At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the preparation of high-quality bids and tenders with a collaborative team.
- Company: Join Hargreaves Industrial Services, a leader in engineering and industrial projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, health support, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent learning opportunities and career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in business development while honing your writing and research skills.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate with strong writing skills and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
A vacancy has arisen for a Graduate Bid Writer to join our Business Development Team at Head Office in Barnsley.
CLOSING DATE: 1 May 2026
About the Opportunity
Are you a recent graduate with strong writing skills, a sharp eye for detail, and an interest in how major projects are won? This is an exciting opportunity to launch your career as a Graduate Bid Writer within a supportive, experienced bids team. Our bid team is collaborative, supportive and takes pride in producing high quality work together.
At Hargreaves Industrial Services Ltd, we deliver complex engineering and industrial projects across the UK. Behind every successful project is a high quality bid – and as a Graduate Bid Writer, you'll play a key role in shaping winning tender submissions while developing valuable commercial, writing and stakeholder management skills. This role is ideal for a graduate who enjoys research and structured writing, thrives in a team environment, and is looking for a long‑term career in bids, proposals or business development.
The Role
As a Graduate Bid Writer, you'll support the preparation and submission of high quality bids and tenders. Working closely with experienced Bid Managers and subject matter experts, you'll gain hands on experience across the full bid lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Assisting with written responses for PQQs, ITTs, RFQs and other tender submissions
- Drafting clear, concise and compliant answers aligned to client requirements and evaluation criteria
- Editing, proofreading and formatting bid documents to a professional standard
- Supporting the production of CVs, case studies, method statements and executive summaries
- Researching client organisations, project requirements and market sectors
- Gathering and organising information from operational, technical, commercial and HSEQ teams
- Maintaining and updating the bid content library, including case studies and standard responses
- Supporting compliance checks prior to submission
- Learning how to upload and submit bids via procurement portals
- Bid coordination, document control and version management
Learning & Development
- Develop an understanding of bid best practice, scoring methodologies and win themes
- Learn how to interpret tender documents and client priorities
- Build confidence seeking and incorporating feedback to improve writing quality
- Gain experience in bid coordination, document control and version management
- Learn how to upload and submit bids via procurement portals
Essential Skills & Attributes
- Excellent written English with strong attention to detail
- Ability to structure information clearly and logically
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Confidence communicating with colleagues at all levels
- Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn, take feedback and meet deadlines
Desirable Skills
- Awareness of public or private sector procurement processes
- Experience of academic, technical or structured business writing
- Familiarity with procurement portals (e.g., Delta, Proactis, Atamis)
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree (or expected degree) in a relevant subject such as: English, Journalism or Communications; Business, Marketing or Management; Engineering, Construction or another technical discipline (with strong writing ability)
- Placement year, internship or part‑time role involving writing, research or proposals (Desirable)
What We Offer
- 25 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
- Performance-related bonus
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Westfield Health (support with dental, optical and physiotherapy costs)
- Hargreaves Rewards – retail and lifestyle discounts
- Company pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Life insurance
Graduate Bid Writer in Barnsley employer: Hargreaves Industrial Services
Hargreaves Industrial Services Ltd is an exceptional employer for recent graduates seeking to kickstart their careers in bid writing. Located in Barnsley, our collaborative and supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities alongside competitive benefits such as a performance-related bonus, generous holiday allowance, and health support. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values high-quality work and encourages continuous learning in the exciting field of business development.
Contact Details:
Hargreaves Industrial Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Bid Writer in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni from your university or join relevant groups on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Prepare a short, engaging introduction about yourself and your skills. This will come in handy during networking events or casual meet-ups where you might bump into potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from following up! After interviews or networking chats, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re a perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. It gives you a better chance to stand out and shows you’re proactive about your job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Bid Writer in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:As a Graduate Bid Writer, your writing skills are key! Make sure your application showcases your ability to write clearly and concisely. Use examples from your studies or any relevant experience to highlight your talent.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the job description. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for in a Graduate Bid Writer.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!:Attention to detail is crucial in this role. Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your commitment to quality!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hargreaves Industrial Services
✨Know Your Bids
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding what makes a successful bid. Familiarise yourself with the types of documents you'll be working on, like PQQs and ITTs. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Bring along samples of your writing, whether it's academic essays, reports, or even blog posts. Highlight your ability to structure information clearly and concisely. This is crucial for a Graduate Bid Writer, so make sure your examples reflect your best work!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's bidding process and team dynamics. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn. For instance, ask about how they incorporate feedback into their bids or what challenges they face in the bidding process.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, be ready to discuss your experiences working in groups. Share examples where you contributed to a team project, highlighting your communication skills and positive attitude. This will resonate well with the collaborative culture they value.
