part of something meaningful, ambitious, and full of opportunity.