Do you have a social research, education or assessment background with experience of working on business development, bids, proposal or grants? If so, grow your career with NFER as a Bid Support Manager and make a positive, lasting impact in a leading independent charity with a worldwide reputation.

At NFER, our mission is to improve outcomes for future generations everywhere and to support positive change across education systems worldwide. We do this by creating and sharing research evidence and insights on education policy and practice, informing policymakers and other key decision makers, and strengthening practice in the classroom.

Joining our team of Bid Support Managers you'll work closely with colleagues across NFER to co-ordinate the development of high-quality, winning proposals relating to our research, assessment and system reform work. You will manage the bid process from start to finish, supporting the overall proposal lead and team of experts.

Typically, you’ll work on proposals to win high-impact projects such as large international education surveys, complex evaluations of policy interventions, assessment development and trialling, and delivering technical assistance for teaching and learning system reform. You’ll be bidding to secure work in the UK and internationally (with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa).

What does this role involve?

- Working with subject matter, methodological and technical experts from across NFER to develop robust, compelling, cost effective proposals
- Leading or supporting the project management of proposals
- Planning and chairing proposal and pitch development meetings, steering decision-making and providing constructive challenge
- Leading the development of bid win themes to ensure that our proposals and pitches are stand out from the crowd
- Writing and editing sections of proposal text to excellent standards
- Contributing to bid quality assurance of bids, ensuring that our submissions are compliant with commissioner requirements
- Inputting to bid go/no go decisions

Requirements

We aren't looking for an experienced bid manager, although if this is you please do apply! Ideally you'll have a background in social research, education or assessment with some experience of working on business development, bids or proposal writing and wanting to grow your career in this field. You might even have worked as a grants commissioner or over seen large public sector bids and proposals. We are open to considering a variety of backgrounds - want you'll need sound judgement, good interpersonal and persuasive skills, and the confidence to operate with autonomy with an eye for detail and pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.

The Team

We’re a well-established team with a high bid success rate and we secure lots of high-profile education projects for our colleagues to deliver. We’re always looking to improve what we do though and there are lots of opportunities to get involved with improving our bids processes, resources and training. With NFER currently investing in growing our international portfolio and proactive business development, it’s a particularly exciting time to join the team!

Why NFER?
- Competitive salary £40,000 - £50,000 DOE
- Generous pension scheme
- 42 days’ holiday per year including Bank Holidays + additional discretionary days
- Excellent support for professional development
- Flexible working with both hybrid and remote working options to suit your needs meaning you get a great work/life balance

You’ll be linked to our Slough or York office with minimal requirement for office-based days meaning you can choose to work at home, from the office or a mix of the two to enable you to work as effectively as you can.

We are reviewing applications regularly as part of an ongoing recruitment process.

NFER is a not-for-profit organisation and an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re looking for a place where you can put your heart, soul and skills into making a difference, we want to hear from you. Apply via the button shown.