Senior Proposal Manager

Chartwells Independent; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Proposal Manager to lead high-value bids and proposals. In this dynamic role, you will leverage your strategic storytelling and project management skills to craft compelling proposals that secure new business. Collaborating with top industry professionals, you'll be at the forefront of creating high-impact sales documents that reflect the company's commitment to excellence. If you are passionate about hospitality and want to make a significant impact in a creative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Career Development Opportunities

Training and Leadership Growth

Dynamic Work Environment

Collaboration with Industry Professionals

Qualifications

• 5+ years in bid/proposal management, ideally in hospitality or food service.
• Strong knowledge of bid methodologies and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full bid lifecycle for complex, high-value opportunities.
• Lead the creation of bespoke proposals and presentations.

Skills

Bid Management

Strategic Storytelling

Proposal Writing

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

e-tendering portals

Job description

Bringing Creativity, Collaboration, and Excellence to Every Bid

Restaurant Associates is a leader in bespoke employee dining, premium hospitality, and destination dining. We create extraordinary food experiences that blend innovation, sustainability, and outstanding service.

As a Senior Proposal Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering winning tenders and proposals, working within The Creative Lab Bid Team. You will bring together strategic insights, commercial expertise, and creative storytelling to craft compelling bids that secure new business and showcase the exceptional quality of Restaurant Associates.

Your Role – Key Responsibilities

• Bid Leadership – Manage the full bid lifecycle for complex, high-value opportunities (£1-£3m+), ensuring a seamless and structured approach.
• Strategic Proposal Development – Lead the creation of bespoke proposals, tenders, and presentations, ensuring alignment with win strategies, key messaging, and brand values.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement – Work closely with the Sector Growth Director, Business Development Directors, and Strategic Partners to develop compelling, client-focused proposals.
• Content & Storytelling – Drive creative, solution-led proposal writing that reflects Restaurant Associates’ expertise, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
• Design & Branding – Support the visual impact of bids by working with design teams and external consultants to create high-quality, engaging sales documents.
• Bid Process Management – Ensure bid governance processes are followed, from kick-off workshops and storyboarding sessions to pink/red reviews and final submissions.
• Continuous Improvement – Conduct post-bid debriefs to capture insights, refine processes, and enhance future bid success.

What We’re Looking For

We need an experienced proposal and bid management professional with a passion for strategic storytelling and high-impact sales documents.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum five years’ experience in bid/proposal management, ideally within a hospitality, food service, or contract catering environment.
• Proven track record of winning complex, high-value bids in a competitive market.
• Strong knowledge of bid methodologies and best practices (e.g., Shipley, Tom Sant, or BidPerfect).
• Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously in deadline-driven environments.
• Advanced writing, editing, and proposal structuring skills, with a focus on client-centric storytelling.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills at all levels.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and e-tendering portals.
• Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic and innovative bid team within a market-leading organization.
• Work on high-profile, strategic opportunities that shape the future of hospitality.
• Collaborate with top industry professionals in a creative and ambitious environment.
• Enjoy opportunities for career development, training, and leadership growth.

Apply Now

If you are a creative, strategic, and results-driven bid professional, we want to hear from you. Take your career to the next level by joining Restaurant Associates and making an impact in the world of premium hospitality.