We are an international provider of research, consulting, programme management and communications services. We combine our passion and our business professionalism to make a difference in the world. Our mission is to help our clients make decisions, build capacity to implement and communicate change, and deliver bespoke services. Our teams of researchers, policy experts, programme managers and communications specialists help our clients to address today’s most important societal challenges. We provide expert advice and support to deliver change. Our practical solutions are crafted to make a real difference to the world we live in, however small or large. We’re an employee-owned organisation that gives 1% of our profits to charity each year. Our working culture promotes personal and career development and you’ll be part of a large international group with offices worldwide. Ecorys operates a flexible working policy

We are currently looking for a Business Development Assistant to form a key part of a small support team to provide business development support to a busy research team. The BD Assistant will support the team to win new work from existing and new clients. Working with the team’s researchers, experts and consultants, and our administrators you will coordinate and administer the production and submission of bids and proposals. Every week we submit several bids and support is needed to ensure our ongoing growth and success.

Your business development duties will include being responsible for formatting a range of MS Word documents including CVs, case studies and proposals as well as creating presentations and diagrams/charts/tables, following our brand guidelines. You will be responsible for completing the administrative and legal requirements of bidding procedures. The roles involves searching and securing suitable experts, obtaining letters of intent and issuing subcontracts to contractors. You will liaise with clients, partners and stakeholders to ensure excellent relationships are maintained. You will be supporting with tender searching activity from time to time, and using client portals to submit clarification questions and submit bids. Background research into competitors, clients or new market areas might be required.

This is a full time position however we would consider someone on a part time basis (30 hours per week). The role can be based in any of our three UK offices.

Role respobsilities

•Use advanced MS Word skills to format a range of documents and reports to a professional standard
•Follow company or client branding guidelines and templates for Word and PowerPoint files
•Prepare letters to clients on headed paper and mail merges
•Format and tailor staff CV’s and track record or project summaries/case studies.
•Coordinate tender production process, arrange meetings, make bid plans
•Manage diaries/meetings, book meeting rooms
•Gain an understanding of our client’s administrative requirements for a range of tender opportunities, proposals, expressions of interest and help the team complete and submit pre-qualification questionnaires and expressions of interest.
•Liaise with our design team to secure any design inputs to documents.
•Collate key administrative, legal and financial company documents to support bidding processes.
•Liaise with finance, HR, IT to gather latest versions of policies or company information.
•Coordinate the submission of bids via a web portal or via email; or book the courier and liaise with print room and reception to meet print room deadlines.
•Undertake direct client contact by phone/email on administrative queries
•Prepare background research for marketing and business development purposes.
•Assist with organising internal and external events, calls, and meetings

Role requirements
•5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English, grades A-C.
•Good First Degree or equivalent years of relevant experience.
•Advanced Word skills.
•Intermediate Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint skills.
•Relevant professional experience in the consultancy or research sector.
•Ability to format large, complex Word documents with annexes following corporate and client templates.
•Excellent co-ordination and organisational skills
•High degree of accuracy and eye for detail.
•Excellent administrative skills able to collect and maintain proposal files and paperwork
•Ability to work to multiple deadlines and prioritise work, with proven experience in a demanding environment.
•Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
•A willingness to work flexibly to meet tight and challenging deadlines.
•Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team based across four office locations.
•Ability to learn to use new systems such as online project management software and client procurement portals
•A high standard of written and spoken English as well as an excellent telephone manner