Bid Manager

Location: Chorley (with UK travel)
Employment type: Full Time, Permanent

What’s in it for you…

We believe in looking after our people, and it shows. When you join Ipsum, you’re not just taking a job, you’re starting a career with real support behind it.

• 25 annual leave plus bank holidays with the option to buy more
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Career development and progression with the opportunity to earn professional qualifications
• 24/7 access to a virtual GP? and Mental health support and counselling services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discount club - supermarkets, phone bills, gyms and more
• Life assurance cover
• Long service recognition
• Active local social committees
• Regular social events
• Paid volunteering opportunities in your community

About the role…

We're looking for an experienced Bid Manager to join our growing Business Development team!

Working closely with the Head of Strategic Bids, Business Development Director and stakeholders across the business, you'll play a key role in supporting Ipsum's growth ambitions by developing and managing high-quality tender and bid submissions. You'll be responsible for leading pre-qualification and tendering activities, identifying new opportunities, building strong customer relationships and helping convert opportunities into successful outcomes.

This role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse range of sectors within the utilities market, collaborating with operational, technical and leadership teams to deliver compelling, high-quality submissions that support sustainable business growth.

As a Bid Manager you will…

• Managing end-to-end pre-qualification and tendering activities.
• Supporting the development and delivery of business growth strategies.
• Researching customers, markets and opportunities to build and maintain a strong pipeline of future work.
• Developing relationships with new and existing customers.
• Coordinating bid responses and working with subject matter experts to create high-quality tender submissions.
• Managing tender storyboarding, submission reviews and governance processes.
• Maintaining and developing bid content libraries and supporting materials.
• Supporting continuous improvement of tendering processes and procedures.
• Producing customer engagement, key account and sales activity plans.
• Maintaining accurate pipeline information and providing regular management reporting.
• Preparing reporting and updates for senior stakeholders and the Board.
• Supporting the achievement of business development KPIs and growth objectives.

About you…

You'll bring previous experience in bid management, business development or tendering, alongside a strong understanding of customer procurement processes and tender submissions.

You'll have experience in pre-qualification and tendering management and online procurement portals, with the ability to produce compelling customer presentations and high-quality written submissions. You'll be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple deadlines and engaging with stakeholders across all levels of the business.

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience within the utilities sector, including Water, Wastewater, Infrastructure, Drainage, Power, Facilities & Asset Management/Digital Technology. A degree in a relevant discipline is required, while APMP membership would be advantageous.

Our commitment to Equal Opportunities...

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Before applying, please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we process your data in line with GDPR. 

Next steps... 

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply or reach out to the Talent Team for more info!