Bid Manager

Bid Manager

UK based | Infrastructure and Built Environment

Winning work in infrastructure is about more than price.

It’s about knowing where the risks are, understanding how work is actually delivered, and putting forward a proposition that makes sense commercially and technically. That’s what this role is really about.

We are looking for a Bid Manager who can lead from the front. Someone who understands that winning work is about commercial judgement, technical credibility, clear thinking and strong relationships, not just compliant paperwork.

Why this role stands out:

This is a senior role with ownership. You will shape bid strategy, lead high-value tenders, influence pricing and risk decisions, and develop a capable estimating team. You will work closely with delivery leaders, digital specialists and senior management to turn capability into compelling, winnable propositions.

If you enjoy being the person who connects client need, operational reality and commercial strategy, this role will suit you.

More about the role:

As Bid Manager, you will lead the end-to-end bid and tendering process for geospatial survey and digital information services across infrastructure and the built environment.

You will act as the bridge between clients, commercial teams and delivery, ensuring bids are technically robust, commercially sound and clearly differentiated. You will also lead and develop a team of estimators, setting standards for pricing accuracy, governance and commercial discipline.

This is a role for someone who is comfortable making decisions, challenging assumptions and raising the quality bar.

What will you be responsible for?

• Leading complex bids from opportunity review through to submission
• Setting bid strategies aligned to market conditions, client priorities and business objectives
• Owning bid governance, approvals, risk reviews and quality standards
• Shaping win themes and value propositions that clearly articulate our technical and digital strengths
• Developing pricing strategies that balance competitiveness, margin and risk
• Reviewing and approving cost models, assumptions and commercial qualifications
• Identifying and managing commercial risks and opportunities within bids
• Building trusted relationships with clients, consultants and contractors
• Supporting account growth, pipeline development and market intelligence
• Leading, mentoring and developing a team of estimators
• Embedding best practice in estimating processes, tools and commercial awareness
• Working closely with Project Managers, Survey Managers and Digital Leads to ensure bids are deliverable
• Representing Plowman Craven in client meetings, industry events and external forums
• Contributing to sales reporting, forecasting and strategic planning
• Supporting marketing activity, case studies and thought leadership

What are we looking for from you?

This role suits an experienced bid or commercial professional who understands infrastructure, surveying and digital delivery, and who wants real influence rather than a narrow remit.

You will already have:

• Experience leading bids or commercial processes in geospatial, surveying, digital construction, engineering or infrastructure environments
• A strong track record of winning work in competitive construction or infrastructure markets
• A solid understanding of survey methodologies and digital workflows, including BIM and CAD
• Experience developing pricing strategies and managing margin and risk
• Confidence working with UK procurement routes, frameworks and tender processes
• Experience leading or mentoring estimators or commercial colleagues
• Strong written skills and the ability to produce clear, persuasive proposals
• The confidence to engage directly with clients and influence decisions
• The ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines without losing quality
• A collaborative mindset and the credibility to work across technical and operational teams
• A proactive, strategic approach and a desire to keep improving how things are done
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for client meetings and events are required.

What do you get here at Plowman Craven?

• A senior role with real ownership and visibility. This role will directly impact the success of the department, sowe want an experienced go getter!
• Direct influence over how the business grows and positions itself
• A collaborative environment where technical excellence and commercial discipline matter
• The opportunity to lead and shape a capable estimating function
• Exposure to complex, high-profile infrastructure and built environment projects
• A business that invests in capability, innovation and long-term growth

Plowman Craven is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

If you have any questions about this role please email recruitment@plowmancraven.co.uk