At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value tenders and drive winning bid strategies in construction.
- Company: Join a leading specialist contractor shaping major UK projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Office-based role in London with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact on significant projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management with strong writing and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are working with a leading specialist contractor delivering complex packages across major UK construction projects. Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Bid Lead to take ownership of high-value tenders and drive winning bid strategies.
The Role
- You will lead the end-to-end bid process, taking full ownership of bid strategy, submission leadership, and win-shape activity.
- A key focus of this role is the ability to build and maintain strong cross‑functional relationships across the business to ensure bid success.
- You will operate confidently at a senior stakeholder level, ensuring high‑quality, commercially sound, and technically robust submissions are delivered on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and coordinating bid teams across multiple tenders with a focus on pre‑contract leadership.
- Developing and executing bid strategies to secure profitable work.
- Managing bid programmes, budgets, and deliverables.
- Producing and reviewing technical, commercial, and written submissions with a high level of attention to document design, presentation, and quality.
- Engaging with clients, supply chain partners, and internal stakeholders at a senior level.
- Leading tender settlement meetings and presentations.
- Managing risk registers, document control, and governance across all submissions.
- Driving continuous improvement in bid processes and outputs.
What We’re Looking For
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in bid management or tendering within the construction industry, ideally on large‑scale UK projects.
- A proven background working with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors.
- Strong experience in civils, infrastructure, or large‑scale projects, particularly within sectors such as Defence, Rail, or Energy.
- Exceptional literacy and writing skills, with the ability to produce coherent, well‑structured, and persuasive bid content using sophisticated sentence structures and vocabulary.
- A stable career history demonstrating commitment to previous roles and projects.
- Experience leading complex contractor bids and managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of NEC/JCT contracts and commercial principles within a pre‑contract environment.
Qualifications & Skills
- Degree level qualification.
- Strong IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Knowledge of estimating software (e.g. CANDY or similar).
- Advanced skills in graphic design or document presentation are highly regarded, as the quality of client‑facing documents is paramount.
- Professional membership (RICS, CIOB, RIBA, ICE, etc.) – desirable.
- High level of numeracy and written communication with meticulous attention to detail.
Important Considerations
This role requires a commitment to working 5 days per week in our London office.
Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (4814D89) employer: Referment
As a leading specialist contractor in the UK construction sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Our London office offers employees the opportunity to engage in high-value projects while benefiting from continuous professional development and a supportive environment that encourages personal growth. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives successful bid strategies but also champions excellence in every aspect of our work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (4814D89)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to talk about your experience and how it aligns with their needs. A confident delivery can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you on their radar and show your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a simple way to stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge in the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (4814D89)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Bid Manager role. Highlight your experience in bid management, especially with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors, and showcase your ability to lead complex bids. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since exceptional writing is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your literacy and writing prowess. Use clear, persuasive language and demonstrate your ability to produce well-structured content. Remember, first impressions count!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to emphasise your experience with large-scale UK projects and your understanding of NEC/JCT contracts. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it easy for us to see your relevant background.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Referment
✨Know Your Bid Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you fully understand the bid strategies you've implemented in your previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you developed and executed these strategies, especially for large-scale projects. This will show your potential employer that you can take ownership of their high-value tenders.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Relationship Skills
Since building strong relationships is key in this role, prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various teams. Highlight instances where your communication skills helped drive a winning bid or improved the bid process. This will demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the importance of high-quality submissions, be prepared to discuss how you ensure meticulous attention to detail in your work. Bring examples of documents you've produced, focusing on their design and presentation. This will illustrate your commitment to delivering top-notch bid content.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NEC/JCT Contracts
Brush up on your knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your understanding of these commercial principles has influenced your bid management approach. This will show that you're not just experienced but also knowledgeable about the specifics that matter in the construction industry.
