Bid Manager

FDJ UNITED; Guildford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fire protection solutions company in Guildford seeks a Bid Manager to oversee the bid lifecycle from opportunity identification to contract handover. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in bid management and technical writing, ensuring compliance with fire safety standards. This role directly impacts company growth and offers competitive compensation, with opportunities for professional development and flexible benefits. Join a dynamic team committed to excellence in fire safety solutions.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Career growth opportunities

Flexible benefits

Comprehensive healthcare

Employee referral program

Cycle-to-work scheme

Access to employee discount schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in pre-sales activities, tender management, and fire risk assessment knowledge.
• Proven track record of winning proposals in the fire safety, fire protection, or construction industry.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the complete bid lifecycle from opportunity identification to contract handover.
• Lead proposal development and coordinate tender responses.
• Ensure compliance with fire certification standards and industry regulations.

Skills

Bid management

Technical writing

Project management

Communication skills

Knowledge of fire safety systems

Tools

MS Office Suite

SharePoint

InDesign

Job description

Job Overview

You'll manage the complete bid lifecycle from opportunity identification through to contract handover. This includes monitoring OJEU portals, responding to PQQs (Pre‑Qualification Questionnaires), ITTs (Invitations to Tender), RFPs (Requests for Proposal), and RFQs (Requests for Quotation). You’ll lead proposal development, coordinate tender responses, and craft compelling bid writing materials for fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire suppression, fire detection, and passive and active fire protection solutions. As a Bid Manager, you’ll develop bid strategy and winning approaches while working closely with cross‑functional teams across fire engineering, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), and building services. You will also provide business development support, manage pricing strategy, and present recommendations to senior leadership.

Your role includes technical writing for complex fire safety systems, including FM200/Novec systems, ensuring compliance with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and BS 5839 (British Standard for fire alarms) requirements. You’ll attend client meetings, lead site visits, conduct stakeholder management, and build the bid libraries that will drive future success. Your compliance management expertise will ensure all submissions meet fire certification standards and industry regulations. You will support contract negotiation processes and maintain our bid management software and CRM systems. The role demands someone who thrives under pressure, juggling multiple deadlines while maintaining the high standards that win contracts.

Key Qualifications

• Experience in pre‑sales activities, tender management, and fire risk assessment knowledge.
• Proven bid management, proposal management, or tender coordination experience with a track record of winning proposals in the fire safety, fire protection, or construction industry.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously with excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, SharePoint, InDesign for proposal formatting, and bid management software and CRM systems.
• Knowledge of fire safety systems, life safety systems, fire engineering principles, building services, NFPA standards, and BS 5839 regulations.
• Ability to succeed in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive compensation – base salary plus commission structure.
• Direct impact – your contributions will directly influence company growth.
• Career growth – professional development opportunities in the thriving fire safety and construction industry.
• Flexible Benefits – holiday purchase scheme allowing additional time off.
• Healthcare – comprehensive health and wellbeing coverage.
• Employee Referral Program – financial incentives for successful candidate referrals.
• Sustainable Transport – cycle‑to‑work scheme supporting environmental initiatives.
• Social connection – regular company events and team activities.
• Company Rewards – access to employee discount schemes and recognition programmes.

Equality and Diversity

Ventro Ltd values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.