We are looking for a passionate and committed Head of Relationships and Tender Management who understands that outstanding service provision is derived from forming positive and productive relationships.

We want to work in more communities and deliver more of the high-quality services that people need. We believe that identifying and securing tendering opportunities builds operational capacity, delivers innovative practice, and enables us to invest in incredible services that support thousands of individuals to access the support they need to improve their mental health and wellbeing. That’s why we are looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Relationships and Tender Management to join our growing Operations Team.

As the Head of Relationships and Tender Management you will be helping to meet ambitious growth targets and write successful bids and manage the tender process. With a focus on transformation, supporting the organisation in the development of new service models internally and identifying new service streams with external commissioners and statutory funding partners.

You will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation is prepared to face the challenges of competitive tendering through being able to demonstrate quality in all aspects of our work. This includes not only successfully submitting quality bids and identifying/preparing for specific future opportunities but also to review our current policies and procedures to ensure we can demonstrate that we are a quality organisation providing high quality services and manage any successful tender contracts accordingly.

The Head of Relationships and Tender Management:

• Achieves outcomes which meet the organisation’s strategic priorities at national level
• Writes and develops successful tenders and will meet growth targets and support operational priorities
• Will lead the National Management Team as appropriate to my expertise and role: primarily leading on tendering, including ensuring that SiMS has ‘tender-ready’ policies and procedures and can demonstrate quality, consistency, and equity across the country
• Manage successful bid contracts with support of Area Managers and build powerful relationships with commissioners to ensure we remain compliant, competitive, and providing excellent services
• Support other leaders on the National Management Team to demonstrate and articulate quality outcomes in their area
• Develop strong working relationships with a number of partners across a wide range of sectors to achieve positive outcomes and protect and improve Support in Mind Scotland’s reputation

Who are we looking for?

Support in Mind Scotland is a leading national mental health charity providing incredible person-centred support. We want to make sure we can offer evidence-based mental health support to all those who need it, and we want to build meaningful partnerships, as an innovative and knowledgeable tender professional you will be supporting us to enable this change.

What I do and what I achieve

We are looking for someone who is ambitious, positive, organised, and experienced in bid writing and tender management. This is a great opportunity to shape competitive tendering and transform services across the organisation.

• You have an extensive track record of securing funding via tendering, including ability to develop a ‘case for support’, experience in grant and trust funding and developing Service Level Agreements is also beneficial
• You have a track record in bid management and of planning and developing compliant and successful proposals/bids, including a proven track record of successfully securing new work or retaining existing contracts
• You have the ability to develop and manage relationships, particularly in dispersed and multi-functional teams and with external stakeholders
• You have experience researching tender opportunities, as well as creating tools and resources to support tenders and grants
• You have experience and confidence in managing multiple projects simultaneously
• You are an impressive self-starter and able to drive through projects.

Could we be a match?

You would be joining Support in Mind Scotland at an exciting stage of growth and development and will be one of the changemakers in that process.

In return for your passion, innovation and dedication, we offer:

• Professional development including funded opportunities
• An excellent leadership opportunity to make a lasting difference and develop your skills
• A generous 37 days’ holiday
• A 35-hour working week, enhanced sick pay & season ticket loan
• A great work life balance with flexible and blended working environment
• 24/7 access to an award-winning Employee Assistance Programme providing free legal, financial and medical advice as well as support with life’s challenges.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds and value the unique experience that each individual brings to our organisation. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion within our workforce, and to building a team made up of diverse skills, experiences and all kinds of life experiences.