Director of Bids and Proposals

Permanent
Location: London
Hours: Full time, Monday - Friday - 40 hours a week
Pay: £100,000 incl. car allowance

Wilson James is seeking a highly experienced Director of Bids and Proposals to take the lead in delivering complex, high-value proposals that drive business growth, client retention, and sector expansion. This senior role will be central to shaping and executing our bid strategy, ensuring proposals not only win contracts but also reinforce our reputation as a trusted partner in security, construction logistics, and aviation.

As Director of Bids and Proposals, you will oversee a mix of dedicated and ad hoc proposal teams, working closely with subject matter experts, operational leaders, and business development colleagues. You will manage the end-to-end bid process—ensuring continuity from submission to mobilisation—and play a pivotal role in client engagement, strategic partnerships, and shaping Wilson James's overarching business development strategy.

About the Role:

As a Director of Bids and Proposals you will be responsible for:

• Lead and oversee the Strategic Proposal Team, ensuring proposals are cohesive, competitive, and strategically aligned.
• Manage complex, high-value bids, coordinating inputs from Bid Managers, Coordinators, and Pricing Managers.
• Present proposal progress and risk assessments to executive sponsors and the Operational Board.
• Build and formalise business development strategies, highlighting Wilson James's differentiators and win themes.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders at board level to strengthen relationships and secure new opportunities.
• Ensure a smooth transition from bid to delivery, safeguarding continuity and client trust.
• Identify and pursue opportunities through bid portals and frameworks that support growth targets.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with external organisations to enhance competitiveness

Why Join Us?

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
• Lifestyle Benefits – Mortgage and financial advice, vouchers for various shopping outlets and food stores, employee referral scheme. 
• Learning & Development – we actively encourage progression and offer various eLearning courses, progression, training whilst on site, apprenticeships, and in-house training courses.  
• Health and Wellbeing – Life assurance scheme, access to mental health support specialists
• Access to an Online GP for you and your dependents. 
• Financial support 
• Discounts on hundreds of retail sites
• Progression opportunities – many of our team go on to senior and site management roles
• A welcoming, respectful team culture
• Cycle to Work scheme

What we are looking for:
We're looking for an experiencedbid leader who thrives in complex environments and has a proven track record of success in winning multi-million-pound contracts. You will be a confident strategist, communicator, and leader, able to coordinate across multiple sectors and stakeholders while ensuring excellence in delivery.

• Strong track record of winning large, complex, or strategically significant bids.
• Experience managing bid teams (both dedicated and project-based).
• Proven ability to design and deliver business growth and retention strategies.
• Board-level stakeholder engagement and presentation experience.
• Strong project management skills, including risk and issue management.
• Experience across regulated or complex industries (security, logistics, aviation advantageous).
• Ability to manage budgets, resources, and deliver against timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
  Personal Qualities
• Collaborative and team-focused leadership style.
• Calm and confident under pressure.
• Professional presentation and reliability in all aspects of work.
• Commitment to diversity, equality, and outstanding customer service.
• Passionate about supporting the growth and success of Wilson James.

Interested? Apply now and secure your future with us! 
Please be aware that, on occasion, we may close a vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of strong applications

Wilson James is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position, however each case will be assessed on an individual basis. For information about Wilson James' commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, https://wilsonjames.co.uk/sustainability 
Wilson James have been raising standards in security, construction logistics, aviation services, and technology for over 30 years. With 5,000 employees and a presence across over 300 client sites all over the UK, we are dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and top-tier customer service. As a leading managed service provider, we prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Joining Wilson James offers the excitement of working with diverse, vibrant clients, making for a dynamic and engaging workplace.   

Internal Applicants
At Wilson James, we support career growth and offer internal mobility to help employees explore new roles and advance within the company. Committed to promoting from within, we provide clear career pathways and continuous skill development. Unlock your potential by applying for exciting internal opportunities and new challenge.