Kainos

Principal Bid Owner

United Kingdom full-time Senior Salary not listed
full-time Senior level Technology & IT Curated
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About the role

Join Kainos and Shape the Future
At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.
We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.
Principal Bid Owner (Public Sector)
About the Role
As a Principal Bid Owner, you will lead strategic, high-value public sector pursuits, shaping winning propositions and bid responses that help Kainos secure major digital transformation programmes. This is a leadership role focused on pursuit strategy, solution positioning and bid quality, rather than solely bid writing.
Key Responsibilities

Develop compelling value propositions, win themes and key messaging.

Own the overall bid narrative to articulate a winning bid solution, integrating technical, commercial and delivery content.

Leading storyboarding and response development, engaging subject matter experts effectively to secure required insight and evidence while using specialist time efficiently

Shape and challenge solutions to ensure they are credible, competitive and client-focused.

Collaborate with sales, delivery, technical and commercial stakeholders to drive successful outcomes.

Ensure submissions are high-quality, compliant and aligned to customer evaluation criteria.

Coach colleagues and contribute to bid best practice and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

Proven success in senior pursuit, pre-sales or bid leadership roles

Strong proposal writing, editing and storytelling skills., with experience of holding the pen on complex bid responses

Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive decisions in complex environments.

Understanding of digital transformation, technology delivery and commercial considerations.

Knowledge of UK Public Sector procurement and bidding processes.

Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder management skills.

Ideal backgrounds: Bid Director, Capture Manager, Senior Bid Manager, Pursuit Lead, Pre-Sales Lead or Solution Lead with significant bid ownership experience.
Why Join Kainos?
We are building a world-class Business Development capability to support Kainos’ continued growth. You'll have the opportunity to shape some of the UK's most important public sector digital transformation programmes, working with clients including the Home Office, Defra, HMCTS, Department for Transport and FCDO. You'll join a collaborative, high-performing team where your expertise will directly influence Kainos' continued success and growth.
Embracing our differences  
At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive.   We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are.   We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.
Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.
We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.
Originally posted on Himalayas

Interview prep

Walk in with sharper answers.

Use this as a quick practice sheet before you speak with the employer.

Senior
Technology & IT Business Development Content Writing Human Resources Sales Writing Senior level

Likely questions

  1. Tell us about work you have done that is close to the Principal Bid Owner role.
  2. How would you approach your first 30 days at Kainos?
  3. Which of Business Development, Content Writing and Human Resources have you used recently, and what did it help you achieve?
  4. How have you led people, improved a process, or made a hard decision in a previous role?
  5. How do you handle busy days, changing priorities, or pressure at work?

Prepare before the call

  • A recent example that proves your experience with Business Development, Content Writing and Human Resources.
  • One short story with a problem, your action, and the result.
  • Two examples that show the strengths listed on your CV.
  • A clear reason why this role and company interest you.
  • Your availability, preferred work style, and salary expectations.

Ask them

  • What would success look like in the first 90 days?
  • What are the main problems this hire should help solve?
  • How does the team give feedback and measure good work?
  • What does a normal working week look like for this role?
Practice line

I am interested in the Principal Bid Owner role because I can bring practical experience in Business Development, Content Writing and Human Resources, learn the team quickly, and contribute to the outcomes Kainos needs from this hire.

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