Bid Writer (construction industry)

The information contained in this career of the week is kindly provided by Hobson & Porter, a local award-winning construction & maintenance firm operating across the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region.

A Bid Writer is responsible for preparing the writing of detailed commercial documents, such as pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) and tenders that companies submit to win new contracts. This is usually in conjunction with the Estimating team.

Day to day activities may include:

• Analysing the tender documents to understand the requirements of the Client
• Planning the bid preparation to ensure that deadlines are met
• Liaising with other managers to agree the bid submission
• Generation of a bid library by preparing case studies and other reference materials
• Editing or rewriting previous bids to reuse any relevant material
• Collating information provided by various departments ensuring a uniform tone across the overall document
• Ensuring the bid is accurate and delivered on time
• Analysing bids submitted to gain lessons learnt 

Skills required

An understanding of the construction industry

Knowledge of English language

High attention to detail

Able to use own initiative

Persistence and determination

Excellent team working, communications and presentation skills

Administration skills

Ability to utilise IT software competently

Highly organised with excellent time management

Career path and progression

As an Bid Manager you could become a Senior Bid Manager or you could move to a related area of the business such a Business Development Management.

Salaries for this role are dependent on experience.

Examples are as follows:

• Newly trained Bid Manager £18,000 - £22,000
• Trained with experience Bid Manager £22,000 to £35,000
• Senior Bid Managers £35,000 to £55,000

Useful subjects include maths and English.

There are various routes to become a Bid Writer, but there is no formal qualification, these include:

• University - BSc in English, Business Management or Sales and Marketing
• College - Business Studies or Administration
• Apprenticeship - Business Studies or Administration
• Direct employment with training

To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a bid writer, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.

Find out more about opportunities with Hobson & Porter

Go Construct - Bid Manager

National Careers Service - Bid Writer