At Macro, collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do, and our Work Winning Team is a perfect example of that. In this edition of our People Spotlight series, we caught up with Neil Robinson, Senior Bid Manager, who balances crafting innovative client solutions with a serious passion for adventure. From building winning bids with teams across the globe to tackling obstacle courses and marathons in his spare time, he brings the same energy, resilience, and problem-solving mindset to every challenge - professional and personal.

Tell me about yourself and your current role.

I’m a Senior Bid Manager in Macro’s Work Winning Team by day, and part-time adventurer by… well, also by day (and sometimes night).

When I’m not wrangling bids, you’ll find me knee-deep in mud at obstacle course races, charging round in a boot camp session, or chasing down my next running challenge (ideally deep into the wilderness or up a mountain).

I’m also a proud Dad of three, which means I moonlight as a climbing frame, horsey, ghost, monster, personal butler, and occasional villain. I think I’m gaining extra personalities.

Describe a typical day in your work life.

I have a really varied role, but here are the three major aspects:

Solutioning - I craft competitive FM solutions for our bids, which basically means diving into data, specs, and client goals to figure out the smartest, most cost-effective way to deliver services that are on our client’s wavelength. Every bid is different, so I get to work across Macro’s sectors, services (FM and Consultancy), and global reach to build something bespoke each time. It’s like solving a puzzle, but with spreadsheets, collaboration and strategy.

Project Management - Bids don’t build themselves (sadly). I coordinate a whole crew - operations, HR, QHSEW, ESG, SCM, sub-contractors, legal, commercial, ICT, bid writers, and more, to make sure everyone’s briefed, aligned, and delivering their piece of the puzzle. It’s a bit like herding cats, but with deadlines and compliance.

Writing Content - Once we’ve got the solution, we need to explain it — clearly, simply, and persuasively. That’s where the storytelling comes in: making sure our bid speaks the client’s language and shows why we’re the right fit.

In addition to that – its site visits, client meetings, presentations, and whatever else the bid gods throw my way.

How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

In the heat of stressful moments, I try to stay laser-focused — and help my colleagues do the same. The priority is solving the issue in front of us; lessons and reflections can come later. First, we fix. Then, we learn.

Wellbeing wise to de-stress, I head to the woods. Whether it’s blazing sunshine, pouring rain, or pitch-black darkness (torch in hand!), I’m out there running or walking. It’s my way of pressing reset: fresh air, movement, and a bit of solitude to keep both body and mind in check.

Who have been your strongest influences in life?

Easy, my parents. They’ve been absolutely brilliant. They fed me, clothed me, and somehow managed to put up with me (no small feat). More than that, they set a great example of how life can be lived, and this has continued into their retirements where they have a busier social life than I ever have.

What led you to your current career path?

A bit of luck, I stumbled across a job as a bid researcher. It wasn’t exactly planned, but something clicked — and here I am, years later, still in the game.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Macro - My first big win at Macro was with a global auto-parts manufacturer — and yep, that one felt pretty special. There’s something about seeing all the hard work come together and actually land the deal that never gets old.

Since then, I’ve had a few more fun wins — the most recent being with a major gaming company.

Family – Outside of work, my family is my greatest source of joy — and pride. Raising kids is a huge responsibility, and I feel genuinely privileged to be part of their journey. Whether it’s a bedtime story, a cuddle on the sofa, or a wobbly first bike ride, those little moments mean everything.

Of course, for all the love and affection I give, my children repay me in their own special way — by launching me onto the fastest roller coasters, dragging me across high-wire courses in the treetops, or spinning me so hard on the tea cups that I’m questioning my life choices (and my breakfast). It’s all good fun.

Adventures - I’ve had my fair share of epic challenges — from running the Great Wall of China Marathon (yes, those steps are as brutal as they look), to completing the world’s longest obstacle course: 20 miles and 200 obstacles… twice… in one day. Because once clearly wasn’t enough.

But my biggest personal achievement? A one-day, cross-Scotland challenge from Edinburgh to Fort William via Ben Nevis — run, bike, run. The first attempt didn’t go to plan. I ended up exhausted, broken, and medal-less, catching the bus back with a bunch of smiling finishers. Ouch.

But I learned, trained harder, and came back the next year to finish what I started. That medal means a lot — not just for the distance, but for the journey.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

After being made redundant from an Assistant Bid Manager role, I was on the hunt for something similar. However, with a bit of luck, a full Bid Manager opportunity popped up. I went into the interview and laid it all out: I didn’t have the experience, but I was eager to learn and honest about where I was starting from. Luckily, they saw potential (and let’s be honest, my lack of experience made me a budget-friendly option). So I took the leap, learned fast, and never looked back.

If you had a chance, what would you do differently?

I would ‘no-bid’ so many opportunities.

What are the most important life lessons you’ve learned?

Good preparation and a solid process is how you get good outcomes — whether you’re building a bid or climbing a mountain.

Accuracy matters. Take the time to get it right the first time, it’ll save you a world of pain later.

And finally, a personal tip from the frozen wilds: never use wet wipes as toilet paper in sub-zero conditions.

What’s something about yourself that you want to improve?

I’m currently trying to level up my Mario Kart skills - my eldest has started beating me. This is devastating!

Also, I’d love to improve my French at some point as it is terrible. Del Boy has better language skills than I do.

What do you like about Macro?

Let’s be honest, you can’t enjoy your job without good people around you. At Macro, I’m lucky to work with a fantastic team. Everyone brings something to the table, and together we make sure each bid is tuned in to the client’s wavelength.

We’re always pushing for better; better collaboration, better solutions, better outcomes. Everyone’s drive for better helps me develop and improve.

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Macro?

The best part of my role is winning new business, especially after months of effort turning a prospect into a client. It’s a mix of relief, excitement, and a little celebration.

One of the best parts of the job is working with brilliant people who bring fresh ideas and energy to every bid. Collaboration is key, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by a team that’s always pushing for smarter, sharper solutions.

How do you drive for a better way?

Communication and engagement. So, a good chat, can make all the difference.  The kind where ideas bounce around, get tested, and evolve — is where the magic happens. We’ve got some seriously insightful people across the business, and I want their ideas.

What motivates you every day?

Deadlines!  

What skills do you need to be good at your job?

Project management, communication, data analysis, solutioning, working under pressure and endless, endless patience.