Bids and Proposals Manager

Ashfords; Exeter; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashfords in Exeter is seeking a Bids and Proposals Manager to lead the development and submission of high-quality bids, tenders and proposals across our Marketing & Client Development team in Exeter.

You will coordinate timelines with partners, lawyers and business support, craft client-focused content, and drive continuous improvement of bid processes to ensure timely, compelling submissions that reflect the firm's standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in bids and proposals within professional services.
• Ability to translate client requirements into clear responses.
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and submission of bids, tenders and proposals.
• Coordinate timelines with partners, lawyers and business support.
• Research clients and markets to identify win themes.
• Develop persuasive, client-focused content and proposals.

Skills

Bid management

Proposal writing

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

MS Office

Content development

Tools

Microsoft Office

Bid management tools

Job description

What you’ll do

We are looking for a Bids and Proposals Manager to join our highly successful, growing, Marketing & Client Development team in Exeter. You'll lead the development and submission of high-quality bids, tenders and proposals, managing the process from initial opportunity assessment through to final submission.

Working closely with partners, lawyers and business support teams, you'll coordinate and manage timelines to ensure every submission is delivered on time; meeting client requirements and reflecting the firm's standards. You'll monitor bid performance, capture feedback and help drive continuous improvement.

A key part of the role is producing clear, compelling and client-focused content. You'll research clients and markets, identify key win themes and develop persuasive responses that demonstrate our expertise and understanding of client needs. You'll take ownership of drafting, reviewing and refining tender responses, proposals and pitch materials, ensuring they are well-structured, tailored and professionally presented.

You'll also champion bid best-practices across the firm, supporting colleagues through the bid process and helping to build engagement around business development opportunities. In addition, you'll maintain and develop our library of bid content, case studies and supporting materials. Ensuring resources remain current and aligned with the firm's strategic priorities.

Who you are

You're experienced with bids and proposals, with a strong track record of managing complex bids and producing winning submissions, ideally within a professional services environment. You can interpret client requirements, identifying key messages and translating technical or legal information into clear and engaging content.

You are highly organised, with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple bids, proposals and deadlines simultaneously. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, ensuring work is accurate and delivered to a high professional standard. You are a strategic thinker, ensuring every submission is aligned to client needs and the firm's objectives.

You build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels and are confident influencing, challenging and motivating colleagues to contribute effectively to bids and proposals. You are proactive and committed to continuous improvement, always looking for ways to enhance processes, content and bid performance. You'll also be confident using Microsoft Office applications and ideally have experience of bid management tools.

Experience of formal tender processes, RFPs and pitch presentations is essential, while familiarity with public sector procurement and frameworks, such as CCS and NHS SBS, would be advantageous.

Your Career. Our Commitment.

At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work - we believe in building a great place to work.

When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work - they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities.

With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work-life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career.

Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way.

Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team.

Our offer

We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance.

Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee led diversity and inclusion groups.

You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.

What’s next?

Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords.

Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way.

We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential – so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you.

At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us at [e-mail].

For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Kitty Hughes, Talent Attraction Assistant – [e-mail].