At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify bid opportunities and support the full bid lifecycle for impactful projects.
- Company: Join The Education People, a leader in delivering essential educational services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while developing your skills in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Project management experience and strong communication skills are key.
Location: Hybrid/Aylesford, Kent
Salary/package: £28,000 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time, 37 hours per week
The Education People (TEP) are looking for a proactive individual with a solutions-focused approach to join their growing team as a Bids Officer. This is an exciting opportunity offering the chance to build expertise, collaborate widely and support the growth of a diverse and ambitious organisation.
Who we are
The Education People (TEP), part of Commercial Services Group (CSG) excels in delivering essential services that significantly impact the lives of children. With a team of specialists in various educational fields, they take pride in offering expert-driven services including early years and childcare, equality and inclusion, school improvement and professional development, ensuring comprehensive support for educational institutions.
Why this role matters
The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying strategic bid opportunities and supporting the end-to-end bid lifecycle, ensuring high-quality submissions that reflect client needs and organisational priorities. This is a role where collaboration, judgement and attention to detail are essential, with responsibility for coordinating content, managing timelines and supporting continuous improvement across our bidding activity.
What you’ll be doing
- Identifying relevant bid opportunities and frameworks to support business growth.
- Tracking upcoming tenders and maintaining strong relationships with procurement teams.
- Supporting the full bid lifecycle from qualification through to handover.
- Coordinating content from subject matter experts across multiple brands.
- Promoting continuous improvement in bid quality and processes.
- Creating bid plans and supporting colleagues to deliver timely, high-quality content.
- Supporting CPD activity for business and content specialists.
- Logging and tracking risks, assumptions and opportunities throughout the tender process.
- Escalating resource needs and challenging solutions with a focus on client requirements.
- Collating, publishing and submitting tender responses in line with agreed deadlines.
- Working with Platform Account Managers to optimise use of systems such as Tussell.
What we’re looking for
- Proven project management experience with the ability to oversee and coordinate processes.
- An understanding of bids and tender submissions across varied business areas is desirable but not essential.
- Ability to build effective relationships with internal teams, customers and partners.
- Proficient IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office packages.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written.
- Strong attention to detail and commercial awareness.
What you’ll get in return
- Salary of £28,000 per annum.
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 after four years.
- Birthday Day Off.
- One concessionary day during the Christmas period.
- Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution.
- Life assurance cover.
Why CSG?
CSG is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue per annum and supporting more than 16,000 education and public sector customers globally. We are growing through a combination of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our businesses deliver services across education, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and more, all focused on delivering meaningful impact. As a locally owned organisation, we take pride in reinvesting a significant proportion of our profits into frontline services, helping strengthen the communities we serve.
Inclusion & Accessibility
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds. As a member of Inclusive Employers and a Working Families Employer, we are actively building an environment that supports inclusion, flexibility and belonging.
Bids Officer in Larkfield employer: Commercial Services
The Education People (TEP) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Aylesford, Kent, where collaboration and professional growth are at the forefront. With a commitment to employee development, TEP provides generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, a pension scheme with employer contributions, and a unique Birthday Day Off, all while fostering a culture of inclusion and community impact. Join us to make a meaningful difference in education while advancing your career in a supportive and ambitious organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bids Officer in Larkfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved in bids and tenders. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your research hat on! Familiarise yourself with The Education People and their recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's a casual coffee or a formal interview, being able to clearly articulate your skills and how they align with the Bids Officer role is key. Keep it concise and impactful!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at The Education People.
We think you need these skills to ace Bids Officer in Larkfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bids Officer role. Highlight your project management experience and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, use clear and concise language in your application. Demonstrate your written communication skills by ensuring your documents are well-structured and free of errors. We love attention to detail!
Highlight Your Teamwork Experience:This role involves collaboration with various teams, so share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past. We’re looking for someone who can build effective relationships, so let us know how you’ve done that before!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Services
✨Know Your Bids
Familiarise yourself with the bid lifecycle and the specific requirements of the role. Research The Education People and their recent bids to understand their approach and priorities. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects or coordinated processes. Highlight your ability to track timelines, manage resources, and ensure high-quality outputs, as these are crucial for a Bids Officer.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your interpersonal skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've built effective relationships with teams and clients in the past. This is key for collaborating with internal teams and external partners in the bidding process.
✨Attention to Detail is Key
Prepare to discuss how you ensure accuracy and quality in your work. Bring examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles, especially when it comes to written submissions or managing complex information. This will resonate well with the attention to detail required for the role.
