Bids Assistant / Executive - Newcastle

The Role

The EMEA Bids team is seeking to recruit a Bids Assistant/Executive to co-ordinate bid activity within the team.

As a major global practice, we respond to a large number of Requests for Proposals (RfPs) and we have an impressive record which we are committed to sustaining and continually improving.

The position reports into the Senior Strategic Bid Manager, in London. The Bids Assistant/Executive will work alongside the other central BD functions such as the sector-specific business development teams and the Brand and Design teams.

We look for people who show ambition, determination and the desire to pursue a career in professional services business development and aim to provide you with opportunities to develop your career.

Duties & Responsibilities

Support the EMEA bids team with all RfPs
Project coordination from beginning to end of the bids process
Requesting, chasing and collating information from across the global business
Reviewing, analysing and requesting clarification on any information received from the wider business
Drafting bespoke RfP responses using our extensive library of standard content as a basis
Creation of org charts, diagrams and flow charts
Ensuring all documents are free from errors and professionally representative of our global brand
Drafting, editing and proofing quality of submissions which improve our conversion ratio from submission to success
Scoping bids in conjunction with fee earners including challenging the status quo about approaches to bid responses
Providing technical support, ensuring the layout of the documents is correct and to a high standard including adapting presentation formats, and liaising with the brand and design team where appropriate
Setting and achieving tender deadlines by managing input from key stakeholders
Ensuring all stakeholders receive regular updates and feedback and advance notice of upcoming bid related activity
Keeping up to date with our prospects and competition to ensure responses are bespoke and deliver our strategy clearly
Developing and data banking precedent text
Acting as an ambassador for bids best practice within the EMEA team
Helping to conduct pitch debriefs for both pitch wins/losses
Tracking and reporting on bid outcomes
Collating and analysing internal and client feedback on our bid performance

Skills and Experience Required

Experience of working in the bids function, or similar (preferably for a legal services firm)
Ability to multi-task and work to deadlines
Willingness to take on additional responsibility and deputise for their line manager when required
Excellent working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint
A self-starter who can work on own initiative and is proactive in developing ideas and solutions
Keen attention to detail including accurate writing, spelling and proof-reading skills
Excellent written communication and free text drafting skills
Well-developed persuading and influencing skills
Experience of remote working
Committed to operating within a team with an ability to develop a network of influential internal and external contacts
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Understands when to act and when to ask
Able to demonstrate an open mind by listening to people with different opinions
Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team

Our business principles are Quality, Unity, Integrity. The successful candidate will be expected to consistently demonstrate the following competencies:

Shows technical ability
Contributes effectively at meetings
Seeks supervision and/or supervises appropriately
Communicates effectively
Organised and meets deadlines
Focuses on performance enhancement
Develops and maintains relationships
Delivers excellent service
Builds strong reputation
Actively contributes to the team
Demonstrates leadership orientation
Treats people with dignity and respect
Promotes and demonstrates our business principles
Focuses on strategic priorities

Experience in a business development function where coordination is primary concern