Bid Director

Severn Trent Water; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK water utility company is seeking a Bid Director to lead a major government services tender. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in large, complex bids and a deep understanding of UK procurement. Key responsibilities include defining winning bid strategies, managing timelines and risks, and leading a high-performing team. In return, the company offers an attractive benefits package including a competitive salary, bonus scheme, and generous vacation policy.

Benefits

31 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme

Leading pension scheme

Family friendly policies

Sharesave scheme

Training and development

Private medical cover

Electric vehicle scheme

Two volunteering days per year

Qualifications

• Proven track record of winning major tenders.
• Outstanding writing skills for proposal development.
• Ability to thrive under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Define and oversee the bid strategy for a major government tender.
• Lead pricing, commercial modeling, and financial strategy.
• Manage a high-performing team to achieve submission success.

Skills

Experience leading large, complex UK Government bids

Understanding of UK procurement

Commercial acumen

Leadership and stakeholder management

Written communication expertise

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Experience in regulated industries

Education

APMP Practitioner/Professional or CIPS qualifications

Job description

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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.

We’re looking for aBid 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.

What you’ll be doing

In this high‑profile, strategically critical role, you’ll:

Lead a winning bid strategy

• 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
• Oversee the full bid lifecycle from PQQ to final submission
• Manage timelines, risks, dependencies and resources
• Provide steerco updates, decision packs and progress reporting
• 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

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who has:

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

Requirements

• Full UK driving licence

How we’ll reward and care for you in return

• 31 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/sell up to 5 days per year)
• 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’
• Private medical cover, life assurance, income protection and personal accident cover
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Two volunteering days per year

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.