Head of Bids & Solutions (Connected Services)

Equans is a renowned energies & services contractor and a proud member of the Bouygues global industrial group. Our expertise spans the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and critical infrastructure worldwide. We have a great opportunity for a Head of Solutions & Bids to support our growing Connected Services business.

Role overview

As the leaders in asset management, operation and optimisation, the Connected Services Business brings together Equans’ capabilities in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, streetlighting and electrical works, smart cities and critical energy asset management.

The Head of Solutions & Bids is responsible for leading the development of integrated solutions, customer offers, and leading bids across Equans’ Connected Services Business. The Bids & Solutions team will also provide overall support to the Business Development function ensuring effective reporting and management of pipelines, opportunities and performance.

The role is a critical part of the work-winning function. They will lead the bid and estimating team, and lead the development of integrated, multi-disciplinary solutions that combine infrastructure, energy and digital capabilities to deliver differentiated, client-focused outcomes.

The primary objective of the role is to drive profitable growth by increasing win rates, improving margin performance and securing strategically aligned contracts. This includes leading bid and capture strategies, shaping opportunities from early-stage engagement through to contract award, and ensuring that Equans is positioned competitively in priority markets.

Key activities

• Lead the bid function ensuring effective prioritisation of projects and delivery of high quality bids
• Work with Operations and Sales teams to shape value adding and work winning customer offers
• Lead large strategic bids across Connected Services. Set the win strategy and ensure delivery through clear timelines, roles, governance, budgets
• Manage governance of bids ensuring a clear and timely governance structure
• Develop the bids and solutions team to create a best in class capability
• Act as the key interface with Central Estimating function to ensure work winning and margin delivering pricing approach and strategy on every bid
• Work closely with Operations and Sales teams and leadership to drive market leading customer offers and integrated solutions
• Manage reporting of bid performance – volume, conversion rates, ROI of team
• Manage and track pipeline and activity, working closely with the Business Development Teams.
• Ensure Saleforce is up to date and manage reporting of KPIs through the platform
• Represent and lead the contribution of Connected Services on integrated DES bids

Skills, qualifications and experience

• APMP or equivalent bid/proposal management accreditation
• Demonstrable experience in a strategic business development or bid leadership role within infrastructure, energy, utilities or related sectors.
• Proven track record of leading and winning high-value customer projects and bids,  including frameworks, concessions or long-term service contracts.
• Experience of developing and mentoring teams, contributing to capability building and continuous improvement.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience of pricing strategies, cost modelling, risk management and contract negotiation.
• Experience of working across multiple business units or service lines to develop integrated, client-focused solutions.
• Strong understanding of public and private sector procurement processes, including regulated frameworks and competitive dialogue procedures.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging at senior/executive level both internally and externally.

We offer an excellent benefits package including: 

• 5 days annual leave (+ public holidays) 
• Life Cover equivalent to 3 times annual salary 
• 10% Bonus
• Company shares
• Company car or car allowance
• Private health
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers 
• Gym membership discounts  
• Cycle to work scheme  
• Holiday purchase scheme 
• 2 corporate social responsibility days per year 
• Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes 
• Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme 
• Access to our growing employee networks including WiE (Women in EQUANS), RISE (BAME), LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN (Young Persons Network) and our Disability Network 
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app 

Who are we?

EQUANS is a world leader in energy services with nearly 100,000 employees working in more than 50 countries, with an annual turnover of over 17 billion euros. 

In the UK & Ireland, EQUANS is a provider of technical, FM, regeneration and energy services – with specialist capabilities in smart buildings, green mobility, district & embedded energy and decentralised renewables.

EQUANS’ 13,500 UK & Ireland employees combine these activities to help businesses, public sector organisations and government to embrace the energy transition towards net zero, and also the digital & industrial transitions that are redesigning the way we move, work and live.

EQUANS is a Bouygues group company.

What’s next?

If this role is of interest to you, please click below to register, apply, and track your progress! A member of our Resourcing Team will review your application and be in touch.

As part of a positive action drive to address under-representation in senior management positions we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.

In support of our positive action measures, we will consider applications that do not meet all the technical requirements if candidates can demonstrate how transferable skills will enable them to successfully deliver the remit of the role in an environment which promotes a flexible working culture.

At Equans we’re committed to delivering a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and supported. We know the value a diverse workforce creates, delivering better results for our people, customers, and stakeholders. Diversity and inclusion is at the core of what we do, should you join Equans you’ll find a welcoming and open workplace where you’re supported and encouraged to be your true self at work. You’ll also have access to our growing employee networks including AccessAbility (representing those with physical and mental disabilities), Encompass (representing the LGBTQ+ community), RISE (representing people from ethnic backgrounds), Veterans & Reservists, WOMEN TOGETHER (representing women in Equans), Working Parents, and Young Professionals.