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, ideal for those passionate about construction.
- 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) (863F140) employer: Referment
As a leading specialist contractor in the UK construction sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our London office offers a dynamic environment where you can take ownership of high-value tenders while benefiting from continuous professional development and strong cross-functional relationships. Join us to be part of a team that values quality, creativity, and commitment, ensuring your contributions lead to meaningful project successes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (863F140)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. 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, clear presentation of your skills can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from follow-ups! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for openings! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you. Applying directly through our site can give you an edge, as we love seeing proactive candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (863F140)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your 5+ years in bid management, especially with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors. We want to see how your background aligns with the complex projects we handle, so don’t hold back on those details!
Craft a Winning Bid Strategy:When writing your application, think about how you would approach our bid strategies. Share examples of how you've developed and executed successful bids in the past. This will show us you’re ready to take ownership of the process!
Attention to Detail is Key:We love a well-structured and persuasive application! Pay close attention to your document design and presentation. Use sophisticated vocabulary and ensure everything is clear and coherent – it reflects your writing skills.
Engage with Us:Don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working with us! Mention how you can build strong relationships across teams and engage with clients at a senior level. Apply through our website to make sure we see your application!
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 strategy led to successful tenders.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare to talk about how you've built and maintained relationships with senior stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight any instances where your communication skills helped secure a win or resolve a conflict during the bidding process.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the role requires high-quality submissions, be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy and quality in your documents. Bring examples of your work that showcase your literacy and writing skills, especially in producing coherent and persuasive bid content.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Contracts
Brush up on NEC/JCT contracts and commercial principles before the interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the complexities of the construction industry and can navigate them effectively.
