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 differencesAt 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.
Skills Required
- Proven success in senior pursuit, pre-sales, or bid leadership roles
- Strong proposal writing, editing, and storytelling skills
- Experience owning 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
- Background as a Bid Director, Capture Manager, Senior Bid Manager, Pursuit Lead, Pre-Sales Lead, or Solution Lead with significant bid ownership experience
Kainos Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Kainos and has not been reviewed or approved by Kainos.
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Healthcare Strength — Private healthcare, access to trained counsellors/EAP, and broader wellbeing initiatives are prominently offered across regions. Company materials frame support across emotional, physical, social, career and financial wellbeing, with UK references to Bupa coverage.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Hybrid/flexible hours, generous vacation packages, and parental leave are emphasized in careers materials. Some regions also highlight volunteering time and flexibility that support work–life balance.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Annual share awards and employee share plans (e.g., free shares, Sharesave) are widely promoted, with cash equivalents where plans aren’t available. These programs broaden ownership participation beyond base pay.
Kainos Insights
What We Do
At Kainos we use technology to solve real problems for our customers, overcome big challenges for businesses, and make people’s lives easier. We build strong relationships with our customers and go beyond to change the way they work today and the impact they have tomorrow. Our two specialist business areas, Digital Services and the Workday Practice, work globally for clients across healthcare, commercial and the public sector to make the world a little bit better, day by day.
