Bid Proposal Development Manager

CPI helps make great ideas and inventions a reality. We’re a team of intelligent people using advances in science and technology to solve the biggest global challenges in healthcare and sustainability.

Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with our partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products.

From health technologies and pharmaceuticals to sustainable food and materials innovations, we turn the entrepreneurial spirit and radical thinking of our people and partners into incredible impact that makes our world a better place.

CPI has an opportunity for an experienced Bid Proposal Development Manager to join our established, growing team. The Bid Development team delivers CRD revenue targets through securing Grant funding for collaborative projects. Subject to the nature of the bid and the funder, projects may be delivered over a 1 – 4‑year period ensuring the future advancement of capabilities within the relevant business units. 

In the role of Bid Proposal Development Manager, you will support the development of collaborative projects based on CPI’s Formulation capability within the National Formulation Centre business unit. Projects may fall outside of the Formulation area however will underpin the technologies required for the development of the capabilities and future needs. 

You will also be required to understand and incorporate CPI’s broader marketing offering, including capabilities in MedTech, Biotechnology, Biologics, and Medicines Manufacturing.

We bid into 2 main funding sources: Innovate UK funding calls and Horizon Europe (currently — may change in accordance with the UK association deal). We are also keen to pursue alternative funding sources as identified by our team or partners.

In the past FY (up to December 2022), we have secured £22m in CRD funding across all of the Business units. Notable projects include several battery development projects under both Horizon Europe and Innovate UK Faraday Battery Challenge. 

The scope of work includes embedding sensors in cells, development of new materials for anodes and cathodes, and contributing to development of self-healing measures for Lithium batteries. We have also been successful in securing projects in the digital arena, specifically development of soft sensors. We are also working with industrial partners to develop a UK value chain for converting waste gases into sustainable materials for consumer products, among many others. 

Key Responsibilities:

• To identify appropriate funds and partners to create capability building projects 
• To utilise the diverse skills, knowledge and capability available across CPI and coordinate to achieve the highest quality, compelling bid and/​or proposal submissions
• To build, write and submit public-private bids/​proposals aligned with CPI’s business strategy and technical capability
• Working with technical delivery teams, project management, and other potential partners to develop a compelling proposal that are adequately developed, reviewed and approved in line with CPI processes prior to submission
• To create and maintain CPI’s bid methodology, document management and templates to develop organisational learning 
• Support financial planning and forecasting by accurately logging and maintaining accurate bid details in the CRM system as bids develop

Details of some specific projects are available on the CPI website here.

Will be educated to degree level in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Business discipline, ideally with knowledge of application development relating to advanced materials, chemical and digital processes and nanopharmaceuticals across product and process development lifecycles to include scale-up potential and consideration of environmental impacts. 

Additional post-graduate qualifications and/​or experience of working in a relevant industrial sector would be advantageous. 

Will be able to demonstrate successful previous experience with scoping and winning grant-funded opportunities between £100k & £10m total project value, incorporating MedTech device development, in vitro diagnostics or other relevant electronics/​photonics development aspects.

Will have a proven track record in developing innovative CRD projects and securing funding within a relevant technology area or market. 

Previous experience in developing funding proposals for Innovate UK or EU Horizon funding would be desirable.

Will have a strong commercial awareness reinforced with excellent writing skills and the technical credibility to build relationships with partners in industry and academia. 

The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, excellent editing and proofing skills and be comfortable working on multiple projects to tight deadlines. 

You will be an excellent team player who can quickly establish sustainable and professional relationships both internally and externally.

At CPI, we offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, this includes:

• Up to 36 days holiday, including bank holidays – Plus a holiday purchasing scheme
• Generous pension scheme
• Life assurance and accident insurance schemes
• Flexible working
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Free parking

Find out more about our culture and benefits.

Previous applicants need not apply.

CPI is an organisation based in the UK. Commencement of employment is conditional to demonstrating right to work in the UK, sponsorship may be available.