Head of Bids

Overview

Our client is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Bids to lead their bids function within the Business Development team. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the development and execution of competitive bid proposals that are tailored, commercially sound, and aligned with client needs. The successful candidate will play a critical role in improving win rates, strengthening client relationships, and driving continuous improvement across the bid lifecycle.

The role is designed with a dual focus: 60% team leadership and 40% hands-on bid management. It requires a confident leader who can inspire a high-performing team while delivering high-quality, timely proposals.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Own and continuously improve the bid process, including systems, tools, documentation, and quality standards
• Lead and manage a team of bid professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture
• Develop and implement bid strategies that align with business goals and client expectations
• Provide regular reporting on bid outcomes, including monthly Win/Loss analysis to the Business Development Director
• Contribute to broader corporate KPIs, including leadership impact and employee retention
• Ensure bid team members are equipped to lead tender start-up meetings with clear deliverables and milestones

Bid Management

• Oversee the full bid lifecycle from qualification through to submission and post-bid review
• Allocate team resources and manage workload to meet key deadlines and deliverables
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Account Management, Marketing, Commercial, and Technical teams
• Translate win themes into compelling value propositions tailored to client requirements
• Lead panel submissions and act as custodian of panel documentation and relationships
• Ensure compliance with brand guidelines and bid governance standards
• Prepare fortnightly workload and forecast reports for internal distribution
• Manage bid administration tasks including CRM updates, meeting coordination, and document control
• Oversee updates to templates and presentation materials in collaboration with Brand and Bid Design Managers

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Minimum 10 years' experience in bid management within construction, technology, or professional services
• Proven track record of leading successful bids and securing new business
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Expertise in crafting persuasive solution narratives and value propositions for diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency in bid software (e.g., Pitch), Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite
• Familiarity with platforms such as Aconex, Procore, and CRM systems
• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Desirable

• APMP certification or equivalent professional accreditation
• Experience implementing bid governance frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong commercial acumen and critical thinking skills
• Ability to build genuine partnerships and influence across all levels of the organisation

REFERENCE: Emily Lodola #70317

If the above position appeals to you then please submit your CV and work samples (no more than 10mb PDF attachment) to  and we'll be in touch. You may also wish to browse our website for other similar roles or call us to find about roles that may not be advertised. 

Bespoke Careers is a specialist recruitment agency dedicated to connecting jobseekers with employers in architecture and design. Set up by trained architects and designers with experience in practice - we really do understand our industry and care about the people who work within it. Established for over 10 years, we recruit for high-profile practices locally and internationally and have offices in London, Sydney, Melbourne, New York and Los Angeles. Bespoke Careers is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy and is an Equal Opportunities Employer. By applying to this role, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

'Refer a Friend' and be rewarded with a $400 gift voucher *

Emily Lodola