Principal Bid Manager

NHS Jobs; West Kirby; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs is seeking an experienced Principal Bid Manager to join the Business Development team. This remote role will manage complex tenders, lead end-to-end bid processes, and guide other Bid Managers while coordinating with cross-functional teams across the NHS and public sector landscape.

You will develop bid strategies, ensure compliant submissions, and drive quality across submissions, with occasional in-person meetings as required.

Qualifications

• Substantial end-to-end bid management experience.
• Experience managing multiple bids and deadlines.
• Strong bid writing, editing and proposal development skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple bids with planning, deadlines, resources and submissions.
• Lead end-to-end bid process from planning to submission.
• Develop bid strategies and win themes for customer-focused proposals.
• Collaborate with operational, clinical, finance, commercial, legal and workforce teams to craft tender responses.
• Review bids prepared by others and provide constructive feedback.

Skills

End-to-end bid management

Managing multiple bids

Bid writing & editing

Win strategies & propositions

Stakeholder influence

Commercial awareness

Team mentoring/guide others

MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Pressure management

Collaboration

Education

APMP Foundations/Practitioner qualification

Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Location: Liverpool (remote with occasional travel), L3 8JA

Package Description: We have an opportunity for an experienced Principal Bid Manager to join our Business Development team, working across HCRG Care Group and Operose Health. We're looking for someone with a strong background in bid management who is comfortable managing complex tenders, working to competing deadlines and supporting colleagues across the wider team. This is a new position within the team and would suit an experienced Bid Manager who is ready to take on more responsibility. Alongside managing your own bids, you'll help guide and support other Bid Managers, review submissions and deputise for the Senior Business Development Manager when required. You'll also have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills, with the potential to take on formal line management responsibilities as the role develops. Previous people management experience isn't essential. The role is fully remote, with occasional travel for team meetings, market engagement events and other business requirements, expected to be approximately once a month. Please note: We have one vacancy available for this position, which is being advertised across several UK locations to reach a wider pool of candidates. If you see this role advertised in more than one location, you only need to submit one application. There is no need to apply again.

As Principal Bid Manager, you'll be responsible for managing complex and strategically important bids from early opportunity development through to submission and outcome. You'll work closely with colleagues across the business to develop strong, compliant and commercially sound tender submissions, while also providing guidance and quality assurance across the wider bid team. Your main responsibilities will include:

Main Responsibilities

• Managing multiple bids at the same time, taking ownership of planning, deadlines, resources and submissions.
• Leading the end-to-end bid process, including bid planning, stakeholder engagement, proposal development and submission.
• Developing bid strategies, win themes and customer-focused proposals.
• Working with operational, clinical, finance, commercial, legal and workforce colleagues to develop tender responses.
• Reviewing and challenging bid submissions prepared by other members of the team, providing feedback and quality assurance.
• Supporting other Bid Managers with day-to-day queries, sharing knowledge and helping to improve bid management practices.
• Contributing to bid writing, editing and proposal development where required.
• Ensuring bids meet procurement requirements, internal governance standards and submission deadlines.
• Identifying and managing bid risks, dependencies and commercial considerations.
• Supporting wider business development activity, including market engagement, opportunity qualification and early proposition development.
• Deputising for the Senior Business Development Manager when required, helping to coordinate activity across the team.
• Contributing to post-bid reviews and identifying opportunities to improve how bids are managed and delivered.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone with substantial experience in bid management who can take ownership of complex tenders and work confidently with colleagues at all levels. Ideally, you'll have at least five years' experience working in bids, including managing multiple tenders simultaneously. Experience of public sector tendering is particularly valuable, although we'd also welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience in other sectors. You'll need to be comfortable getting involved in the detail of a bid, whether that's managing the process, developing content, reviewing submissions or resolving issues along the way. We're also looking for someone who can support and guide others. You don't need to have managed people previously, but you should be confident sharing your knowledge, challenging constructively and taking responsibility when needed. You'll need to demonstrate:

• Substantial experience of end-to-end bid management, including complex and high-value tenders.
• Experience of managing multiple bids and competing deadlines.
• Strong bid writing, editing and proposal development skills.
• Experience of developing win strategies, win themes and customer-focused propositions.
• The ability to review bid content, identify improvements and provide constructive feedback.
• Good commercial awareness, including an understanding of bid risks, assumptions and dependencies.
• Experience of working with and influencing senior stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work under pressure and maintain a high standard of work.
• A collaborative approach, with the confidence to support and guide colleagues.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

It would also be beneficial if you have:

• Experience of bidding for healthcare, NHS, local authority or other public sector contracts.
• APMP Foundation, Practitioner or another relevant bid/proposal management qualification.
• Experience of wider business development activity, including market engagement and opportunity qualification.
• A degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join a growing Business Development team and take on a role that combines hands‑on bid management with supporting and developing others. You'll work closely with the Senior Business Development Manager, taking responsibility for your own bids while helping the wider team improve its approach to bid management. For someone who has built a career in bids and is looking for their next step, the position offers the chance to gain leadership experience without needing to have held a formal management role previously. You'll also have the flexibility of working remotely, with occasional opportunities to meet colleagues and attend business events.

About Us

HCRG Care Group and Operose Health work across health and care services in the UK. This position sits within the Business Development function, working across both organisations. The successful candidate will be employed on Operose Health terms and conditions.

Please see the attached job description for further information about the role and its requirements.