Bid Director

Severn Trent; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services provider is seeking a Bid Director to lead the strategy and governance for a major UK Government tender. You will define the win strategy, manage the full bid lifecycle, and lead a high-performing team. The ideal candidate will have experience in large government bids, strong commercial acumen, and proven leadership skills. This unique opportunity offers visibility and support to make a significant impact in securing important contracts.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

Leading pension scheme

Family friendly policies

Sharesave scheme

Dedicated training and development

Car allowance

Private medical cover

Electric vehicle scheme

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Experience leading large, complex UK Government bids.
• Deep understanding of UK procurement processes.
• Proven track record of winning major tenders.
• Exceptional commercial acumen and confidence with financial models.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Define the win strategy and narrative for government tender.
• Oversee governance framework and bid lifecycle.
• Manage timelines, risks, dependencies, and resources.
• Collaborate with various internal teams and external partners.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Written communication

Pressure management

Multi-disciplinary solutions

Job description

We’re looking for a Bid Director to lead the end-to-end strategy, governance, commercials and submission for a major UK Government services tender. If you love the thrill of large-scale bids, thrive under pressure and can bring people together to deliver something brilliant - this could be the perfect next step.

Responsibilities

• Define the win strategy, value proposition and narrative for a major government tender
• Create and oversee a robust governance framework aligned to procurement rules
• Shape a compelling, compliant, and high-quality submission that clearly differentiates Severn Trent Services
• Drive programme leadership
• Oversee the full bid lifecycle from PQQ to final submission
• Manage timelines, risks, dependencies and resources
• Provide steerco updates, decision packs and progress reporting
• Build strong stakeholder engagement
• Work closely with government stakeholders, partners and potential supply chain
• Represent Severn Trent Services internally and externally, gaining alignment and support
• Collaborate with operations, finance, legal, HR, technology, innovation, commercial and communications teams
• Own the commercial and financial strategy
• Lead pricing, commercial modelling and financial strategy
• Ensure the proposal is deliverable, commercially robust and aligned to business expectations
• Identify risks and lead mitigation planning
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team
• Bring together internal and external experts to deliver a winning submission
• Drive a culture of excellence, collaboration and accountability
• Keep the wider business engaged and informed throughout the process

Qualifications

• Experience leading large, complex UK Government bids (ideally O&M or major public sector services)
• Deep understanding of UK procurement (PCR, competitive dialogue or sector-specific frameworks)
• A strong track record of winning major tenders
• Exceptional commercial acumen and confidence working with complex financial models
• Proven leadership, influencing and senior stakeholder management skills
• Outstanding written communication and proposal development expertise
• The ability to thrive under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Experience overseeing multi-disciplinary bid solutions (operations, infrastructure etc.)
• Ability to obtain security clearance

Bonus Points

• Experience in regulated industries
• Defence sector bid experience
• APMP Practitioner/Professional or CIPS qualifications

Requirements

• Full UK driving licence

At Severn Trent, we’re passionate about creating a better future for our customers, our communities, and our environment. And right now, we’ve got a truly unique opportunity for someone exceptional to help shape one of the biggest strategic bids in our history. Because at Severn Trent, we do more than deliver water and services. We create opportunities, protect the environment, support communities and help shape a more sustainable future.

You’ll be at the helm of one of our most important strategic bids - and have the visibility, accountability and support needed to truly make an impact.

Benefits

• Annual bonus scheme (of up to 20% of salary dependent on company performance)
• Leading pension scheme - we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Family friendly policies (including a year off fully paid maternity and adoption leave)
• Sharesave - the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our 'Academy'
• Car allowance
• Private medical cover, life assurance, income protection and personal accident cover
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Two volunteering days per year