We are seeking a proactive, commercially minded, and highly organised Bid & New Business Manager to lead and coordinate the practice’s business development and bid activities within a fast-paced architectural environment. This role combines strategic new business development with the management and delivery of compelling bid submissions. This is a key role in supporting the continued growth and profile of the practice.

Working closely with Directors, Project Teams, Graphics, Research, and Communications teams, they will drive strategic business development initiatives while overseeing the preparation of high-quality bid submissions, presentations, and new business materials.

This role requires an individual with proven experience within the architectural sector who is equally comfortable managing relationships and producing engaging, well-structured bid content. A creative and analytical mindset is essential, alongside strong storytelling and content development skills that communicate the practice’s design ethos, expertise, and value proposition effectively.

The ideal candidate will be confident working both independently and collaboratively, able to take initiative, and capable of building long-term value through strong client relationships, market awareness, and strategic thinking. Excellent organisational, communication, and time-management skills are essential, as is the ability to thrive in a dynamic and deadline-driven environment.

Key responsibilities

• Research, disseminate and generate EOI, PPQs, ITTs and lead bid submissions and competition entries.
• Produce high-quality bid documents and new business collateral, as well as documentation and templates including reports, presentations, project sheets, texts and staff CVs.
• Assist management with determining team composition where sub-consultants are required, understanding where sub-consultants can provide added value in line with client objectives.
• Research new business opportunities and leads in relevant target markets and identify prospective opportunities for the practice.
• Follow up leads, including regular downloads with management for potential competitions / bids / tenders.
• Monitor new business related enquiries, as well as accurately record projected timelines and submitted bids to ensure feedback is gained and recorded.
• Lead a healthy business development pipeline and manage a comprehensive CRM system to record new business activity and leads.
• Develop strategic connections with potential new clients and arrange high-value meetings.
• Possess a strong understanding of our competition in the industry and our positioning.
• Represent the company brand and promote the company at all levels.
• Identify key industry events and ensure Adjaye Associates is represented accordingly.
• Work with the Marketing and Comms team to help develop new materials to support business development activities, including drafting, designing and production of new business proposals and award submissions.

The person

• Educated to Degree level
• Strong existing relationships within the architectural and built environment sector
• Utilise market experience, insight and skillset and play a key role in driving the business forward
• Unparalleled communication skills, strong tenacity, and a strategic and well-informed approach to develop new opportunities.
• Possess excellent awareness of current topics, trends, developments, and updates from the Built Environment sector
• Understand the target markets, including industry, company, project, company contacts and which market strategies can be used to attract clients
• Creative and insightful, identifying how existing opportunities could be developed, or finding new routes for business development.
• Confident and pro-active with strong leadership skills, and the ability to form positive relationships with people at all levels.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• The desire to excel in a strategic role at a world-renowned architectural practice.