Communication & Pursuits Strategist (Bid Manager), Assurance - Permanent - London

Job description

Are you an experienced Bid Manager? Do you want to be part of a dynamic, highly skilled and valued pursuit (bid) team?

Our UK and Ireland (UK&I) team is helping set EY apart from our competition, playing a vital role in helping EY achieve its growth ambitions.  We are facing a very competitive landscape with EU reforms leading to mandatory audit rotation, strict independence rules for other services, and a huge increase in the number and value of pursuits. Our team is growing and we’re looking for the brightest talent in the market to join us.

The opportunity
You will be a key part of a team that is responsible for the development and execution of winning pursuit strategies. In your role you will support the engagement team to demonstrate our understanding of the client, showcase our credentials and clearly articulate the EY differentiators and value proposition across all of our interactions with the client, including meetings, presentations and proposal documents.

You will project manage every element of the entire process (from pre-RFP stages to orals and win/loss reviews), ensuring every interaction with our clients is well planned. Although you will be based in your stated location, there may be a requirement for you to assist on large strategic bids in other locations in the UK, therefore some travel may be expected.

Your key responsibilities

· 
Input to strategies in the pre-RFP stages of the pursuit through development of: company and sector research; client stakeholder and relationship mapping; ongoing client contact strategy; competitor analysis; and all client-facing activities.

· 
Develop storyboard to enable appropriate contributors and subject matter experts to produce proposal content

· 
Establish a project plan detailing the entire proposal process, timeline and procedures to meet the needs of each specific pursuit.  Actively drive implementation of the project plan, managing deadlines and maintaining regular contact with the pursuit team

· 
Monitor and provide updates onprogress of all pursuit team activities to ensure adherence to deadlines, action plans and quality standards

· 
Provide effective challenge and coaching throughout the pursuit process to encourage teams to think differently

· 
Provide ideas to the pursuit teams on messaging and contribute to the creation of the value proposition

· 
Lead the development of the proposal and meeting materials during the full cycle of the pursuit in coordination with our internal design team

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Ensure that message quality, format, and content meet the client’s objectives and are consistent with firm-wide communication guidelines

· 
Conduct final editing, proofing and delivery of materials to ensure consistency

· 
Attend and actively contribute to all kick-off strategy, status, follow-up/debrief, and presentation preparation meetings

· 
Facilitate meetings with internal stakeholders to drive the pursuit process, evaluate the business issues and service responses required to meet the clients’ needs

· 
Monitor, share and analyse the impact of business and financial news on clients on an ongoing basis

· 
Establish and build relationships throughout business development in the context of individual pursuits and wider best practice and initiatives

· 
Define standards, drive best practice and communicate relevant tools and information with the wider pursuits community

· 
Contribute to team wide initiatives to build a best in class bid function

· 
Identify operational improvement opportunities, proposing, developing and executing solutions on an on-going basis

 

Skills and attributes for success

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Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects, initiatives and workstreams simultaneously

· 
Ability to work to tight deadlines, with the flexibility to deal with rapidly changing situations

· 
Be proactive in taking the lead and ownership of projects

· 
Ability to delegate upwards on pursuit tasks

· 
Effectively interact with all levels within the organisation, including Partners, by challenging, influencing and coaching

· 
Ability to work in a matrix environment and as a team player, working collaboratively, virtually and independently

· 
Stays current with digital trends and their impact on our client’s business.

· 
Attention to detail

· 
Inquisitive attitude and ability to interface with a range of people that possess a diverse set of skills

· 
Ability to quickly grasp a range of complex business issues, work with a high level of confidence and display credibility when working with senior stakeholders

· 
Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify trends in proposal activity

 

To qualify for the role you must have

· 
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

· 
At least three years demonstrable manager level, bid / project management experience

· 
Strong communication skills - written and verbal

· 
Demonstrable ability to develop trusted business relationships with senior stakeholders

· 
Ability to think commercially and strategically

· 
Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team environment

 

Ideally (but not essential as we value diversity), you’ll also have

· 
Knowledge of working for a professional services organisation

 

What we look for

We are looking for you to make a significant impact to delivering the best possible client experience throughout the pursuit process. You will add value by bringing a proactive, consistent, structured and robust bid management methodology, blended with soft coaching skills to challenge the teams you work with to think differently.

 

You will be part of a team who are implementing bid and sales best practice to drive better win rates, whilst securing business on a win-win basis for both us and our clients. You will do this by clearly articulating the difference that EY offers compared to the competition, how it feels to work with us, the value we create and how our solution is relevant to the client and their needs.

 

What working at EY offer

We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with FlexEY you can select benefits that suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions. Plus, we offer:

 

· 
Support and coaching from some of the most engaging colleagues around

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Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career

· 
The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that’s right for you

 

EY is committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We strive to achieve the right balance for our people, enabling us to deliver excellent client service whilst allowing you to build your career without sacrificing your personal priorities. Our flexible working arrangements can help you to achieve a lifestyle balance.

 

About EY

As a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, we’re using the finance products, expertise and systems we’ve developed to build a better working world. That starts with a culture that believes in giving you the training, opportunities and creative freedom to make things better. Whenever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime. And with a commitment to hiring and developing the most passionate people, we’ll make our ambition to be the best employer by 2020 a reality.

 

If you can confidently demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

 

Join us in building a better working world. 

 

Apply now.

 
Who we are

EY is committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We strive to achieve the right balance for our people, enabling us to deliver excellent client service whilst allowing you to build your career without sacrificing your personal priorities. While our client-facing professionals can be required to travel regularly, and at times be based at client sites, our flexible working arrangements can help you to achieve a lifestyle balance.