Bid Manager Role Summary
Architecture Practice | London | Maternity Cover | Built Environment
We are currently partnering with an internationally recognised architecture and design practice to recruit an experienced Bid Manager for a 9–12 month maternity cover contract in its London studio. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a small bids team while managing high-quality UK and international submissions within a globally recognised design practice.
Known for its collaborative culture and diverse international team, the practice combines design excellence with strategic thinking to create places that respond to the needs of people, communities, and cities.
Working closely with senior partners, project teams, and the wider business development function, you will take ownership of the bid process, ensuring the delivery of compelling, compliant, and commercially focused submissions for UK and international opportunities.
The Role
As Bid Manager, you will lead a team of two while managing the end-to-end bid process across architectural and design opportunities. You’ll coordinate multiple submissions, maintain bid content and CRM systems, and work closely with senior stakeholders to maximise win rates and support wider business development initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the bids team (currently two people), providing guidance, support, and oversight.
- Manage the end-to-end bid process, coordinating multiple architecture and built environment bid submissions to tight deadlines.
- Prepare and coordinate high-quality bid submissions for UK and international architecture and design opportunities.
- Work closely with partners, architects, and project teams to gather and coordinate bid information.
- Tailor CVs, project case studies, and bid content to meet client requirements and tender criteria.
- Maintain and develop the bid library, bid content database, and submission templates.
- Review submissions to ensure quality, accuracy, compliance, and consistency before submission.
- Support interview preparation, client presentations, and pitch materials.
- Track bid opportunities, pipeline performance, and bid success rates.
- Manage vendor portals and ensure registrations remain up to date.
- Build and maintain relationships with sub-consultants and external partners.
- Support wider business development initiatives and oversee the CRM database.
About You
You will be an experienced bids professional with 3–5 years’ experience, ideally gained within architecture, construction, or the built environment. You’ll have excellent writing skills, strong organisational abilities, and the confidence to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
You’ll also bring:
- 3–5 years’ experience as a Bid Manager or Senior Bid Coordinator within architecture, construction, engineering, or the built environment.
- Proven experience managing architectural bid submissions and tender processes from start to finish.
- Strong understanding of UK and international RFP, PQQ, and tender processes.
- Knowledge of design procurement and contractual matters would be advantageous.
- Excellent writing, editing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, and InDesign.
- Experience using CRM systems and bid management tools.
- A proactive, adaptable approach with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and influence senior stakeholders.
Benefits
- Private healthcare.
- Friendly, collaborative working environment.
- Modern Central London office with excellent transport links.
Working Arrangement
- Full-time office-based role in Central London.
- 9–12 month maternity cover contract.
Location: Central London
Due to a high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
