At a Glance
- Tasks: Create high-quality proposals and collaborate with teams to exceed client expectations.
- Company: Join a leading firm in water infrastructure and highways, committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, mentoring, and health insurance options.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital projects while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, strong writing skills, and experience in bid writing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Talented people are the key to our success. We are looking for a proactive and adaptable Pre‑Contract Author to join our Water Highways Team, supporting a range of projects. You will play a key role in producing high‑quality, client‑focused proposals through analytical research, answer planning, bid writing, editing, reviewing and proofreading. Working collaboratively with the wider bid team, you will help create persuasive, evidence‑based responses that exceed client expectations, clearly communicate win themes and fully address all questions and marking criteria. You will bring a structured, flexible approach and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
Role Responsibilities
- Produce persuasive, high‑quality proposals and supporting materials, including EOIs, PQQs, tenders, presentations and marketing content.
- Translate client requirements into clear, accurate and fully compliant responses.
- Conduct sector and client research to identify best practice, client priorities and win themes.
- Plan workloads, set timelines and coordinate research, storyboarding, drafting and reviews to meet deadlines.
- Lead or contribute to storyboard sessions and collaborate with subject matter experts across the business.
- Attend kick‑off, progress and settlement meetings, and undertake site visits as required.
- Maintain progress trackers to monitor submission status and ensure timely delivery.
- Proofread and review content for clarity, accuracy, consistency and quality.
- Provide constructive feedback on colleagues’ responses to support continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of the knowledge management system.
- Review lessons learned and client feedback to drive ongoing improvement in proposal quality.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
- Bid writing training (e.g., Shipley, Winning Bids Masterclass).
- Strong bid writing experience, ideally in infrastructure.
- Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience using knowledge management systems.
- Understanding of construction industry practices (preferred).
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong written communication, creative writing and proofreading skills.
- Ability to turn complex information into clear, compelling narrative.
- Confident engaging with subject matter experts to extract key information.
- Strong planning, organisation and time‑management skills.
- Collaborative, adaptable and resilient approach.
- Positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills and active listening.
What is in it for you?
- Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy five days.
- Flexible and adaptable working.
- Family friendly policies and work/life approach.
- Mentoring programmes and continuous learning support.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Recognition scheme and long service awards.
- Car scheme and Private Medical Insurance (if applicable to role).
- We also provide the option to participate in our share‑save scheme; discounts including cycle to work and gym membership; a support and advice service for colleagues and their families, and more.
About the Water|Highways Business Unit
Our Water team designs, builds, and maintains vital UK water infrastructure, ensuring secure water supply and wastewater services. We work with major water companies to create resilient facilities, reduce flood risks, and improve environmental outcomes. Currently, we participate in the Welsh Water AMP7 and AMP8 frameworks and have secured projects with Wessex Water for the next five years. These long‑term framework agreements are part of a national £88 billion investment, requiring a collaborative and agile approach to meet the industry's challenges. Our Highways team delivers comprehensive services, from major national projects to local schemes, improving road journeys for millions daily. With expertise in tunnelling, bridges, and more, we provide end‑to‑end project support, including design, integration, and construction. Current projects include concrete road replacements for National Highways, smart motorway safety enhancements, and widening the A423 for Oxford City Council.
Morgan Sindall is an equal opportunities employer and has been accredited with the Positive About Disabled People ‘Two Ticks’ accreditation. We are also an Investors in People company. Morgan Sindall is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
Pre Contract Author in Coventry employer: Morgan Sindall Group Plc
Morgan Sindall is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where talented individuals can thrive. As a Pre-Contract Author in the Water Highways Team, you will benefit from generous holiday entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and robust support for professional development through mentoring programmes. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and a collaborative culture, you'll be part of a team dedicated to delivering impactful projects that enhance vital UK infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre Contract Author in Coventry
✨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 Morgan Sindall Group Plc, 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 Pre Contract Author at Morgan Sindall Group Plc.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre Contract Author in Coventry
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 Morgan Sindall Group Plc
✨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!
