Description
Bid Operations Manager
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role sits within an Operations organization and supports the business throughout the bid and proposal lifecycle. The position plays a critical role in ensuring that operational support solutions proposed to customers are realistic, scalable, and financially sound, while enabling long-term service quality and customer satisfaction.
You will work as part of a cross-functional virtual team, partnering with Sales, Delivery, Legal, Finance, and Service Architecture to define how solutions will be supported once contracts are signed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Bid & Proposal Support
- Define and propose standard and non-standard operational support solutions, including support models and service level agreements (SLAs).
- Engage with internal stakeholders and customers to understand operational requirements and translate them into deliverable support proposals.
- Identify, document, and communicate operational risks, assumptions, and dependencies related to proposed solutions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to develop accurate cost estimates, contract schedules, and service models.
- Support discussions and negotiations related to SLAs and operational commitments.
- Contribute to the preparation and submission of proposals, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, timelines, and internal governance.
- Track bid outcomes, participate in post-bid reviews, and contribute to continuous improvement of bid support processes and documentation.
Operational & Financial Awareness
- Apply a solid understanding of cost structures, margins, and financial drivers to support sound decision-making during the bid phase.
- Review and interpret financial inputs to highlight risks, opportunities, and improvement areas related to service delivery.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to align on assumptions, mitigation strategies, and business objectives.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Experience supporting bids, proposals, RFPs, or pre-sales activities in operational, service delivery, or IT-enabled environments.
- Strong understanding of operations and technology-enabled services (hands-on technical background not required).
- Demonstrated ability to define or support service models, SLAs, and operational cost structures.
- Experience working in cross-functional, matrixed environments and influencing without direct authority.
- Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and participating in complex discussions, including pushback when required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to formal proposals and customer-facing materials.
- Leadership mindset with experience guiding discussions or workstreams, even in an individual contributor role.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
- 10+ years of overall professional experience, with meaningful exposure to bid/proposal support, operations, or service design.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of formal education.
PREFERRED / NICE TO HAVE
- Experience in IT services, SaaS, managed services, or complex service delivery environments.
- Exposure to service design, service architecture, or high-field service operations.
- Project or service management certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2).
- ITIL Foundation or higher.
- Additional language skills (e.g., Spanish or Portuguese).
LOCATION & WORK MODEL
- Location: Montreal, QC
- Work model: Hybrid – 3 days per week in the office, 2 days remote
WHAT WE OFFER
- A collaborative, international work environment.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package aligned with local market standards.
- Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development.
- Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and different perspectives.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Find what's next with Kelly®.
As a worker today, it's up to you to take charge of your career and look for opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve your potential. Helping you find what's next is what we're all about. We know what's going on in the evolving world of work—just ask the 440,000 people we employ each year. Connecting with us means getting the support, guidance, and opportunities needed to take your career where you may have never imagined.About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.Kelly is committed to providing a workplace environment that is inclusive and respects the dignity of those in our workforce. Consistent with that commitment, Kelly will ensure that persons who are otherwise able to work are not unfairly excluded from doing so based upon any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation, and will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate the needs of applicants and employees in all employment processes including but not limited to, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, or training.
Apply on company website
Find Connections via Linkedin
