Senior Bid Manager, Project Acquisition

Oxford Policy Management

. Drive process improvements across all FCDO bidding .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeOxford • United KingdomSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading FCDO bidding processes, developing strategic business development initiatives, and managing client relationships. Proficient in crafting high-quality proposals and conducting market analysis to inform bid strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

FCDO Bidding Process LeadershipStrategic Business DevelopmentClient Relationship ManagementProposal Writing and TenderingMarket and Competitor Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Strategic Business DevelopmentProposal WritingProject Acquisition StrategiesBudget Preparation and AnalysisTendering Requirements Knowledge

Soft Skills

Stakeholder EngagementCoaching and MentoringAdaptabilityStrategic InfluencingRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

CRM PlatformsMS OfficeWordExcelPowerPoint

Industry Keywords

FCDOUKHMGInternational DevelopmentClient Feedback AnalysisContinuous Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive process improvements across all FCDO bidding
Lead the organisation’s most important FCDO bids
Grow understanding of the FCDO acquisition environment and inform bid strategy
Coordinate technical, bid, delivery, internal, and external contributors
Analyse client needs, market intelligence, client feedback, and the FCDO project pipeline
Support go/no-go decisions for priority bids
Ensure effective prepositioning and resourcing of bids
Lead bid kick-offs and planning, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and timeframes
Develop and nurture internal capability on FCDO opportunity identification and award
Establish an in-house centre of excellence for FCDO bidding
Represent OPM at client, market, and external industry events
Monitor FCDO funding priorities, work pipeline, and competitor developments
Provide specialist advice on bid strategy and analyse client bid documentation
Support prepositioning and provide market and competitor analysis
Analyse client feedback and embed continuous improvement in FCDO relationship management
Coach and mentor junior acquisition team members
Work with consulting teams, international office leadership, and stakeholders to align opportunities with OPM’s technical offer

Requirements

What you’ll need

Educated to degree level ideally in business administration, international development or another relevant field; or equivalent professional experience gained through hands-on practice
Demonstrable experience crafting and implementing strategic business development, client relationship management, or project acquisition strategies with UKHMG ministries, ideally including FCDO experience
Proven ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, procurement teams, and client decision makers
Experience leading or supporting the end-to-end bidding process
Experience drafting high-quality proposals, tenders, and grant submissions
Knowledge of best practice in managing large and complex projects
Ability to write winning proposals with strong knowledge of tendering requirements, legalities, and consulting-services guidelines
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt to shifting priorities, and meet tight deadlines
Excellent strategic influencing skills and ability to engage stakeholders up to senior management level
Passion for business development and interest in international development
Strong numerical skills and ability to prepare and analyse large budgets
Excellent financial and commercial acumen
Good working knowledge of CRM platforms and MS Office
Ideally advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Pre-existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship unavailable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Enhanced learning resources and professional growth opportunities
Opportunities to work cross functionally
Opportunities to engage with internal and external industry events
Supportive, collaborative, non-hierarchical culture
Exceptionally generous annual leave entitlement
Hybrid working model to support work/life balance
Global Employee Assistance Programme
Access to the UnMind app
Competitive salary
Contributory pension scheme
Equal opportunities and diverse, inclusive workplace