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- Tasks: Create high-quality bid responses and manage submissions for the Social Sector Contracts Team.
- Company: Join Howdens Joinery, the UK's top trade kitchen supplier with over 900 depots.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, 25 days holiday, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, contribute to meaningful projects, and grow in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid writing, strong communication skills, and a detail-oriented mindset are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, with opportunities for personal development and recognition.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Join Howdens Joinery as part of our Social Sector Contracts Team. This is a permanent, full-time position based in the office with some home working, where you will meet tight deadlines while producing high-quality, compliant submissions.
What will I be doing as a Bid Writer?
- Compiling and creating bespoke high-quality bid responses to secure business tenders within the Contract Social Sector team.
- Preparing responses for pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs), Invitations to tender (ITTs), and case studies.
- Articulating win themes to meet or exceed client requirements.
- Managing submissions and re-tenders of frameworks.
- Collaborating with stakeholders across the Social Sector Contract team.
- Supporting business development efforts in line with strategy and owning ad-hoc projects.
- Reworking existing pre-written content where relevant.
- Reviewing and editing information from subject matter experts.
- Managing deadlines to ensure timely submissions.
What do I need to qualify for this role?
- Experience responding to tenders and bid writing.
- Ability to plan, compile, and deliver compliant bids.
- Experience working in a busy, multi-activity environment.
- Proven skill in writing bespoke bid responses.
- Ability to build relationships at all levels with a collaborative approach.
- Comfort working independently.
- Meticulous, detail-oriented, and conscientious.
- Self-motivated and highly organized.
- Strong communication skills for relationship building.
What we can offer you as a Bid Writer
- Competitive salary and annual bonus.
- Excellent pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution).
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with options to buy additional days.
- Free onsite parking when working in the office.
- Staff discount.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Reward and Recognition events.
About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery is the UK’s leading trade kitchen supplier, offering a wide range of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. With over 900 depots across the UK and Europe and more than 12,000 staff, our last year's sales exceeded £2bn. We are committed to growth and excellence, recognized as one of the Best Big Companies to Work For.
Bid Writer employer: Howdens
Contact Detail:
Howdens Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Writer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens Joinery and their approach to the Social Sector. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Howdens, especially those in the Bid Writing or Social Sector Contracts teams. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your previous bid writing experiences that showcase your ability to meet tight deadlines and produce high-quality submissions. Be ready to discuss these examples in detail during interviews to highlight your relevant skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your collaborative skills by thinking of ways you can contribute to team dynamics. Be prepared to share how you've successfully worked with stakeholders in the past, as this is crucial for the role at Howdens.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Writer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Bid Writer position at Howdens Joinery. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in bid writing and tender responses.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your experience in bid writing and any relevant skills. Use bullet points to outline your achievements and ensure it is formatted neatly. Highlight specific examples of successful bids you've worked on.
Write a Tailored Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Mention your ability to manage deadlines and collaborate with stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the role. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for working with Howdens Joinery.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Bid Writer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Showcase Your Bid Writing Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in bid writing. Highlight specific examples where you successfully compiled and delivered compliant bids, especially in the social sector or similar environments.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
As a Bid Writer, meticulousness is key. During the interview, emphasise your ability to manage deadlines and ensure high-quality submissions. You might even want to mention any tools or methods you use to stay organised.
✨Articulate Win Themes Clearly
Understand the importance of win themes in bid writing. Be ready to explain how you identify and articulate these themes to meet client requirements, and provide examples of how this has worked in your past roles.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Collaboration is crucial in this role. Share your strategies for building relationships with stakeholders across teams. Discuss how you’ve worked with subject matter experts to gather information and enhance bid quality.
