Strategic Bid Manager (NHS)
UK-wide (hybrid working) | Salary c. £80,000 + car allowance + Bonus +package
A market-leading UK healthcare services provider is exploring the appointment of a Strategic Bid Lead to help shape and win large-scale NHS opportunities working beyond individual Trust sales to engage ICBs, networks and multi-Trust groupings (eg, national or regional clusters such as NHS Wales/NHS Scotland-type frameworks).
This is a highly strategic, long-horizon role (often 12months + ahead of procurement) focused on co-creating value with senior NHS stakeholders and aligning internal subject-matter experts to build a compelling, differentiated proposition moving the conversation away from "price-only" and towards shared outcomes.
The role
Reporting into the senior commercial leadership team, you will work alongside Sales Managers/Business Development colleagues as the "bid chair" for major strategic pursuits, owning the pursuit strategy, stakeholder plan, internal orchestration and value story that positions the organisation to win.
Key responsibilities
- Lead strategic pursuits for large NHS opportunities at ICB/network/multi-Trust level.
- Build early, senior relationships with NHS stakeholders (eg, ICB Directors, Network Directors, senior operational leadership) well ahead of formal tenders.
- Identify and develop value differentiators (clinical/service innovation, digital/IT enablement, operational outcomes, transformation, etc.) to reduce reliance on price-based discussions.
- Orchestrate internal SMEs (eg, IT leadership, innovation teams, operations, clinical/service experts) to shape a unified offer and "win strategy."
- Provide structure and governance: pursuit plan, stakeholder mapping, messaging, timelines, decision dynamics and bid readiness.
- Contribute to (and in parts lead) tender creation, while keeping the emphasis on pre-tender influence, value creation and strategic engagement.
- Partner with sales colleagues on clusters of accounts to create a joined-up approach and consistent executive narrative.
What we're looking for
- Proven experience in strategic sales/senior BDM/bid leadership roles involving complex, multi-stakeholder decision processes.
- Track record of selling into the NHS and navigating public-sector procurement dynamics.
- Strong exposure to tenders/bids but with clear capability in upstream shaping, stakeholder engagement and value proposition development.
- Credibility engaging at senior levels (system/region level), with the maturity to influence internally and externally.
- Ability to bring people together and drive momentum without direct line-management authority (Matrix leadership).
Domain background
Radiology/pathology/imaging experience is helpful but not essential.
What matters most is system-level NHS stakeholder access/understanding (ICBs, networks, senior operational leaders) and the ability to craft outcome-led value.
Apply now to avoid missing out!