Business Development Senior Manager

Menzies is an equal opportunities employer which means that we recruit, employ, train, pay, and promote regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We are building a first-class team and, to do so, we know that we need a diverse mix of talented people doing their best work. If you’re ready to make an impact, lead with purpose, and work in a place where your voice truly matters, keep reading! We have a great opportunity for a Senior Business Development (BD) Manager/Bids Manager to join our team in the Woking office . Menzies Marketing/BD Team requires a dynamic and proactive Senior BD/Bids Manager to lead the day-to-day delivery of the firm's bids function and support with Head of BD with various BD projects (including data analysis, targeting and developing BD best practice). Based in Woking, the role has a firmwide remit, combining senior business development support across the business with responsibility for managing and developing the bids team and ensuring a consistent, high-quality approach to proposals and tenders across all offices, sectors and service lines. They will project manage the proposal process, embed best practice and become a ‘BD Ambassador’ for the firm. Why Menzies? At Menzies, our culture is our cornerstone . We blend technical excellence with genuine care for our people and clients. With over 1100 colleagues in the UK, we’ve built a culture based on shared values and mutual respect. Here’s why you’ll love working with us: 🌟 People First : Our work-life balance isn’t just talk. From agile working to generous leave, we create space for what matters to you and this is why we were recognised as one of the Best Places to Work 2024, 2025 and now also 2026 🌟 Work with Inspiring Clients : You’ll be working with a range of clients so no two days will be the same. 🌟 Collaborate Across The Firm : Working with various people across the firm to raise the profile of Menzies Academy 🌟 Innovate with Purpose : We’re always looking for better ways to work—leveraging tech, simplifying complexities, and delivering value. 🌟 Empathy at Our Core : We don’t just serve our clients; we build trusted relationships that stand the test of time. 🌟 Certified B Corp™ : Part of a global community of over 10,000 businesses recognised for meeting high standards of social and environmental responsibility, accountability, and governance. Key Responsibilities Manage the bids team, setting priorities, allocating workload, supporting development and ensuring deadlines and quality standards are consistently met Oversee bid design, including the understanding, writing, editing and formatting of proposals and presentation decks, ensuring outputs are clear, compelling and on brand Drive the tender approach with the wider BD team and relationship teams, ensuring best practice and effective project management from receipt of the RFP through to submission Maintain visibility of the firmwide bids pipeline, capacity and deadlines, escalating risks and coordinating resource where required Develop the capability of the bids team through coaching, feedback, knowledge sharing and clear standards for what good looks like Take responsibility for the development and maintenance of the testimonial and case study library, proposal matrix and wider BD credentials Adopt, develop and promote BD and bids best practice firmwide, using proposal outcomes, feedback and conversion data to drive continuous improvement Undertake firmwide BD projects as required, around analysis, targeting and developing personal BD plans Skills, Knowledge & Expertise We’re looking for an experienced and commercially minded professional who can lead complex bids and proposals, build strong stakeholder relationships and help drive best practice across the firm. Qualifications · 5+ GCSEs at grades A–C (or equivalent), including English and Maths. · A CIM qualification or Marketing degree would be advantageous, but isn’t essential. Skills & knowledge · Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong proposal writing, editing and proofreading capability. · Strong attention to detail and excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple bids and competing deadlines. · Good commercial and financial awareness, with the confidence to interpret pipeline, conversion and ROI data. · Strong stakeholder management, networking and influencing skills, including confidence working with senior stakeholders. · A good understanding of bid and proposal best practice, including response planning, developing win themes, quality reviews and presentation development. · Strong people management and coaching skills, with the ability to develop others and maintain high standards across a busy team. · Confident using Microsoft Office, CRM systems such as HubSpot, and data and reporting tools. What you’ll bring · The ability to work independently, use sound judgement and effectively prioritise workload and resources. · A calm and organised approach when working to tight or competing deadlines. · A confident, adaptable and collaborative leadership style. · The confidence to constructively challenge and influence others to drive consistent best practice. · A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to work effectively across different teams and offices. Experience · At least 5 years’ experience within a B2B business development, bids or proposals environment. · Demonstrable experience managing complex bids, proposals or tenders from initial opportunity through to final submission. · Experience within professional services would be advantageous. · Previous experience managing, supervising, coaching or developing team members would also be beneficial. Location & travel This role is based in our Woking office and has a firmwide remit, so there will be regular travel to other Menzies offices as required. Job Benefits At Menzies, we know that success starts with our people. That’s why we offer: 🌍 Career Development : From learning opportunities to career coaching, we’ll help you achieve your goals. 🌍 Competitive Benefits : Private medical cover, pension matching, and enhanced parental leave, to name a few. 🌍 Flexibility That Works for You : Agile working is embedded in our culture. 🌍 Perks That Go Beyond : From volunteering days to wellbeing initiatives, we care about your whole self. To find out more about our benefits please read here