At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value bids and develop winning strategies for major construction projects.
- Company: Join a leading specialist contractor in the UK construction industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic role in London with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a difference by driving successful bids and collaborating with top-tier teams.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management, strong writing skills, and experience with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors.
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) (6559E86) employer: Referment
As a leading specialist contractor in the UK construction sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that empowers our employees to excel. Our London office offers a vibrant culture with ample opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits, and the chance to work on high-profile projects that make a real impact. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation, teamwork, and excellence in delivering complex construction solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (6559E86)
✨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! Whether it’s for an interview or a casual chat, being able to clearly articulate your experience and what you bring to the table is key. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in bid management and construction. Show them why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (6559E86)
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.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since exceptional literacy and writing skills are key for this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. Use sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures to demonstrate your writing prowess.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to emphasise your background in civils, infrastructure, or large-scale projects. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the sectors we focus on, like Defence, Rail, or Energy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Referment
✨Know Your Bid Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you can articulate your approach to developing and executing bid strategies. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where your strategies led to successful tenders.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about how you've led multidisciplinary teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to coordinate efforts across different functions and how you’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure bid success.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
Brush up on your knowledge of NEC/JCT contracts and be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied this understanding in real-world scenarios. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Bring Samples of Your Work
If possible, bring along examples of high-quality submissions you've produced. This could include technical documents or presentations. Being able to showcase your writing and presentation skills will give you an edge in demonstrating your capabilities.
