BID Manager (London)
THE BID MANAGER ROLE
Chapman Taylor is a global practice of award-winning Architects, Masterplanners, and Interior Designers. With fifteen studios, we offer design expertise to clients across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Our teams design projects of all scales and across all RIBA work stages, specialising in Residential, Retail, Leisure, Transportation, Hospitality, and Workplace design, successfully blending these to create vibrant, mixed-use environments that enhance people's lives.
We are seeking an experienced Bid Manager to join our UK business and support both international and UK-based projects. In this role, you will support our senior management team throughout the bid process, from opportunity identification to proposal submission, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality proposals that meet client needs. You will manage the bid process, ensuring compliance with PQQ (Pre-qualification Questionnaires) and RFP (Request for Proposal) requirements.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to our business development efforts, enhance our market presence, and help drive revenue growth.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The Bid Manager role is collaborative, structured, and deadline-driven, requiring someone who is organised and capable of working under pressure to meet tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and people management skills and a solid understanding of commercial dynamics. Experience in the architectural or construction industry is preferred, along with a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field.
Key skills and experience include:
- Managing complex bids involving multiple stakeholders and demonstrating success in winning projects through effective proposal management.
- Awareness of the construction industry.
- Proficiency in bid preparation software, including Adobe InDesign and MS Office, with the ability to produce high-quality, visually engaging documentation.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in bid preparation and review.
- Ability to coordinate and manage large teams and multiple stakeholders.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple bids simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess bid opportunities and develop winning strategies.
- Excellent written communication skills, particularly in English, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
- Proven ability to work effectively in both office-based and virtual environments, often with dispersed teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
In collaboration with our senior management team, who retain responsibility for the bid process, the role of the bid manager will be to:
- Lead the end-to-end bid process, from opportunity identification, qualification and proposal submission.
- Analyse RFP documentation to understand client requirements and formulate effective bid strategies aligned with our strategic goals and deadlines.
- Manage the bid process to ensure professional, concise submissions are delivered on time.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external parties, including senior management, technical experts and sub-consultants.
- Review and collate materials from stakeholders, ensuring consistency and coherence throughout the bid documents.
- Facilitate bid review meetings and ensure stakeholders address any concerns or issues.
- Liaise with sub-consultants to evaluate their proposals and build strong working relationships to secure appropriate fees.
- Prepare comprehensive, compelling, and high-quality bid documents that meet specific guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure accuracy and timely delivery of all bids.
- Manage client presentations as part of the bid submission process.
- Monitor bid performance, analyse win/loss trends, and report success rates to the UK Board.
- Drive continuous improvement by conducting post-bid analysis and debrief sessions to identify lessons learned for future bids.
- Refine bid processes, templates, and best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Maintain a digital knowledge base of standard answers, templates, and policy documents.
- Identify suitable business opportunities through public and private tender portals.
- Stay updated on industry trends, market insights, and best practices in bid management.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop an in-depth knowledge of Chapman Taylor’s business and services by reviewing previous bids and design documents, and working closely with senior management, architects, technical support, and commercial teams.
- Contribute to various management reports.
CORE BUSINESS VALUES
- Act as an ambassador for the Chapman Taylor Group, promoting its values and beliefs.
- Support the implementation of Chapman Taylor’s UK business strategy.
- Foster collaborative teamwork and contribute to positive morale within the studio.
- Ensure professional resolution of any differences in views.
Reports to: UK Board Director; Andy Hudson
Please send your CV and application to: