Head of Bids
Full-Time, Permanent
Inchinnan or Westhill, Hybrid working
About the Company
James Fisher Defence is the world leading underwater capability provider, serving the commercial and defence markets with innovative diving, submarine and hyperbaric rescue, technical solutions and services.
JFD – part of a Global James Fisher Group
James Fisher is a global engineering services company that has evolved from its origins as a ship owner and operator to provide expertise and innovative technology across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. We help our customers deliver on their promises safely, efficiently, and responsibly. With a strong heritage built on our people and innovation, we are embedding sustainability across our business.
Our strategy, centred around the One James Fisher ambition, aims to build a cohesive engineering service company in the Blue Economy.
- Our Energy Division offers safe, sustainable products and services for oil, gas, and renewables.
- The Defence Division provides underwater systems and life support for defence and commercial diving markets.
- Maritime Transport leads in global maritime shipping and ship-to-ship transfer services.
Together, we are building a brighter, bolder, and more innovative future.
The Role
Are you ready to lead a dynamic and dedicated Bid Team that responds to global tenders and supports all our Product Lines and home markets? As the Head of Bids, you will play a pivotal role in managing and enhancing our Bid Process, continually seeking and implementing improvements to elevate our bid function.
Your responsibilities will include overseeing Bid Governance and ensuring that all documentation is of the highest standard, meeting submission timelines with precision. From the initial stages of the bid process, you will be at the forefront, allocating resources and supporting team members in managing the bid plan for each submission.
In this role, you will have direct management responsibility for the Bid Team, guiding them through the bid preparation process and adding significant value through effective support. If you are passionate about driving excellence and making a tangible impact, we invite you to apply and be a part of our success story!
Principle Accountabilities
- Ensure that all bids are prepared in line with the Global Bids Process and the JFS governance requirements. Embedding, monitoring and evolving bid process to ensure they are fit for purpose, consistently adopted and continuously improving
- Manage, lead and develop a team of Bid Lead’s. Ensure all bid materials are compliant, of a high-quality and adhere to defined standards.
- Organising and leading lessons learnt processes to ensure customer feedback is captured and acted upon
- Having overall responsibility for the bid review process prior to submission and overall quality control
- Continually looking to identify and implement process improvements to the bid function including content update projects
- Managing the bid management process for bids and, working closely with Bid Leads to develop bid strategies and win themes ensuring our offers are clearly articulated and compelling
- Preparation of Bid Approval Papers and Financial Models for Senior Management
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Proven background in leading bids/ proposals teams within both private and public sectors and these sectors procurement processes
- Previous experience leading and developing people
- Demonstrable leadership skills
- Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders with competing priorities
- Energetic & passionate about a structured governance process Methodical with strong attention to detail
- Innovative and consistently looking for better ways of working
What's on offer
- Competitive salary
- 26 days holidays plus Christmas, Boxing Day, 1st and 2nd January
- Company pension
- Cycle to work
- Private Medical Insurance
- Half Day on Fridays
- Opportunities for development and progression
- Great culture
*For this role you will need to be a UK resident with the right to reside and work in the UK along with a checkable UK work history in order to gain security clearance.
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!
You can find out more about James Fisher & Sons group companies and valued behaviours by watching a short film here: We are One James Fisher - YouTube
Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce. For more information Click here