Head of Bids and Proposals

MacTaggart Scott; Loanhead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A company in the Naval Defence sector seeks a Head of Bids and Proposals. This role involves leading the Bids & Proposals team, ensuring high-quality and compliant proposals. Key responsibilities include coordination of bid activities, team leadership, and success measurement based on proposal quality and deadlines. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Business, experience in bid leadership, strong communication skills, and financial acumen. Flexible working options and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Comprehensive health and wellbeing program

Generous pension plan

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Proven track record of improvement and achievement in processes and people.
• Ability to persuade and influence others effectively.
• Strong negotiation skills and business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of high-quality proposals to customers.
• Coordinate and manage all Bid activities and schedules.
• Lead and foster development within the Bids & Proposals team.

Skills

Leadership in bid environment

Proposal writing

Communication

Financial analysis

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree in Business/Project related discipline

Tools

Integrated project management/ERP system

Job description

Join Our Leadership Team: Head of Bids and Proposals

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of Bids and Proposals to join our dynamic team at MacTaggart Scott. The purpose of this role is to provide effective leadership to the Bids & Proposals team and to pro-actively manage and co-ordinate all Estimating and Bidding activities around enquiries received, which will include all aspects of Bid Management. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional with a proven track record in all aspects of Bidding in a technical environment looking to make a significant impact and lead a talented team.

About us:

MacTaggart Scott primarily supports the Naval Defence industry, providing complete solutions to customer needs from analysis of initial customer requirements, to design and manufacture, and right through to commissioning and through life support. Established in 1898, we are proud of our history and tradition but believe that sustainable competitive advantage can only be achieved through continuous improvement, investment, and a commitment to business excellence at every level within the company.

What is the job about?

A key part of this role is bringing out the best in the Bids & Proposals team, enabling them to perform at their highest level and deliver a value-added service to both the business and our customers. Equally important is effective communication, not only externally with customers, but also internally through close collaboration with all Bid stakeholders. This includes liaising with, influencing, and working alongside teams such as Business Development, Commercial, Procurement, Production, Engineering, Quality, Project Management, and others, as well as engaging effectively with all levels of management across the Company.

The position exists as there is a need to ensure that the Company maximises the potential for success with respect to our Bidding opportunities. This is a critical factor in our continued and future growth and prosperity as a business. Whilst this role will be actively supported by the Commercial Director, and indeed all stakeholders within the bidding community, it is an essential requirement that the job holder be a "self-starter" who exhibits pro-active behaviour at all times and is able to plan, co-ordinate and successfully manage all aspects of the role on an ongoing basis, including the implementation of agreed improvements.

How will success be measured?

Success in this role will be measured by several key factors, including (but not limited to) the quality, timeliness, and accuracy of both our internal Bidding documents/packs for review and the final Bid submission documents. Success will also be assessed by our adherence to agreed policies and procedures, as well as the level of collaboration and alignment with other Bid Stakeholders.

In addition, success will be determined by the leadership you provide to the team, fostering their growth and development, and driving continuous improvements to maximize value for both the company and the individuals within the team.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Overall responsibility for delivering high quality, accurate, compliant and commercially sound proposals to customers on time, to budget with inputs from key stakeholders
• Responsible for the co-ordination and management of all Bid activities, for ensuring that Bid Plans are put in place and that all internal inputs are received in a timely manner to meet Bid submission timescales
• Responsible for the receipt, management, control and co-ordination of all external and internal information and documentation with respect to the enquiry and for the team acting as custodian for Bid documents including all approved internal documentation signed by the Company
• Responsible for compliance with all internal Bid policies and procedures and for passing internal and external audits
• Contribute to overall Bid strategy alongside other stakeholders
• Responsible for the overall leadership of the team and ensuring that individuals within the team are given appropriate opportunities to grow and develop and that the team maximises performance by creating and fostering a positive, can-do attitude and outlook on an ongoing basis
• Responsibility to ensure that improvements are identified and those agreed implemented on a continuous basis to support the growth and development of the team and those within it
• There is a need to keep good records and to create and measure metrics on bidding performance to both review performance and drive continuous improvement in a key area of the business

Requirements

Essential:

• Degree in Business/Project related discipline
• Experience of successfully leading teams within a bid environment
• Proven track record of improvement and achievement - processes and people
• Experienced estimator
• Keen understanding of numbers, spreadsheets, VOP/invoices, rates, cash flow, milestones, negotiations, pricing audits
• Ability to write strong proposals
• Excellent communicator (written and verbal) with local and international customers and with an appreciation of cultural differences
• Ability to persuade and influence others
• Ability to lead team by example with ability to foster and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Flexible approach to work often under pressure
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Strong business/commercial acumen
• Keen attention to detail
• Commercially sound judgement
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong financial skills

Desirable:

• Leadership qualification (CMI or ILM)
• Experience of an integrated project management / ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning)
• Experience of bidding role in Defence industry
• MBA, Professional Qualification or formal leadership Qualification (CMI, ILM)

Benefits

Your future at MacTaggart Scott - What we offer

• As part of our Healthy Work-Life Balance employees can choose between a 4- or 5-day working week. Allowing you to fit work around your priorities and personal life, not the other way round
• We offer flexible working hours between 07:00 and 19:00, and core hours of 09:30 - 15:30
• Our leave policy brings together leave entitlements which include annual leave, paid parental leave, military reservist leave, plus more
• We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career, with a dedicated Learning and Development team
• We're committed to your wellbeing with access to our comprehensive online wellbeing program, Employee Assistance Programme, and an onsite nurse to support you when needed
• Enjoy the convenience of an onsite canteen, free parking, and a secure cycle-to-work scheme to make your daily routine easier
• We also offer a generous company pension plan, exclusive employee discounts, and free flu vaccinations to help you stay healthy
• In addition, our comprehensive health & wellbeing programme is here to support you, along with life insurance for peace of mind and sick pay to help you when you need it most