*This position will be based in Saudi Arabia*
Position Objective:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Bids Specialist with a strong background in bid and proposal preparation. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a vendor or consultancy environment with a focus on technology services or sales. Responsibilities include preparing and submitting bids and tender documentation and presentations, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
Job Description & Responsibilities:
- Proactively identify and respond to formal RFPs (Requests for Proposals) and unsolicited offers in the ICT industry.
- Develop and implement comprehensive bidding strategies to ensure competitiveness and maximize contract awards, aligning with client requirements and project goals.
- Conduct thorough research and analysis of bid requirements, specifications, and terms and conditions. Analyze RFQs and prepare costings using standard processes and tools.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather necessary information and documentation, crafting persuasive, detailed proposals. Manage internal teams (technical, commercial, and proposal writers) to ensure timely and high-quality proposal submissions.
- Coordinate with technical and account teams to conduct competitor research and analysis, developing effective win strategies.
- Lead the creation of compelling and compliant proposals, overseeing all aspects of content development, editing, and proofreading.
- Ensure compliance with all RFP requirements and guidelines.
- Prepare and submit highly competitive bids and tenders to prospective clients within established deadlines. Review and edit bids to ensure compliance with customer requirements and internal guidelines.
- Manage and update the bid content repository, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is easily accessible.
- Oversee the entire bid process, from opportunity identification to proposal submission, and perform risk assessments related to bid submissions.
- Provide regular and timely updates to internal stakeholders (technical, account, management), monitoring progress and bid outcomes.
- Review and interpret customer feedback on unsuccessful bids to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective measures.
- Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and competitor activities to enhance bidding strategies.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Coordinate pre-bid meetings and site visits to gather critical information necessary for tender submissions.
- Monitor and ensure adherence to tender submission due dates, including checking, binding, packing, and preparing outgoing submissions. Also, ensure timely raising of clarifications to gain better clarity on offer submission and full compliance with all necessary details.
- Check and follow up on incoming tenders, noting tender due dates, project start and end dates, submission instructions/requirements, and mode of submission.
- Ensure the Proposals Library and related databases contain accurate and easily accessible information, and regularly update them.
- Responsible for all activities related to RFP review, verifying RFP content, queries upload, Terms and Conditions, and preparing costing sheets according to Etimad BOQ, and tender/proposal submission to the Etimad Portal.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business.
- At least 8-10 years of proven experience in bid preparation, ideally within the telecom/technology and service sales industry.
- Strong understanding of tendering processes - RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, including bid evaluation and contract negotiations.
- Technical knowledge of Telecom, IT, and Project Management will be an added advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and concepts clearly and concisely, and possess excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical and time management skills to meet tough deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of relevant local standards, regulations, business practices, and legal processes.
- Proficiency in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with expertise in creating professional documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Familiarity with CRM and bid management software.
- Strong command of both English and Arabic languages (both written and spoken).