The Bid Director provides strategic oversight for the entire bid management function within an organisation. They are responsible for developing and implementing bid strategies that align with the company’s long-term goals. The Bid Director often oversees multiple bids simultaneously and plays a key role in client relationship management and high-level decision-making.

• Key Responsibilities: Strategic oversight, leadership, resource allocation, securing the bid budget, client relationship management, and liaising with internal executive sponsors.

Link:  Hire a Bid Director

Overview:
The Commercial Director plays a critical role in overseeing the financial and commercial aspects of the bid. They work closely with the Bid Director and Bid Manager to ensure that the bid is commercially viable and aligns with the company’s financial goals. The Commercial Director is also involved in contract negotiations and client relationship management at a high level.

• Key Responsibilities: Financial oversight, contract negotiation, commercial strategy, risk management.

Overview:
The Business Development Manager (BDM) is responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities and driving the company’s growth through successful bids. The BDM works closely with the Bid Director and Bid Manager to ensure that bids are aligned with the company’s business development strategy and that they target the right opportunities.

• Key Responsibilities: Opportunity identification, client relationship management, strategic alignment, and market analysis.

The Bid Strategist focuses on developing the overall strategy for a bid, including identifying win themes, competitive differentiators, and key messages. They work closely with the Bid Director and Bid Manager to ensure that the bid is positioned to win, taking into account the client’s needs and the competitive landscape.

• Key Responsibilities: Strategy development, competitive analysis, win theme identification, message alignment.

The Capture Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire capture process, from opportunity identification to bid submission. They work closely with the Bid Strategist and Business Development Manager to develop and execute strategies that increase the likelihood of winning the bid. The Capture Manager is involved in all stages of the bid, ensuring that the pursuit aligns with the company’s overall business objectives.

• Key Responsibilities: Opportunity capture, strategy execution, client engagement, competitive analysis.

Note:
In some organisations, the roles of a Proposal Manager and a Bid Manager may overlap or be the same. For clarity, we have maintained separate descriptions, but if your company combines these roles, please refer to the Bid Manager Job Description as well.

Overview:
The Proposal Manager oversees the entire proposal development process, ensuring that the proposal meets all client requirements and is delivered on time. They coordinate the efforts of writers, designers, and subject matter experts to create a cohesive and compelling document. The Proposal Manager also ensures that the proposal is aligned with the bid strategy and company objectives.

• Key Responsibilities: Proposal development, team coordination, compliance, and quality assurance.

A Bid Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the bid process. They oversee the coordination of the bid team, manage resources and budget, ensure compliance with client requirements, and lead the bid from start to finish. The Bid Manager is crucial in ensuring that all aspects of the bid are aligned with the strategy set by senior management.

• Key Responsibilities: Project management, team coordination, risk management, client communication.

Link: Hire a Bid Manager

A Bid Consultant provides expert advice and support throughout the bid process, often working on a contract basis. They bring specialised knowledge and experience to help companies develop and submit winning bids. The Bid Consultant may assist with strategy and/or solution development, content creation, compliance checks, and overall bid management.

• Key Responsibilities: Strategic advice, content support, compliance review, process optimisation.

Link: Bid Consultant Job Description | Hire a Bid Consultant

A Bid Coordinator plays a central role in managing the bid process from start to finish, ensuring everything runs smoothly and to deadline. They are responsible for organising inputs, tracking progress, managing documentation, and supporting the wider bid team. A Bid Coordinator ensures bids are submitted on time and in line with client requirements.

• Key Responsibilities: Timeline management, document control, team coordination, submission support.

Link: Bid Coordinator Job Description | Hire a Bid Coordinator

The role of a Proposal Writer is similar to that of a Bid Writer, with both focusing on crafting the content of the bid. In many cases, these roles may be interchangeable. Please refer to the Bid Writer Job Description for more details.

Overview:
A Proposal Writer is responsible for developing the narrative and content of the proposal. Their focus is on writing clear, persuasive, and compliant proposals that effectively communicate your company’s value proposition. Proposal Writers work closely with subject matter experts to ensure that the proposal meets the client’s needs and stands out from the competition.

• Key Responsibilities: Content creation, research, compliance, storytelling.

A Bid Writer is responsible for crafting the narrative and content of the bid. Their focus is on writing clear, persuasive, and compliant proposals that effectively communicate your company’s value proposition. Bid Writers work closely with subject matter experts to gather information and ensure that the proposal is tailored to the client’s needs.

• Key Responsibilities: Content creation, research, compliance, storytelling.

Link: Bid Writer Job Description | Hire a Bid Writer

Overview:
The Technical Author is responsible for creating and reviewing the technical content of the bid. They work closely with subject matter experts to ensure that all technical aspects are accurately represented and compliant with client specifications. The Technical Author plays a key role in translating complex technical information into clear and understandable content.

• Key Responsibilities: Technical content creation, accuracy assurance, compliance, and document review.

Overview:
A Solution Architect is responsible for designing the technical solution that is proposed in the bid. They work closely with the Bid Manager and Technical Author to ensure that the solution meets the client’s requirements and is feasible within the given constraints. The Solution Architect also provides technical leadership and ensures that the proposed solution aligns with the company’s capabilities.

• Key Responsibilities: Solution design, technical leadership, feasibility analysis, client requirements alignment.

Overview:
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) provide the technical and specialised knowledge required to develop the bid content. They work closely with Bid Writers and Managers to ensure that the proposal accurately reflects the technical aspects of the solution and meets the client’s specifications.

• Key Responsibilities: Technical input, content development, accuracy assurance, compliance.

Overview:
A Proofreader ensures that the bid documents are free from errors and are professionally presented. They review the content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency, ensuring that the proposal is polished and ready for submission. The Proofreader works closely with the Bid Writer and Proposal Manager to ensure that the final document is of the highest quality.

• Key Responsibilities: Content review, error correction, consistency checks, document polishing.

Overview:
A Graphic Designer or Visual Communication Expert is responsible for the visual presentation of the bid. They create layouts, graphics, and visuals that enhance the readability and appeal of the proposal. The Visual Communication Expert works closely with the Bid Writer and Manager to ensure that the design aligns with the bid’s objectives and the company’s branding.

• Key Responsibilities: Visual design, layout creation, branding alignment, and document formatting.

Overview:
The Compliance Manager ensures that all aspects of the bid meet the legal and regulatory requirements set by the client. They review the bid for compliance with all relevant standards, guidelines, and contractual obligations. The Compliance Manager plays a crucial role in mitigating risks associated with non-compliance.

• Key Responsibilities: Compliance review, risk mitigation, legal standards adherence, documentation checks.

Overview:
The Bid Administrator provides administrative support throughout the bid process. They are responsible for managing the bid’s documentation, organising meetings, and ensuring that all administrative tasks are completed efficiently. The Bid Administrator works closely with the Bid Manager and Coordinator to keep the bid process on track.

• Key Responsibilities: Administrative support, documentation management, meeting organisation, process support.