Senior Proposals Manager (Water)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is looking for a Senior Proposals Manager to enhance the Water business unit's success by leading bid submissions. This role involves overseeing the proposal lifecycle from opportunity identification through to delivery, collaborating with various teams to create tailored solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive bid management experience, strong communication skills, and relevant qualifications. WSP supports diversity in the workplace and offers equal opportunities to all applicants.

Qualifications

• Significant relevant bid management experience.
• Experience producing tenders in relevant markets.
• Demonstrable record of winning bids as a senior proposals manager.
• Awareness of bid governance and review processes.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex and high-value strategic bids.
• Ensure bid governance and review processes are followed.
• Work with Opportunity Director to develop customized solutions.
• Provide challenge to operational, technical, commercial, and financial proposals.
• Support lessons learned from bids by sharing good practice.

Skills

Bid management experience

Strong bid writing skills

Commercial skills

Project management skills

Strong communication skills

IT literacy

People skills

Education

Degree level qualification in an appropriate subject

APMP Foundation certification or higher

Job description

Job Description

The Senior Proposals Manager plays a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of the Water business unit by orchestrating the creation and delivery of high‑impact bid submissions. This role demands expertise in establishing and guiding bid teams, fostering productive relationships with partners, and overseeing the entire proposal lifecycle from initial opportunity through to successful handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex and high‑value strategic bids as Bid Manager or other senior support roles based on bid size and complexity.
• Ensure bid governance and review processes are followed.
• Provide input to the strategic bid capture planning process.
• Work with the Opportunity Director to develop customised solutions that meet the client’s specific needs.
• Assist in prospect qualification throughout.
• Understand internal and external customer requirements and provide resource expertise, supporting management of strategic bids.
• Provide challenge to operational, technical, commercial and financial proposals to facilitate development of solutions maximizing benefit for the business while delivering customer requirements.
• Work with bid authors/solution architects to convert knowledge from operational and business development staff into winning solutions and proposals.
• Support lessons learned from bids, analysing each bid and sharing good practice across the business.
• Train and coach colleagues on the bid process and associated skills.
• Collate market and competitor information useful for future bids.

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant relevant bid management experience.
• Experience producing tenders in markets where WSP operates.
• Demonstrable record of success in winning bids as senior proposals manager.
• Awareness of bid governance and review processes; strong bid writing and commercial skills.
• Degree level qualification in an appropriate subject.
• APMP Foundation certification or higher.
• Thorough understanding of procurement process.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Robust project management skills with meticulous attention to detail and quality.
• Strong time management, prioritisation and proactive initiative.
• Ability to assimilate large volumes of information and manage associated workflows.
• Excellent people skills to lead, encourage, motivate and enthuse others.
• Passion for quality and continuous improvement with a focus on delivery.
• Confidence to delegate to all levels, where required.
• Strong oral and written English with ability to present complex ideas simply.
• Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes in accordance with WSP core values.
• IT literate.
• Support and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.