Bid Director
Galliford Try · United Kingdom
Bid DirectorLocation: Flexible UK Location (within reasonable commuting distance of a regional office, with travel to regional offices, client locations and project sites as required)
Business Unit: Environment
About UsGalliford Try is one of the UK's leading engineering, construction and infrastructure businesses, delivering innovative solutions across the water, environmental and infrastructure sectors.
Our Environment Business is a market-leading provider of design, engineering and construction services, delivering critical infrastructure that supports communities and protects the environment. As we continue to grow our portfolio of long-term frameworks and strategic partnerships, we are looking for an experienced Bid Director to lead the pursuit and conversion of major opportunities across the business.
Purpose of the RoleWe are seeking a commercially focused and strategically minded Bid Director to lead major work-winning activities across our Environment Business.
Reporting to the Strategic Business Director, you will be responsible for developing and delivering winning strategies for high-value framework opportunities, major projects and strategic pursuits.
Leading multidisciplinary bid teams, you will manage the entire bid lifecycle, from opportunity qualification and win strategy development through to governance approval, client engagement and final submission. You will play a critical role in driving sustainable growth and securing profitable new business opportunities across the UK water and infrastructure sectors.
What You'll Be DoingAs Bid Director, you will:
- Lead the delivery of major bid and framework submissions across the Environment Business.
- Analyse tender documentation and establish appropriately resourced bid teams.
- Develop compelling win strategies aligned to client drivers and business objectives.
- Lead bid planning activities, establishing submission programmes, milestones and review gates.
- Manage the production of high-quality, compliant and commercially robust tender submissions.
- Chair bid team meetings and coordinate contributions from operational, commercial, technical and support teams.
- Define clear responsibilities and deadlines across bid teams and Subject Matter Experts.
- Lead governance processes in accordance with Galliford Try Business Management System (BMS) requirements.
- Present bid strategies and approval papers to senior leadership teams and directors.
- Manage submissions through electronic procurement portals including Bravo, Ariba and other client systems.
- Support mobilisation activities and client engagement following award.
- Work closely with operational teams to capture lessons learned and continuously improve bid performance.
- Promote innovation, collaboration and best practice throughout the work-winning process.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Work Winning- Develop winning strategies for major framework and project opportunities.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen Galliford Try's market position and competitive advantage.
- Lead strategic customer engagement activities throughout the bid process.
- Build strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders across the water and infrastructure sectors.
- Support the development and implementation of Strategic Win Plans.
- Drive a culture focused on value creation, profitable growth and long-term client relationships.
Bid Leadership & Governance- Manage multiple bids and pursuits simultaneously while maintaining quality and compliance.
- Lead tender reviews and governance meetings.
- Ensure all submissions meet client requirements and internal approval processes.
- Provide regular progress updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership teams.
- Manage risk and opportunity throughout the bid lifecycle.
- Ensure lessons learned are captured and implemented across future bids.
Team Leadership- Lead and motivate multidisciplinary bid teams.
- Support the development of bid managers, bid writers and operational contributors.
- Foster collaboration across regional businesses and support functions.
- Promote continuous improvement within the work-winning community.
About YouWe are looking for a proven work-winning leader with a strong track record of securing major opportunities within the infrastructure, utilities, engineering or construction sectors.
You will combine strategic thinking, commercial awareness and client engagement expertise with exceptional leadership and communication skills.
Essential Skills & Experience- Significant experience in work-winning, bid leadership or business development within the construction, infrastructure, utilities or energy sectors.
- Proven success leading major framework bids and strategic pursuits.
- Experience operating at senior bid leadership level.
- Strong understanding of public and private sector procurement processes.
- Demonstrable experience securing high-value, profitable contracts.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
- Strong stakeholder management experience from operational teams through to executive-level clients.
- Ability to develop and execute effective win strategies.
- Strong leadership skills with experience building and motivating high-performing teams.
- Excellent commercial acumen and risk management capability.
- Experience presenting to executive and board-level audiences.
Technical Knowledge & Qualifications- Degree qualified in Business, Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
- Strong understanding of commercial models and forms of contract, including NEC and IChemE.
- Experience using CRM systems and opportunity management platforms.
- Knowledge of governance and approval processes within a Tier 1 contractor environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Desirable Experience- Existing network of contacts within UK water companies and regulated utility clients.
- Experience working within major water frameworks and alliance environments.
- Understanding of AMP programmes and long-term framework delivery models.
What You'll Bring- Strategic thinking and strong commercial judgement.
- The ability to build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.
- A passion for winning work and delivering sustainable business growth.
- Strong leadership presence and credibility.
- A collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
How Success Will Be MeasuredSuccess in this role will be measured through:
- Successful conversion of strategic opportunities and framework awards.
- Achievement of agreed business growth and work-winning objectives.
- Development of strong client relationships across target sectors.
- High-quality bid submissions delivered on time and to governance requirements.
- Effective stakeholder engagement and team collaboration.
- Contribution to profitable and sustainable business growth.
Why Join Us?This is a fantastic opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future growth of Galliford Try's Environment Business.
You will lead some of the most important opportunities in the UK water and environmental sectors, working alongside experienced technical, operational and commercial professionals while helping secure projects that deliver lasting benefits to communities and the environment.
What We Can Offer in ReturnWith an impressive order book and long-term growth strategy, Galliford Try offers the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most exciting infrastructure programmes while developing a rewarding and successful career.
We are committed to maintaining the physical and mental wellbeing of all our people through our Be Well programme, which provides support, guidance and wellbeing resources across a range of areas.
We invest heavily in professional development, leadership training and career progression opportunities, enabling our people to realise their full potential.
Our Agile Working programme provides fle