At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value tenders and drive winning bid strategies in major UK construction projects.
- Company: Join a leading specialist contractor with a focus on complex construction packages.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic role based in London with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping successful bids and collaborating with top industry professionals.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management within construction, strong writing skills, and team leadership experience.
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) (9E863F1) 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 commitment to professional development is evident through tailored training programmes and opportunities for career advancement, ensuring that our team members can grow alongside the company. Located in the heart of London, we offer a vibrant workplace culture that values innovation and teamwork, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (9E863F1)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at construction 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 pitch 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
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (9E863F1)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in bid management, especially with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those impressive projects you've worked on!
Tailor Your Bid Strategy:When writing your application, think about how you would approach bid strategies for our projects. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of the bid process and how they would lead a team to success.
Attention to Detail is Key:Given the importance of high-quality submissions, make sure your application is polished and free from errors. We appreciate candidates who pay attention to document design and presentation, so show us your best work!
Engage with Us:Don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for the role and our company! We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships, so let us know why you’re excited about the opportunity to work with us. Apply through our website to get started!
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 project forward or resolve conflicts, demonstrating your ability to engage with senior stakeholders effectively.
✨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 along samples of your previous bid documents if possible, and explain your process for reviewing and refining them to meet the highest standards.
✨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 a great bid manager but also someone who understands the legal and financial aspects of the construction industry.
