Head of Proposals

Overview

BAM UK & Ireland is seeking a Head of Proposals to shape and strengthen the organisation’s bid and proposal capability. This position is focused on building the systems, skills and standards needed to produce high-quality, persuasive proposals that help the business win work. The role sits within a company that supports long-term career development, internal progression and opportunities to work on major construction, civil engineering and FM projects.

What this role offers

You will join a large construction business with a strong emphasis on professional growth, team collaboration and continuous improvement. The organisation offers competitive pay and a range of benefits, including pension support, health cover, annual leave enhancements and learning opportunities.

• 8% employer pension contribution
• Private health insurance
• Dental cover
• 26 days of annual leave, increasing with length of service
• 2 wellbeing days each year
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Learning and development support with encouragement for internal progression
• Company vehicles, depending on the role
• Additional employee perks

Key duties

The Head of Proposals will oversee the proposals function, including graphics and knowledge management, while helping teams deliver winning submissions to tight deadlines. The role requires strong leadership, high standards for written content, and close cooperation with colleagues across preconstruction and other departments.

• Lead the proposals team, including graphics and knowledge management, while supporting work-winning performance and employee development
• Deliver under pressure on complex and time-sensitive bids
• Promote accountability and collaborative working across the team
• Create and refine best-practice guidance aligned with APMP principles
• Build capability in running effective, outcome-focused meetings and workshops
• Strengthen graphics capability so it remains current and competitive
• Develop knowledge management resources to meet changing tender and prequalification needs
• Guide bid teams on external support options
• Set standards for proposal management and proposal development
• Maintain very high standards of written responses through review and constructive challenge
• Advise on review panels and contribute as a reviewer
• Assess customer feedback, advise the business, and support improvement actions
• Work with Preconstruction Leads and department heads to improve work-winning performance
• Spot opportunities to improve proposal processes and overall capability
• Promote the value of knowledge management and graphics in securing work
• Stay informed about company-wide innovations relevant to the role
• Review completed proposals and provide useful feedback to bid teams
• Take on other duties as needed

What you need

To succeed in this role, you should have a strong track record in producing successful proposals and be able to operate at a level comparable to APMP Professional. Experience with demanding and complicated bids is important, including joint venture work and bids across several sectors. The role also calls for confident leadership, sound judgement, strategic thinking and excellent communication.

• Proven success in creating and delivering winning proposals
• Experience working at or around APMP Professional level
• Background in major, complex and challenging bids, including joint ventures and multi-sector work
• Ability to develop processes, frameworks and guidance
• Evidence of collaborative working, including influence and negotiation
• Strategic mindset with the confidence to question and innovate
• Ability to lead, motivate and support people in a work-winning environment
• Experience in resource planning, recruitment, training and personal development
• Strong spoken and written English and the ability to present information clearly and concisely

Preferred background

• Degree-level education or an equivalent qualification is preferred
• Knowledge of, or experience in, the construction industry is desirable

About the employer

BAM’s mission is to build a sustainable tomorrow. The company works on major infrastructure and high-quality building projects and aims to create a workplace where people feel respected, included and supported, regardless of background or personal characteristics.

Recruitment approach

The organisation is committed to making recruitment and onboarding accessible and inclusive. Candidates who need adjustments during the process are encouraged to raise them so support can be provided.