Our client, a major international practice of architects, designers, engineers and urbanists, is seeking a Bid Manager to join its high performing work-winning team in Toronto. This is a permanent, full-time position, offering base compensation in the range $90-100k, or more, depending on experience, plus a competitive vacation and benefits package.
This position will work closely with Senior Management and Project Leads to create compelling responses to local, national and sometimes international project opportunities across our relevant sectors. The Bid Manager will develop winning strategies, facilitate the process of delivering a bid response, prepare creative graphic responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Expressions of Interest (EOI) and will be responsible for the organisation of bid content, documentation, processes and pipeline data required to continuously improve the quality and success of all submissions. The ideal candidate will be able to establish collaborative and productive relationships with team members and throughout all studios and will work closely with marcoms specialists to deliver a seamless work-winning service to the business.
Overview of the role and responsibilities:
- Manage end to end processes to prepare high-quality and visually compelling bid and solicitation responses;
- Oversee monitoring of relevant procurement websites and databases to identify potential new opportunities aligned with the firm’s Group Strategy and strategic growth areas;
- Triage incoming opportunities to assess suitability, required effort and right to win
- Facilitate bid kick-off meetings and regular check-in meetings to ensure alignment and progress;
- Establish win themes and key differentiators and leverage written and graphic content to support such strategies;
- Organize and manage bid timelines and internal deadlines to ensure timely submissions through prioritizing critical path tasks based on urgency and importance;
- Research client needs to ensure clarity, accuracy and alignment with client objectives in our proposals;
- Communicate and coordinate with Senior Management and Project Leads to gather relevant information, specific client needs, proposed fees and required sub-consultant information;
- Oversee the development, organization, and ongoing maintenance of regularly used bid collateral in the firm’s Marketing Information Systems (MkIS), (CVs, writing library, project data, case studies, qualifications, certificates, templates etc.), including the use of AI to streamline the assembly of bids and to allow time for the creation of bespoke responses;
- Collaborate with other team members to prepare for client interviews and presentations;
- Maintain bid pipeline data, including bid fees, outcomes, BD activities in the firm’s Client Relationship Management System (CRM);
- Identify trends, best practices and areas of improvement to enhance the delivery process for bids;
- Provide research and insights on prospective client groups and key contacts;
- Manage other team members supporting the preparation of bid requirements and related documentation;
- Participate in Business Development activities as required to stay informed about opportunities and industry trends;
- Provide cover for and support to other team members as and when required.
Reporting Structure: This role will report to the Regional Work Winning Lead, working as part of an established, supportive, highly effective and successful work-winning team.
About you:
- 5+ years of relevant professional experience in bids, creative and technical writing or business development role, preferably in the Architecture, Engineering or Construction (AEC) or creative industry;
- Experience of managing complex bid processes incorporating multiple stakeholders, sub-contractors and /or service lines;
- University degree or college diploma, preferably in Architecture, Design, Marketing, English Literature, Journalism or equivalent experience;
- Knowledge of Canadian procurement practices and project delivery models;
- Strong organization skills, methodical in approach, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to synthesize information into compelling content;
- Excellent communication skills, especially written English;
- Excellent writing, storytelling, editing and proofreading capabilities;
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while meeting quality standards and on-time delivery;
- Works well in a team environment where there's acceptance of continuous improvement and openness for sharing and accepting feedback;
- Possessing a flexible approach to dealing with issues and finding solutions;
- Eagerness to learn and develop in the field of bid development and work winning;
- Highly proficient in the use of Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office;
- Experience with Deltek Vision, Zoho and OpenAsset is considered an asset.
Please email your resume to Sheila Corneil at scorneil@recruitmentbydesign.com for consideration; we thank all applicants however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
