Pre-Delivery Lead - Highways

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We are recruiting for a Pre‑Delivery Lead, Highways to join us here at Octavius. We are a leading civil engineering organisation delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient transport solutions across the UK

This pivotal position within our Highways business leads our pre‑delivery function and reports directly to the Pre‑Delivery Director. We are looking for an outstanding Highways Bid Manager to drive improvements across work‑winning that support our growth while maintaining a sensitive, people‑centred approach.

This is a hybrid position, offering a flexible mix of remote working and time spent at one of our offices, which will serve as your official base. While access to Binley is a bonus, locations such as Reigate, Wraysbury, Hatfield, or Winchester are also suitable. Occasional travel to other sites may be required.

You'll be working on… (what your role and responsibility is)

• Strategically leading our Highways work‑winning function and, where required, taking ownership of strategic bids (including framework bids) for key customers.
• Prioritising bid activity in line with business strategy, ensuring profitability and effective risk management.
• Shaping compelling value propositions and bid strategies, overseeing bid management and authoring, and ensuring adherence to Bid Management procedures and corporate governance.
• Embedding innovative methodologies and value‑engineering solutions into submissions and conducting thorough risk assessments.
• Collaborating closely with estimating and commercial leads to develop competitive profit‑plan strategies aligned to our value proposition.
• Building case‑study evidence, enhancing brand awareness and messaging, and ensuring the effective use of AI tools and other technologies to improve pre‑delivery performance.
• Championing our four pillars: Assured & Safe Delivery, Exceptional Value, Learn, Grow & Thrive, and Sustainable Legacy.
  
  

You'll work with… (because relationships are important)

A highly motivated team of Bid Managers and Bid Writers, partnering with the Pre‑Delivery Director, the Managing Estimator, and colleagues across our commercial, estimating and delivery functions. You'll also engage with major highways infrastructure clients and framework partners.

You'll receive… (because we value you)

A competitive rewards package, including a Company Car scheme, Private Healthcare, Pension, Life Assurance cover, 25 days' Annual Leave (plus a day off for your birthday). You'll also have access to hybrid working where possible, an enhanced Paternity & Maternity package, and the opportunity to develop yourself personally and professionally.

About You…. (what You Are Skilled At)

You're an outstanding Highways Bid Manager who leads by example—confident driving performance improvements while staying attuned to colleagues' needs. You build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, communicate compelling cases to customers and peers, and bring a commercial, evidence‑based mindset. You're organised, resilient and thrive in dynamic, deadline‑driven environments.

You'll Bring… (your Wealth Of Experience & Qualifications)

• Highways Bid Management experience (essential)—a successful track record delivering large, complex highways and civil engineering projects.
• Experience within infrastructure/civil engineering/construction (highways/transport).
• Proven ability to create and lead high‑performance bid teams.
• Relationship‑building capability with internal customers, stakeholders and supply chain partners.
• Knowledge of industry regulatory environments and procurement trends (e.g., Project 13, Construction Playbook, Modern Methods of Construction).
• Proficiency in work‑winning strategies and bid governance.
• APMP/Shipley certification (or equivalent experience).
  
  

Our selection process

A two‑stage interview, an occupational personality questionnaire, and a presentation.

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.

• Pre-Delivery Lead Highways.pdf