Bid Senior Manager

About the Role

As the Head of Pursuits at PwC Ireland, you will lead the pursuits team in executing strategic pursuits and proposal activities across the firm’s business development efforts. This pivotal role involves managing high-stakes pursuits, developing competitive proposals, and collaborating closely with proposition leaders and client-facing partners. You will spearhead the end-to-end pursuit process, including strategy development, implementation, and post-pursuit analysis to drive firm growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Firm’s Pursuit team to deliver outcomes consistent with PwC’s market growth strategy by ensuring effective and aligned execution of pursuits.
• Manage pursuit support across all service lines such as tax, assurance, and advisory services spanning multiple sectors.
• Partner with client-facing pursuit leaders and account teams to identify and prioritize critical 'must-win' pursuits essential to the firm's objectives.
• Oversee the development of persuasive pursuit sales strategies and translate them into impactful meeting preparations, supporting documentation, and competitive bid proposals that clearly communicate PwC’s value proposition.
• Conduct comprehensive post-decision reviews to embed learnings into future pursuit approaches.
• Support business development teams in opportunity identification to uncover areas of potential growth.
• Manage client transitions related to Mandatory Firm Rotation and execute channel conversion initiatives.
• Lead, guide, and nurture the Pursuit and Proposal team to cultivate a high-performing unit delivering differentiated value and sharp business insights.
• Identify and implement new technologies and AI tools to streamline pursuit processes and enhance operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior partners, clients, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful pursuit outcomes.
• Collaborate with the broader PwC network to adopt global best practices within pursuit activities.
• Manage external partners such as design agencies, content writers, communication coaches, and printers to produce branding-compliant high-quality deliverables.
• Develop and roll out training programmes aimed at improving business development capabilities across the organisation.
• Ensure strict compliance with branding standards in all pursuits team outputs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Marketing, Business, Project Management, or related field; advanced degrees like MBA are preferred.
• Professional certifications such as APMP or PMP are advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in business development and client engagement within professional services, including at least 7 years focused on pursuit management, proposal development, and strategic bidding for high-value, complex opportunities.
• Proven ability to build and sustain senior-level internal and external relationships.
• Track record of successfully managing high-value pursuits and proposals.
• Experience in business development training facilitation and team coaching.
• Strong proactive mindset with a focus on innovation and delivering optimal client solutions and communications.
• Experience creating and reviewing impactful communications under tight deadlines.
• Expertise in storytelling and messaging to effectively align PwC’s narrative with client issues.

Core Skills

• Leadership and influence to steer teams and stakeholders toward strategic goals.
• Advanced project management capable of juggling multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with high attention to detail.
• Commercial understanding to craft and articulate client value propositions driving business success.
• Relationship-building excellence to foster meaningful client and partner engagements.
• Innovation-oriented mindset focused on process improvements and creative solutions.
• Creative flair for story crafting in line with brand identity.
• Adaptability and flexibility managing shifting business landscapes while maintaining performance.

Additional Information

This role is based in Dublin, Ireland, and requires onsite presence. PwC supports a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, age, or disability status. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities will be provided upon request. While work visa sponsorship is not offered, this position encourages candidates who may not fulfill every listed qualification to apply, emphasizing potential and growth.

Perks and Benefits

PwC provides a competitive compensation package alongside inclusive employee benefits and flexible programs designed to support personal wellbeing and professional growth within a collaborative environment.