At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting bids and tenders for major construction projects in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a top regional contractor with a strong track record and diverse projects.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, great benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Work on high-profile projects across the Thames Valley area.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in design or project management; strong communication and negotiation skills required.
Experienced/ambitious Bid Manager required to work with the Berkshire/M4 regional office of this busy main contractor on a mixture of framework bids and competitive tenders then through the PCSA period through to financial close. Reporting to the Preconstruction Manager you will work closely with the commercial, design and planning resource in the business and be responsible for the schemes from initial enquiry and early client engagement, PQQ, tender or expression of interest/mini competition stages onwards.
Duties will include:
- Client and stakeholder liaison to assess and understand overall requirement brief and outline of proposed scheme where applicable;
- Identify risks and opportunities to contractor; Comment on viability of scheme;
- Identify key drivers and propose 'win strategies' to suit;
- Engage with consultants to develop tender in terms of design, budget, etc;
- Manage and contribute to bid process including coordinating input from team members, agreeing timescales, key deadlines, and attending all mid-tender interviews and client presentations;
- Develop design and methodology, plus have input to programming of work, phasing and cost plan;
- Engage with supply chain to develop detailed design and methodology;
- Work closely with planner & commercial team to develop scheme, manage design development, through tender and second stage preconstruction;
- Develop scheme through preconstruction phase to financial close, plus liaison with construction team through initial start on site;
- Develop close working relationships with clients and consultants to generate repeat business;
- Reporting regularly to Preconstruction Manager / Regional Director on progress.
This regional office is based in Berkshire on the M4 and has an annual turnover of circa £150m. Work is secured via a mixture of competitive tenders, national and regional frameworks and some negotiated works with repeat clients. Scope of works includes University Faculty Buildings, local authority Schools and Academies, Leisure Centres and Sport Facilities, high end Commercial Offices, hotels and high spec Retirement Living developments, Life Sciences / Research & Development facilities, Data centres, Ministry of Justice, Defence, etc. Projects are typically £40m - £100m+ design and build schemes in the Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Thames Valley and Surrey areas. This is a reasonable size geographical patch, and the contractor has a proven track record of successful project delivery in these areas.
You will ideally be degree qualified from a design management or project / contract management or estimating background and have excellent attention to detail, communication and negotiations skills, keen technical, commercial and contractual knowledge, problem solving ability, initiative and a positive approach. You will possess the ability to assess a scheme and see the larger picture, encompassing the needs of the client, timescales and budget, local politics, and identify all key drivers and potential obstacles. This role will suit an experienced Bid / Preconstruction Manager, Senior Project Manager or Design Manager with preconstruction experience and a determined and competitive nature, or possibly an experienced Senior Estimator looking to take greater ownership and lead for the bid process. Experience of working on frameworks including DfE formerly ESFA, SCF, MoJ, and CCS advantageous. You will ideally have a proven track record of successful input to tenders in the Project Management, Design Management or Estimating role with a Main Contractor. High standards, attention to detail and the drive will be well rewarded with excellent salary, benefits, promotional and development prospects.
Bid Manager - Newbury employer: Fawkes & Reece London
Fawkes & Reece London is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in the recruitment sector. With a strong emphasis on career progression, employees benefit from competitive commissions, engaging team events, wellness support, and generous annual leave, all while contributing to the growth of a reputable firm in a vibrant city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager - Newbury
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Fawkes & Reece London, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Bid Manager - Newbury at Fawkes & Reece London.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager - Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fawkes & Reece London
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
