Alana McCarthy

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT ALANA MCCARTHY

I’m Alana, a work winning and partnering leader with 20 years’ experience. I\'ve managed work winning functions in the public sector competitive tendering space for 15 years. My specialism is in social housing, helping shape and deliver high-quality repairs, planned maintenance, retrofit, and building safety services that improve homes, enhance lives, and strengthen communities. Winning a tender is fantastic, but what really counts is ensuring we deliver on our promises and delight our clients and their customers.With strategic responsibility for bids, estimating, and social value, I lead cross-functional teams to secure and mobilise contracts that align with our clients’ goals and deliver meaningful outcomes. My focus is on building long-term partnerships that prioritise tenant satisfaction and experience, sustainability, and social impact.I’m passionate about the role of construction in driving regeneration and opportunity. It\'s my job to make sure every bid we submit reflects value, integrity, and excellence, reflected in the lived experience of our stakeholders.Coaching, mentoring, and life-long learning is a huge part of leadership for me. Recognising the challenges of attracting new talent to a profession that doesn’t have a professional body, I’m working on a more structured career pathway for the next generation of bidders. I have an MSc in Senior Leadership (Distinction) and was a regional finalist for the East of England National Apprenticeship Awards in 2024. I\'m proud to be a contributor for Bidding Quarterly and a member of the Bidding Solutions Expert Panel.