Senior Strategic Bid Manager

Shoosmiths; London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking a Senior Strategic Bid Manager to join their dynamic business development team. This role involves managing and delivering strategic bids while collaborating with partners to enhance client engagement. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience in the professional services sector, strong writing skills, and a proven ability to lead initiatives that drive success.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in bid management in a professional services environment.
• Experience in the legal sector is advantageous.
• Proficient in IT tools, especially Teams, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic bid processes and manage compliance.
• Advise on strategic decisions and engage with partners.
• Optimize bid team processes and conduct win/loss reviews.

Skills

Bid Management

Strategic Planning

Writing Skills

Project Management

Collaboration

Communication

Problem-Solving

Tools

Teams

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

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Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking, and our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the salaries, great working environment, and high-quality work, we believe all staff should be rewarded for their commitment through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package.

The role

This is a key leadership position within an exciting, forward-thinking business development, marketing, and client relations team, supporting the firm's commercial objectives.

As a Senior Strategic Bid Manager, you will support the Head of Strategic Bids in working closely with the partnership to develop strategies for creating competitive win themes that improve success chances. You will advise on and improve engagement in the bid process.

You should be comfortable working in an advisory capacity, supporting partners in pursuing new opportunities. You will manage and develop direct reports.

Main responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Undertake initial bid qualification and advise on pursuit decisions based on firm strategy, commercial parameters, and ROI.
• Manage compliance with risk management protocols.
• Lead on strategic/high-value opportunities, advising on approach and team selection.
• Work closely with partners to create winning strategies and develop client-centric propositions.
• Attend client scoping meetings for large bids to capture key messages.
• Support and coach presentation teams for high performance.
• Work with client relationship teams on re-tenders to ensure bids reflect current offerings and are competitive.
• Collaborate with services to develop templates for self-service.
• Manage panel appointments with the Client Relationship team.

Leadership

• Act as an ambassador for the Strategic Bids team, promoting best practices and client focus.
• Build internal networks to understand pipeline and support opportunities.

Operational Excellence

• Conduct win/loss reviews and generate reports to improve performance.
• Optimize bid team processes and procedures.
• Maintain and update content and templates for consistency and best practice.
• Collaborate with training teams on business development and pitching skills.
• Share success stories and best practices internally.
• Build relationships with procurement professionals and industry experts.

Financial Performance

• Work with the Client Pricing Manager to develop innovative pricing strategies.

Skills and qualifications

• Proven success in managing and delivering effective bids in a professional services environment for at least 6 years; legal sector experience is advantageous.
• Exceptional writing skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative, confident, and able to build trust among colleagues.
• Credibility and confidence to advise partners on strategic decisions.
• Persuasive, influential, and constructive challenger.
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and an excellent communicator.
• Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Proficient in IT tools, especially Teams, Word, and PowerPoint.