Commercial Tendering Manager (Pre-Contract)

University of Bristol; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in London is seeking a Commercial Tendering Manager to oversee the submission of tenders for research projects. You will navigate complex tendering processes and drive proposals while collaborating with stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have strong negotiation skills, experience in process optimization, and an understanding of the research funding landscape. The role offers a dynamic work environment with diverse project opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience working with stakeholders with differing priorities.
• Knowledge of government tendering platforms.
• Understanding of research funding environment and processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate tender submissions and ensure compliance with processes.
• Advise on commercial tendering activities.
• Lead efforts for University approval of tender platforms.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Process optimization

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Knowledge of funding environment

Job description

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Commercial Tendering Manager (Pre-Contract), London

Client: University of Bristol

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 4bdb8b3f69a0

Job Views: 7

Posted: 12.08.2025

Expiry Date: 26.09.2025

Job Description:

The role

The Commercial Research (Pre-Contract) Team is dedicated to ensuring the University’s commercial research projects deliver valuable benefits for the University, our partners, and the world at large. We support world-class researchers leading cutting-edge research across sectors including energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, space, veterinary technologies, law, social sciences, and education.

Our small, friendly team supports industry-funded research and commercial tendering for commissioned research (not grant funding) from public and private sector customers. This role leads on commercial tendering, building on existing foundations to make it their own, and establishing themselves as the University expert and point of contact.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring that our researchers wanting to submit a tender can follow clear and simple internal and external processes, from bid submission to contract signature, providing support along the way to maximize the chance of success. A typical case might involve a bid for research needed by the European Space Agency (budget of approximately £250-500K or much higher).

What will you be doing?

You’ll work closely with stakeholders (including senior academics, our Research Contracts & Compliance Team for advice on T&Cs and compliance matters, and Finance Services for costing/pricing expertise), to drive forward proposals (including a deliverable work package, price, response to customer T&Cs, and selection questionnaires), meeting deadlines, and ensuring each is supported by a valid internal justification reflecting the shape of the deal.

You will also:

• Take responsibility for processes already in place for University ‘approved’ customer platforms e.g., Crown Commercial Services, Dstl, Defra, European Space Agency.
• Lead work required to obtain University approval of other platforms and devise/implement appropriate processes for these (also deciding how to prioritize these).
• Handle requests to bid for research on unapproved platforms.
• Advise on how the University approaches commercial tendering activities and identify ways to increase submission rates and success in this area.

You should apply if

You:

• Enjoy navigating varied and complex external processes (e.g., government tendering platforms) and helping others to do this.
• Thrive on devising and implementing efficient and effective internal processes, using your initiative and problem-solving and influencing skills to ensure all stakeholder needs are met.
• Enjoy a fast-paced working environment, progressing a constantly changing caseload.
• Have experience working with stakeholders with differing priorities, and the skills to find mutual benefit.
• Have experience developing or assessing deliverable proposals and negotiating sound commercial deals (ideally including research proposals).
• Have awareness of the research funding environment and how research projects are set up and carried out.