At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value tenders and drive winning bid strategies in construction.
- Company: Leading specialist contractor with a strong pipeline of major UK projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence strategy.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a growing business, requiring office presence in London.
- Why this job: Shape major bids and work closely with senior stakeholders for impactful results.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management, strong writing skills, and experience with Tier 1/Tier 2 contractors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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. This is a key leadership role within the preconstruction function, offering the opportunity to shape major bids and work closely with senior stakeholders across the business.
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 Include
- 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
We are keen to speak with career bid professionals who have:
- 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
- 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.
Why Apply?
- Lead high‑profile, complex bids on major UK projects
- Work alongside experienced senior leadership
- Be part of a growing, ambitious business with a strong pipeline
- Real opportunity to influence strategy and win work
If you’re a driven Bid professional with a high attention to detail and a track record of success in the construction sector, we’d love to hear from you.
Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (63F140C) in London employer: Referment
Join a leading specialist contractor in the heart of London, where you will have the opportunity to lead high-profile bids on major UK construction projects. Our collaborative work culture fosters strong relationships across teams and offers significant professional growth opportunities, allowing you to influence strategy and drive success in a dynamic environment. With a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, we provide a rewarding workplace for ambitious bid professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (63F140C) in London
✨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 Referment, 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 Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (63F140C) at Referment.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Manager (Tier 1 / Tier 2 Construction) (63F140C) in London
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 Referment
✨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!