Proposals Assistant Manager

Proposals Assistant Manager –
PKF Littlejohn

PKF Littlejohn is one of the leading challenger firms in the UK with offices in London, Leeds and Manchester. We are also an active member of PKF Global, an international network of legally independent accounting firms that gives us an on‑the‑ground presence in 150 countries around the world, with access to more than 20,000 professionals across 440 offices globally. We provide a full range of audit, accountancy, tax and advisory services, and are experts at simplifying complexity.

We are particularly well‑known for working with complex clients in fast‑moving and highly technical areas such as the insurance industry, the global capital markets and the not‑for‑profit sector. Our aim is to understand people, the organisations they run, and what matters to them, so we can simplify complexity and help them achieve their ambitions.

We are good at getting things done and our Infrastructure team applies this mentality to ensure we have the right tools, technology, strategies and services in place to deliver exceptional client service and future‑proof our growing business. We’re looking for forward‑thinking people to join us within Technical & Compliance, Finance, IT, Training, Human Resources, Business Development/Marketing, Legal and Administration. These teams play a key role in the success of the firm as they shape the way we operate.

By joining one of these teams, you’ll influence the future of PKF, while enjoying the support, training and opportunities you need to succeed both personally and professionally.

PKF’s Proposals Assistant Managers are responsible for managing the firm’s proposals process around specific revenue opportunities, and for creating high‑quality proposal documents and pitch presentations. They work with our Tax, Financial Services and Corporate & Capital Markets teams to support proposals for entrepreneurial, private and PE‑backed businesses and those that are large, complex and listed.

• Champion tender best practice and ensure it is understood and followed across the firm.
• Facilitate Go/No‑Go meetings.
• Conduct research as required to support specific opportunities.
• Ensure all proposal documents are tailored to the circumstances of the opportunity, accurately reflect a detailed understanding of the business and its needs and of PKF’s solutions, and persuasively answer the question:
  Why PKF?
• Manage the creation and maintenance of templates from which proposal collateral is produced.
• Manage the process to create high‑quality proposal documents and pitch presentations.
• Ensure that all proposal collateral upholds the PKF Visual Identity Standards.
• Liaise with PKF Global worldwide offices to obtain content for joint proposals.
• Coordinate the use of procurement portals.
• Look for opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of the PKF proposal processes, and make recommendations to enhance the look and feel of proposal documents.
• Contribute to developing the use of technology to support proposal processes and document creation.
• Manage the pitch rehearsal process, ensuring that kick‑off meetings and rehearsals are held.
• Coach and rehearse proposal team members, drawing on the expertise of others across the firm to prepare the team thoroughly.
• Create question sets for rehearsal purposes and actively participate in rehearsals.
• Ensure the firm receives quality feedback on the proposals you lead, and that the information obtained is shared internally to facilitate continuous improvement.
• Attend and conduct proposal feedback meetings.
• Review feedback on successful proposals gained through the firm’s Client Listening programme.
• Take on board lessons learned to improve the firm’s proposals process and performance.
• Provide information and data to ensure accurate and up‑to‑date reporting of the firm’s opportunity pipeline, including changes to pipeline stage status, and share final proposal documents and presentation decks.
• Manage and maintain the PKF proposals catalogue and supporting resources, including the CV library and question bank.
• Work with members of the wider BD team who are supporting on proposals.
• Coach client‑facing managers to understand tender processes and develop their proposals and pitch skills.

• Strong written English language skills, an ability to translate technical issues into accessible language, and the skills to write clearly and concisely.
• Strong editorial skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Well‑organised with a proactive approach.
• A team player, able to rapidly build trust with Partners and other senior people, and challenge them.
• Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• Have a strong grasp of the Office 365 suite, InDesign and PowerPoint.
• Experience of managing or coaching.
• Experience of working in professional services would be advantageous but is not essential.