Bids Manager – FTC

As Osborne Clarke rolls out its 2030 strategy, we are looking for an experienced Bids Manager to join our team in Bristol or London. With a sharper focus on our sectors and growth services, we’re evolving how we win, serve and grow our clients, moving from tech-enabled to AI-native ways of working.

This role will be pivotal in strengthening our Bids Centre of Excellence and delivering expert support on live bids to increase win rate and revenue across the firm. Working directly with our lawyers, you will advise and influence decisions that drive the firm’s performance and client relationships, with clear scope to see the impact of your work.

This is an 18-month fixed-term contract based in Bristol or London, with travel to all locations as required.
The role is 35 hours per week, with flexibility to meet deadlines as required.

The Bids Manager will be a key member of our Sales & Marketing team, reporting to the Head of Bids and working closely with two other Bids Managers and a Bids Senior Executive. You will lead high-quality bid responses across the full bid lifecycle, embed best practice and drive improvements that support the firm’s strategy.

• Bid Delivery & Strategic Advice
• Lead and influence bid/no-bid qualification decisions, project manage the bid process and develop compelling win themes and differentiated propositions.
• Guide lawyers on best-practice bidding, including content, presenting and pricing, to increase our chances of winning.
• Write and edit high-quality bid content, ensuring submissions are compelling and tailored to the opportunity.
• Coach and prepare teams for pitch meetings.
• Conduct win/loss debriefs and capture learning to strengthen future bids.

• Support strategic bids across the firm, working on opportunities spanning any sector or service line.
• Collaborate with Business Development colleagues to tailor bids to particular industry sectors.
• Build alignment with one flagship sector and one growth service—initially Life Sciences and Healthcare, and disputes—to ensure the Bids team has compelling content to hand.

• Work with the Head of Bids and other Bids team members to embed best practice and drive positive change.
• Proactively identify, devise and deliver improvements aligned with the firm’s strategy that increase win rate and revenue.
• Take ownership of improvement work streams, including strategic pricing and the bid content library.
• Continually improve systems, processes and approaches, bringing curiosity and creativity to the use of AI and technology.

• Build strong relationships with partners and senior stakeholders, providing expert advice and constructive challenge to support effective bidding decisions.
• Work collaboratively with Business Development and other Business Services teams to provide joined-up, holistic bid support.
• Partner with the Head of Pursuits, whose remit includes supporting forecast bids and mobilising wins.
• Adapt to different working styles and manage competing priorities while maintaining quality under pressure.

• Share your expertise to upskill colleagues across the Bids team, Business Development, other Business Services teams and our lawyers.
• Lead by example, nurturing a collaborative team that delivers outstanding bid support and advice.
• As the team grows during the fixed-term contract, potentially take on direct line management of Bids Executives or Assistants, holding effective one-to-ones, setting meaningful objectives and supporting their development.

• Extensive bid experience, with a solution-focused approach and confidence in developing…