Bid Manager

Kainos; Dartford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm based in Dartford is seeking a Bid Manager to oversee the bid production team and ensure high-quality proposals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of bid production processes and a strong ability to lead and motivate team members. You will work collaboratively across departments and enhance team productivity while managing client needs. This role offers the opportunity to make meaningful contributions within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Expert in Bid Production processes and commercial offers.
• Strong understanding of successful sales and bid production dynamics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate team members.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage all aspects of bids from initiation to completion.
• Contribute to submission responses by writing and reviewing.
• Ensure compliance and commerciality for all submissions.
• Manage and motivate a bid team effectively.
• Drive bid production improvement initiatives.

Skills

Bid Production processes

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team management

Flexibility

Job description

Overview

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

Role

As a Bid Manager in Kainos, you will be responsible for supporting the Business Development team with responsibility for bid team management and the integration and promotion of Bid Production into the wider Business Development capability. You will manage bid production team members, ensuring appropriate allocation of work amongst, adherence to formal processes, and be responsible for delivering viable, quality proposals that meet client needs. You will operate in a sales-focused role, requiring a combination of management, analytical skills, authoring skills, industry knowledge and a detailed understanding of the issues within the delivery process. You will be accountable for building relevant stakeholder relationships with the business development team, capabilities, account teams, senior delivery staff, commercial teams and customers. You will continually seek innovative ways to improve team productivity, enhancement of collateral and procurement success rates. You will be working collaboratively with other members of the Business Development team, spanning regions, sectors and practices as well as colleagues from other areas of the business including delivery, legal, marketing and operations. Your key responsibilities will include:

Responsibilities

• Planning and managing all aspects of bids from initiation to completion, delivering agreed fit for purpose proposals on time and to extremely high quality standards.
• Contributing to submission responses – by writing, editing and reviewing submission responses, or sections of bid responses, drawing on contributions as well as existing collateral. You will be expected to contribute to the content, approach and win strategy, challenging and recommending change, when appropriate, based on your experience.
• Ensuring compliance and commerciality – ensuring all submissions are legally and commercially reviewed. You will have a clear understanding of the contract and commercial terms, ensuring Kainos is not compromised by non-compliance.
• Managing and motivating a team – be able to lead a team effectively, ensuring that all have clear work allocations and understanding of the evaluation criteria, objectives and deliverables.
• Contributing to bid production productivity – owning and driving bid production Improvement Process initiatives.
• Upskilling employees - training all new staff involved in bid production activities, as well as educating and sharing knowledge with sales/account teams and customers in relation to bid production area.

Minimum (essential) requirements

• Be an expert in the Bid Production processes and commercials including complex commercial offers.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of successful sales and bid production dynamics.
• Excellent organisational and analytical skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders.
• Highly capable of multi-tasking and prioritising tasks with the ability to work under pressure and deliver to regular tight deadlines.
• A proven ability to manage and motivate team members and lead by example.
• A positive attitude to overcoming the commercial, technical and staffing challenges facing Kainos and clients.
• A self-starter who is highly motivated and proactive with respect to personal development.
• A person with a highly flexible attitude who is affable, credible and enthusiastic who pride themselves on delivering high quality work.

Desirable

• An appreciation and knowledge of digital services, technology delivery, agile methodologies, etc.
• Understanding of procurements through Government Frameworks, including Digital Outcomes and Specialists, and G-Cloud.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Embracing our differences: At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.