12-Week ‘Become a Bid Manager’ Programme

This 12-week intensive training programme is designed for individuals aspiring to become successful Bid Managers.

The course is divided into two parts:

6 weeks of intensive learning followed by 6 weeks of real-world work experience.

Aligned with globally recognised industry standards such as APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) and Shipley methodologies, this programme equips you with the essential skills, knowledge, and practical experience to excel in the competitive world of bid and proposal management.

Programme Structure:

Part 1: Intensive Learning (Weeks 1-6)

The first six weeks will focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of bid management principles and best practices. You’ll engage in interactive learning sessions, hands-on workshops, and case studies, building a solid foundation in bid and proposal writing aligned with APMP and Shipley standards.

Week 1: Introduction to Bid Management and the Bid Lifecycle
– Overview of Bid Management and its importance in securing contracts.
– Key stages of the bid lifecycle: from identifying opportunities to contract award.
– Introduction to APMP and Shipley methodologies.

Week 2: Bid Strategy and Planning
– Understanding client requirements and objectives.
– Developing win themes and bid strategies.
– Creating bid plans and managing timelines effectively.

Week 3: Writing Winning Bids
– Best practices in proposal writing, structure, and formatting.
– Techniques for writing clear, concise, and compelling content.
– Tailoring bids to align with evaluation criteria.

Week 4: Stakeholder Management and Collaboration
– Working with internal and external stakeholders.
– Managing subject matter experts (SMEs), technical teams, and partners.
– Collaborative tools and techniques for effective bid teamwork.

Week 5: Bid Review and Compliance
– Quality assurance processes: Pink, Red, and Gold Team reviews.
– Ensuring compliance with bid requirements.
– Using checklists and Shipley methodologies for thorough proposal reviews.

Week 6: Final Submission and Post-Bid Activities
– Managing the final submission process.
– Debriefing: How to handle feedback and lessons learned.
– Building a repository of reusable content for future bids.

Part 2: Work Experience (Weeks 7-12)

In the second half of the programme, you’ll apply your newly acquired knowledge through 6 weeks of work experience in a real-world bid environment. You’ll be placed with a partner company, where you’ll assist in managing live bids, giving you hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced Bid Managers.

Week 7-8: Immersing in Bid Operations
– Getting familiar with the company’s bidding processes.
– Supporting a live bid from the early stages (opportunity identification, kickoff meetings).

Week 9-10: Working on Bid Documents
– Writing sections of a bid, collaborating with SMEs, and managing version control.
– Assisting in the preparation for Pink and Red Team reviews.

Week 11: Review and Submission
– Participating in the final review process.
– Supporting the final submission and ensuring compliance with all requirements.

Week 12: Reflecting and Next Steps
– Reviewing the full bid process, identifying strengths, and areas for improvement.
– Personal debrief and career development guidance.
– Discussing post-programme opportunities as a Bid Manager.

Certification:
At the end of the programme, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to pursue APMP Foundation certification, which is a widely respected credential in the bid management industry.

Ideal For:
– Aspiring Bid Managers who are looking to enter the field with both theoretical and practical experience.
– Professionals seeking to formalise their knowledge and skills in line with industry standards.
– Individuals aiming for a career transition into the competitive world of bid management.

Timeline Overview:
– Weeks 1-6: Intensive learning sessions, workshops, and practical exercises based on APMP and Shipley frameworks.
– Weeks 7-12: On-the-job training and real-world experience in a live bid environment.

This comprehensive programme ensures participants are fully prepared to manage bids from start to finish, setting them up for success as Bid Managers in a range of industries.