Principal Bid Owner

Kainos; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kainos is seeking a Principal Bid Owner to lead strategic, high-value public sector pursuits, shaping winning propositions and bid responses that help secure major digital transformation programmes. This is a leadership role focused on pursuit strategy, solution positioning and bid quality, rather than solely bid writing.

The role requires proven success in senior pursuit or bid leadership, plus strong writing, storytelling and stakeholder-management skills across complex environments.

Qualifications

• Experience in senior pursuit or bid leadership roles.
• Strong proposal writing and storytelling skills, with experience of holding the pen on complex bid responses.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive decisions in complex environments.
• Understanding of digital transformation, technology delivery and commercial considerations.
• Knowledge of UK Public Sector procurement and bidding processes.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling value propositions, win themes and key messaging.
• Own the overall bid narrative to articulate a winning bid solution, integrating technical, commercial and delivery content.
• Leading storyboarding and response development, engaging subject matter experts effectively to secure required insight and evidence while using specialist time efficiently
• Shape and challenge solutions to ensure they are credible, competitive and client-focused.
• Collaborate with sales, delivery, technical and commercial stakeholders to drive successful outcomes.
• Ensure submissions are high-quality, compliant and aligned to customer evaluation criteria.
• Coach colleagues and contribute to bid best practice and continuous improvement.

Skills

Senior pursuit

Bid leadership

Proposal writing

Stakeholder influence

Public sector bidding

Job description

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

Principal Bid Owner (Public Sector)

About The Role

As a Principal Bid Owner, you will lead strategic, high-value public sector pursuits, shaping winning propositions and bid responses that help Kainos secure major digital transformation programmes. This is a leadership role focused on pursuit strategy, solution positioning and bid quality, rather than solely bid writing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop compelling value propositions, win themes and key messaging.
• Own the overall bid narrative to articulate a winning bid solution, integrating technical, commercial and delivery content.
• Leading storyboarding and response development, engaging subject matter experts effectively to secure required insight and evidence while using specialist time efficiently
• Shape and challenge solutions to ensure they are credible, competitive and client-focused.
• Collaborate with sales, delivery, technical and commercial stakeholders to drive successful outcomes.
• Ensure submissions are high-quality, compliant and aligned to customer evaluation criteria.
• Coach colleagues and contribute to bid best practice and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• Proven success in senior pursuit, pre‑sales or bid leadership roles
• Strong proposal writing, editing and storytelling skills., with experience of holding the pen on complex bid responses
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive decisions in complex environments.
• Understanding of digital transformation, technology delivery and commercial considerations.
• Knowledge of UK Public Sector procurement and bidding processes.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder management skills.

Ideal backgrounds

Bid Director, Capture Manager, Senior Bid Manager, Pursuit Lead, Pre‑Sales Lead or Solution Lead with significant bid ownership experience.

Why Join Kainos?

We are building a world-class Business Development capability to support Kainos’ continued growth. You'll have the opportunity to shape some of the UK's most important public sector digital transformation programmes, working with clients including the Home Office, Defra, HMCTS, Department for Transport and FCDO. You'll join a collaborative, high-performing team where your expertise will directly influence Kainos' continued success and growth.

Embracing our differences

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field. Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.