Senior Bids Manager/Writer

Job description

Location
Glasgow / Edinburgh

Application Deadline
Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Job Summary

Harper Macleod is one of Scotland's leading independent law firms, with a strong reputation for client service, innovation and high-quality public and private sector work. We are looking for an experienced Senior Bids Manager with a flair and passion for writing bids to join our Business Development team and play a key role in shaping, leading and delivering the firm's bids and tenders strategy and content.

The opportunity

This is a senior, high-profile role within our Business Development team. You will lead on complex and strategic bids from early opportunity assessment through to drafting the submission, presentation, mobilisation and feedback. Working closely with CEO Martin Darroch, BD Partner Anne Macdonald, the wider bids and tenders' team, partners across the firm and operational teams, you will bring structure, challenge and insight to the bid process, helping us produce compelling, client-focused submissions that improve our win rate and support the firm's continued growth.

This is an opportunity to make a visible impact in a successful and ambitious firm. You will have direct access to senior decision-makers, the chance to influence how we pursue major opportunities, and the scope to develop our bid processes, content and approach across the business.

What you'll be doing

• Lead strategic tender, framework and proposal opportunities across public and private sector markets.
• Advise partners and teams on bid strategy, client requirements, evaluation criteria, win themes and the overall approach most likely to succeed.
• Manage the full bid lifecycle, including qualification, planning, drafting, review, submission, presentation support, feedback, mobilisation and reporting.
• Develop clear, compelling and client-focused written submissions that demonstrate value, expertise and differentiation.
• Work with client advisers, partners and operational teams to gather strong evidence, case studies, credentials and supporting content.
• Coach client advisers and internal teams on bid best practice, evaluation criteria, presentation preparation and client feedback.
• Support successful tender wins through mobilisation activity and assist lead partners with contract management and client engagement.
• Analyse tender outcomes, client feedback and market trends to identify themes and improve future performance.
• Maintain and improve the firm's bid library, credentials, case studies and knowledge bank.
• Prepare clear, insightful reports on bid activity, outcomes and strategic themes for senior leadership and the Management Committee.

Skills and experience

• Significant bids, tenders or proposals experience within professional services; legal sector experience would be advantageous.
• A strong track record of leading and drafting successful, complex bids and framework submissions.
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to turn technical content into clear, persuasive and client-focused messages.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to lead and work on multiple bids under pressure while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness and confidence working with senior stakeholders, including partners, client advisers and operational leaders.
• The ability to challenge constructively, influence decision-making and keep teams focused on what will make a submission successful.
• A proactive, collaborative and resilient approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and high standards.
• Sound judgement, strong organisation skills and the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders, influence how the firm pursues major opportunities and help shape the future of our bids and tenders function.

If you are an experienced bids professional who enjoys influencing senior stakeholders, shaping winning strategies and producing high-quality, client-focused submissions, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Let your ambitions grow with ours

At Harper Macleod, ambition is what drives us forward. We are a firm that cares about doing great work and making a real impact for our clients and for each other. We believe in progress, not standing still. That means sharing ideas, supporting growth and creating opportunities for everyone to shine. If you want to work somewhere that values curiosity and collaboration, you'll feel right at home here.

Our story so far includes recognition as Scotland's Firm of the Year 2025, ESG Firm of the Year 2024 and a place in the Legal 500's Green Guide for two years running. But we're not done yet. The best is still to come. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, active colleague engagement, wellbeing, sustainability & CSR programmes and the opportunity to develop your career.

If you're ready to shape the future with us, we would love to hear from you

Harper Macleod LLP is committed to promoting equal opportunities and developing a diverse workforce.