Bids & Proposals Manager

IN4 Group; Salford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

IN4 Group seeks a highly skilled Bids & Proposals Manager in Salford to drive large-scale public sector funding acquisition for innovative programmes. This role involves developing impactful funding proposals that align with economic priorities, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with funding regulations. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in public sector funding and a proven track record in securing significant funding, alongside exceptional communication and strategic planning skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in public sector funding and strategy.
• Proven track record in securing significant (£1m+) public funding.
• Deep understanding of public sector policy and funding mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, development, and submission of public funding bids.
• Write and present strategic business cases aligned with HM Treasury’s guidelines.
• Build strong relationships with senior public sector stakeholders.

Skills

Public sector funding expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Job description

Company Overview

IN4 Group is a leading professional technology skills provider with a unique regional blueprint that unlocks and nurtures the potential of local talent, enabling sustainable productivity and prosperity for regions, industry and communities. Through our award-winning programmes, designed to achieve optimal economic and social impact, IN4 ensures fair access to technology futures for young people, career changers, early-stage entrepreneurs and industry, large and small.

IN4 operates several high-performing enterprises, including Skills City, one of the country’s largest professional technology training providers; CyberFirst MEGA (motivated, educated generation with ambition) Hubs, operating across schools and colleges; and HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, one of the North West’s most established innovation hubs, based in MediaCity, Salford.

Our Values:

• Humanising: We humanise technology by thinking about citizens, not users.

• Belonging: We create a sense of belonging with an inclusive community of shared values.

• Culture: We redefine start up culture by supporting wellbeing and putting team before product.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategically minded Bids & Proposals Manager to drive the development and acquisition of large-scale public sector funding to support IN4 Group’s growing portfolio of regional innovation, skills, and business support programmes.

This role will be instrumental in shaping compelling funding proposals and business cases that align with regional and national economic development priorities. You will bring a strong track record of securing seven-figure funding through schemes such as AEB, DfE, UKSPF, Innovate UK, and others, alongside the ability to write in line with HM Treasury’s Five Case Model and Green Book guidance.

You will work closely with internal delivery teams and external public sector stakeholders to turn strategic vision into credible, fundable delivery frameworks.

This is a fixed-term position for 6 to 9 months, with the potential for review and extension based on future needs and performance.

IN4 Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment; successful candidates will be subject to appropriate background checks and vetting procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, development, and submission of small and large-scale public funding bids in support of IN4 Group’s programmes in skills, work, business support, innovation, and economic regeneration.
• Write and present strategic business cases aligned with HM Treasury’s Five Case Model and Green Book guidance, ensuring clarity, impact, and compliance.
• Shape funding proposals and programme designs that address regional priorities and national levelling up, innovation, and skills agendas.
• Act as a subject matter expert on public sector funding, advising senior leaders and project teams on funding routes, eligibility, and strategic alignment.
• Work autonomously to develop robust logic models, delivery frameworks, and evaluation plans aligned with funder expectations.
• Build strong relationships with senior public sector stakeholders, including combined authorities, government departments, and innovation and skills funding bodies.
• Monitor the policy and funding landscape to proactively position IN4 Group for future funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal delivery teams to ensure that proposed delivery models are practical, impactful, and aligned to the company's operational capabilities.
• Support in negotiating funding terms, contracts, and KPIs with funding bodies.
• Contribute to IN4’s wider growth and regional strategy by aligning funding to key strategic opportunities.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in public sector funding and strategy, ideally within economic development, regeneration, innovation, or skills.
• Proven track record in securing significant (£1m+) public funding across skills (e.g. AEB, DfE) and business support/innovation (e.g. UKSPF, Innovate UK).
• Deep understanding of public sector policy, funding mechanisms, and strategic priorities at both local (e.g. combined authorities) and national levels.
• Strong expertise in writing business cases and strategic plans, ideally with experience applying HM Treasury’s Five Case Model and Green Book principles.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, particularly with senior public sector leaders and funding partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex strategies into clear, compelling cases for investment.
• Highly autonomous, strategic thinker with the ability to deliver under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborative and proactive, with a strong understanding of the intersection between funding, delivery, and regional impact.