Sumer is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed professional services group. As we scale, our ability to secure and deliver high-quality, consistent bids are critical to driving continued growth.
This role sits within Sumer Offshore Services (SOS) in Johannesburg and plays a central part in building that capability – developing the infrastructure, contents and processes that enable our UK hubs to win more work, more efficiently.
You will design, build and manage Sumer’s centralised bid and tender function, shaping a high-quality, consistent and commercially compelling approach to submissions that drives improved win rates across the Group.
Working as the custodian of bid content, credentials and tender processes, you will collaborate closely with teams across our UK hubs to develop a centralised, high-quality and up-to-date library of reusable materials - reducing duplication of effort while increasing efficiency and consistency.
Alongside this, you will coordinate opportunities arising from national frameworks and panels, ensuring Sumer maximises conversion, increases revenue from tendered work, and maintains full compliance with all reporting requirements - all while delivering a high level of satisfaction for stakeholders across hubs and service lines.
Key Responsibilities
Bid & Tender Development
- Lead the preparation of high-quality bid and tender submissions for national opportunities
- Support best practice development and individual bid processes locally at each hub
- Translate technical content into clear, compelling and client-focused proposals
- Ensure consistency of tone, structure and messaging aligned to Sumer brand
- Tailor submissions to specific sectors, buyers and evaluation criteria
- Manage timelines, inputs and approvals across multiple stakeholders
Content & Credentials Management
- Build and maintain a centralised library of bid content, including:
- Case studies
- Client testimonials
- Service line credentials
- Sector-specific experience
- CVs and team profiles
- Work with hubs to continuously source and refresh content
- Standardise best-practice responses for common tender questions
- Ensure all materials are easily accessible and regularly updated
Framework & Panel Opportunity Ownership
- Act as the central owner for opportunities arising from:
- Public sector frameworks
- Buying groups and panels
- Track and distribute opportunities across relevant hubs
- Coordinate responses and ensure deadlines are met
- Monitor pipeline and conversion rates from framework activity
Compliance & Reporting
- Manage all framework compliance requirements, including:
- Reporting obligations
- Data submissions
- Accreditation updates
- Ensure Sumer remains compliant with framework terms and conditions
- Act as key liaison for framework administrators
Best Practice & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and embed a best-practice bid process across Sumer
- Introduce templates, playbooks and quality standards
- Analyse bid performance (win/loss) to improve future submissions
- Share insights and best practice across hubs
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Hub Heads of Service Lines
- Group Service Line Leads
- Marketing team
- Business Development leads
- Act as a central coordinator across a matrix structure
- Provide guidance and support to hubs on bid strategy and approach
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Experience in professional services (accountancy, legal, consulting)
- Proven experience in bid writing, tender management or proposal development
- Strong written communication skills - able to simplify complex technical content
- Experience working across multiple stakeholders in a decentralised environment
- Highly organised with strong project management capability
- Commercial mindset with focus on winning work
- Strong design skills
Desirable
- Experience with UK public sector frameworks and procurement processes
- Familiarity with CRM / bid management tools
- Experience working in an offshore or remote support model
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and / or Canva
Belong @ Sumer
At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.
Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:
- We Shine Together
- We Do the Right Thing
- We Make It Count
We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.