At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing bids and support the team from enquiry to submission.
- Company: OFR Consultants, a top-rated employee-owned fire engineering practice.
- Benefits: Flexible working, private medical insurance, 28 days holiday, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Employee-owned culture with great social activities and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and experience in bid coordination.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Bids Assistant - London, UK
Founded in January 2016, OFR Consultants is an independent, employee-owned fire engineering practice.
Since its inception with just two founding members, OFR has grown to a team of over 150 technical experts, operating from offices in Manchester, Banbury, Bath, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and London.
Our people are our business and we are incredibly proud to be rated as ‘World Class To Work For’.
This recognition from Best Companies is based solely on the feedback of our own staff.
About you
This is a varied role where you'll work closely with the Bids Co-ordinator, Practice Director, Project Managers and the wider Bid Team, whilst assisting the Business Support Team as required.
You'll help drive projects from enquiry to a successful bid, and handover to the Project Team at a very high standard.
You will support coordination and tender activities from initial expression of interest through to final submission and handover to the Project Team, supporting the Bids Co-Ordinator with the process and content.
You will be able to demonstrate skills in the following
- Excellent verbal/written command of English and good interpersonal skills.
- Strong copywriting and copy-editing skills, with attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality of work.
- Exceptional organisation skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and multitask.
- Previous experience of coordinating and managing tight deadlines.
- Competent in the use of Microsoft Office packages and Outlook.
Desirable skills
- A creative, well-organised, detail-oriented and collaborative mindset.
- Previous experience in marketing, business development and bid coordination.
- The ability to remain calm and professional while juggling multiple projects, tasks, commitments and expectations.
- Strong IT skills and experience of using databases is advantageous.
- Previous experience within the engineering, architecture and consultancy sector is advantageous.
- You work well with other team members, acting professionally and quickly to resolve disputes.
- The ability to work independently and be flexible around tasks performed.
Responsibilities
- Complete supplier and sub consultant forms, maintaining supporting information and accurate internal records.
- Support the creation of external and internal marketing resources.
- Monitor the General Enquires mailbox and issue bid requests to the wider Bid Team.
- Liaise with clients to obtain any outstanding information before sending to the Bid Team, and decline bid requests where required.
- Support the Bid Co-Ordinator with weekly Bid Team meetings to run through any outstanding client requests.
- Review bid documentation to identify requirements, deadlines and any potential issues.
- Review technical input against bid criteria, identifying potential gaps and ensuring responses are tailored to client requirements.
- Participate in Bid Kick-Off meetings for significant bids to capture the bid themes, key team members, case studies and key dates.
- Ensure submissions are well written, compliant with what the client has asked for, and reflect the OFR brand and corporate messaging.
- Collate submission documents, checking for accuracy, spelling and grammar.
- Assist in the design and production of client presentation materials.
- Capture and share model answers and refined project descriptions.
- Liaise with the Bids Co-ordinator, Practice Director and Finance for tender portal invoices and H&S accreditation portal invoices.
- Review fee consistency across bid submission documents.
- Support the Bids Co-ordinator with ad-hoc reporting for the Business Support Team and Directors.
What's in it for you?
At OFR, you can also expect an exceptional benefits package including various options which support your unique lifestyle.
- Company pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Life insurance scheme
- Healthcare cash plan
- Flexible and hybrid working
- 28 days holiday, plus an additional birthday leave day
- Early finish on the last Friday of the month
- Social budget for team activities
- Additional paid leave for charitable work
- Staff discount club
- Learning and development opportunities
Finally, we are proud of our culture.
OFR is employee-owned, and we value the contribution of every individual.
We enjoy working together, learning from each other, and building relationships not just at work but also through social activities that bring people together.
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now.
If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, we are happy to support you.
Bids Assistant employer: OFR Consultants Limited
OFR Consultants is an exceptional employer, recognised as 'World Class To Work For' by Best Companies, reflecting our commitment to employee satisfaction and engagement. Located in London, we offer a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including flexible working, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowances. As an employee-owned firm, we value every team member's contribution, ensuring a supportive environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bids Assistant
✨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 OFR Consultants Limited, 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 Bids Assistant at OFR Consultants Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Bids Assistant
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 OFR Consultants Limited
✨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!
