Gilly Adams

Senior Shipley-trained bid professional with extensive experience across the legal, defence, nuclear, engineering, NHS and infrastructure sectors. Strong track record of leading complex, high-value bids from capture through submission, developing winning strategies, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams, subject matter experts, stakeholders, and joint venture and supply chain partners. Recognised for clear communication, calm leadership, and disciplined delivery in demanding environments.

Brings expertise in bid planning, governance, budget management, process improvement, and the development of compelling, client-focused submissions. SC cleared.

Bids Manager (FTC Maternity Cover) - TLT LLP

(2024-01 - 2025-12)

Led end-to-end bid delivery, aligning responses to client requirements and developing winning strategies with partners and subject matter experts.

• Scoped opportunities and led Go/No Go and Bid/No Bid decisions.
• Produced bid plans and delivery programmes using a structured best-practice approach.
• Wrote persuasive, client-focused responses that clearly articulated win themes and differentiators.
• Worked closely with commercial, risk and compliance teams to shape pricing strategy and submission quality.
• Mapped and led reviews to ensure responses gained maximum evaluation scores.
• Secured multiple wins across a broad range of sectors, reinforcing the strength and adaptability of the bid approach.

Tender Manager (FTC, 3-month contract) - Cyclife UK

(2024-01 - 2024-03)

Partnered with Consultancy, Major Projects, and Engineering teams to deliver RFI, SQ and framework responses.

• Led Go/No Go and Bid/No Bid presentations for executive decision-making.
• Improved bid processes and templates in line with Shipley best practice, using virtual workshops for storyboarding, win strategy, stakeholder planning, and SWOT analysis.
• Led the team to secure an engineering contract, including close coordination with a key supply chain partner.

Inside Sales Manager (Bid Manager) - Jacobs

(2020-01 - 2023-12)

Led bids across defence, cyber and nuclear markets, directing multidisciplinary teams and developing strong value propositions.

• Worked with the MOD to shape requirements for simulated and synthetic training.
• Bid managed a consortium tender for a cyber opportunity.
• Led a nuclear bid with JV partners and supply chain stakeholders, building a collaborative approach.
• Bid managed the award of the ~£250m Integrated Asset Care Framework at Sellafield as part of a joint venture, coordinating governance, reviews, and stakeholder engagement throughout the pursuit.
• Led storyboarding, reviews, governance, negotiation, stakeholder management, and continuous improvement activity.

Bid and Proposal Specialist - Boeing Defence UK

(2019-01 - 2020-12)

Bid managed C-17 Globemaster campaigns, including competitor analysis and win strategy development.

• Planned the next phase of the C-17 Synthetic Training Service tender for RAF aircrew and engineers.
• Supported the award of the ~£274m Synthetic Training Service contract, securing long-term delivery through to 2040.
• Redeveloped the campaign plan on a page, contributing to daily and weekly commercial discussions with the client and partners.
• Coordinated responses to meet the complex MOD audit and governance process.
• Consulted with the supply chain and profiled the revised bid and proposal funding requirement.

Work Winning Submission Team - HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction

(2018-01 - 2019-12)

Coordinated high-value SQs and ITTs across the rail and highways sectors.

• Led a collaborative approach with JV partners and key supply chain.
• Developed and managed bid programmes and tender deliverables matrices, maintaining daily visibility of progress against milestones.
• Stakeholder management including the development of a visual plan on a page and weekly tender update.
• Responsible for the creation of bespoke responses for inclusion in tenders.
• Tracked and reported future pipeline activity at Managing Director level, liaising with clients on programme and procurement timelines.
• Development of win/loss analysis.
• Supervised and mentored the Bid Coordinator.

Bid Executive - Liaison Group

(2016-01 - 2018-12)

Managed NHS workforce management and VAT solution bids from kick-off through submission and lessons learned.

• Provided weekly executive reporting on active bids, outcomes, and pipeline.
• Managed the intranet tender hub, framework content, trackers, and win/loss analysis.
• Led the creation of mandatory MI reporting for all frameworks using MS Dynamics and SAP.
• Developed tailored material for tenders including technical examples, case studies, CVs, infographics.
• Acted as Head of Bids during maternity cover, leading the team to win all VAT & Financial Management bids submitted during that period.

Bid Programme Manager - EADS Defence & Security (Airbus division)

(2007-01 - 2010-12)

Led bids across the UK defence and security sector for clients including MOD, ESA, and NATO.

• Managed bid teams, plans, budgets, governance, reviews, and executive reporting.
• Drove bid strategy, partner engagement, competitor analysis, and best-practice training across the business.
• Won a major NATO contract by leading an international, multi-company bid team of approximately 50 people to develop a submission centred on innovative technologies and strategic partnering.
• Invited to lead a Red Team review in Washington, DC, sharing expertise on NATO bid strategy, partnering, stakeholder engagement, and persuasive proposal development.
• Instrumental in the development and implementation of a Shipley based best practice bidding process including creating guides for bid members and reviewers, training and templates.

Bid Manager - SunGard Vivista Ltd

(2005-01 - 2007-12)

• Developed bid activities and identified deliverables, owners, and deadlines.
• Prepared costs and pricing for review and sign-off at C-suite level.
• Drove effective, creative responses to ensure consistency across proposals.

Bid Executive (6-month contract) - Beachcroft Wansbroughs Law Firm

(2005-01 - 2005-06)

Collaborated with partners to develop proactive proposals and tailored service offerings, including tender material such as partner profiles, testimonials, case studies, SWOT analysis, strategy development, and broader business development support.

Proposals Manager, Operations and Engineering - RWE npower

(2003-01 - 2005-12)

Bid managed major proposals and provided business development support to the International Business Department, which delivered Operations and Engineering services to clients worldwide.

• Coordinated technical scope, legal input, finance, cost modelling, risk management, consortium members, and subcontractors during bid production.
• Prepared proposal-prioritisation briefs to secure internal approval to bid on major projects.
• Developed capability statements and presentations used in Business Development activities.
• Supervised and mentored Proposals Assistants.

Recruitment Consultant and Customer Retention

(2000-01 - 2003-12)

Data Analyst - Royal Air Force

(1991-01 - 2000-12)