Options Consultancy Services Limited is a leading global health consultancy established in 1992 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Marie Stopes International. We manage health programmes that ensure vulnerable women and children can access the high quality health services they need. We work with partners to co-create and implement locally informed solutions to complex health problems. This includes governments, development partners, NGOs, civil society and health workers. Our programming is flexible, evidence-based and politically informed. This means we adapt to changing contexts, use data to inform our decisions and ensure our approach is appropriate. Our focus is always on building local skills and systems that last.

Options is looking for a self-motivated Commercial Bid Manager to play a pivotal role in the development of proposals for new programmes. Working within the New Business and Partnerships team, the post holder will be responsible for the development of budgets and advising on wider commercial aspects of all proposals.   

Responsibilities 

The Commercial Bid Manager will work within the New Business and Partnerships (NBP) Team reporting to the Director of New Business and Partnerships with close working links with the Director of Finance.  The NBP team co-ordinates and manages the business development process, in conjunction with others in Options (e.g. Lead Technical Writers, Senior Management, Programme Management and Finance Teams). The Commercial Bid Manager will play a pivotal role in the development of new proposals, being responsible for the construction of budgets and advising on wider commercial aspects of all proposals. 

• Preparation of the commercial elements of proposals:

Working closely with the NBP and Finance Teams, you will be responsible for the development of commercial aspects of proposals.  This will include developing budget templates in line with clients’ requirements, structuring fee rates and operational costs to build up accurate budgets and development of payment by results approaches where appropriate.  You will need to develop a broad understanding of the programme aims and delivery model to produce commercially viable budgets that offer funders value for money.  You will also work with partner organisations to guide them in constructing budgets, including budget negotiation where necessary.  You will contribute to the review of all budgets prior to submission, ensuring they are comprehensive and advising on changes where necessary

• Post tender

This role will support revisions of budgets and commercial tenders as part of contract negotiation with clients.  On successful bids you will work with Options’ Programmes team ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of the budgets and assumptions to assist them during the programme start up. 

• Other duties

You will support, as required, the provision of financial information to assist with the development of Options’ new business strategy, and advise on ways in which business development systems can be enhanced and developed to improve efficiency and/or increase our chances of bids being successful. 

The postholder will be expected to work closely with other teams to develop the approach including the construction of data on overhead costs, day rates, etc.

The post is based in Options’ office in central London. Occasional international travel may be required.

Benefits

Options offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave allowance, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and a performance related bonus scheme.

Essential

• Management or Administrative qualification with significant financial component
• Wide ranging financial skills encompassing both financial and management accounting.
• Extensive experience of budget development and analysis
• Experience of developing and maintaining complex and large spreadsheet models
• Analytical skills
• Highly developed (advanced) spreadsheet skills (Excel)
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to present and explain complex issues to  staff from a variety of backgrounds
• Ability to work autonomously to tight deadlines
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable

• CCAB finance qualification
• Thorough understanding of and experience in the development sector
• Knowledge and experience of the requirements of donors including but not restricted to DFID, the World Bank and foundations (e.g. the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)

• Options is an equal opportunities employer

• Overseas candidates require a valid UK work permit
• Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment.