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- Tasks: Create persuasive bids and manage the tender process for high-value opportunities.
- Company: Leading national training provider in logistics and apprenticeships.
- Benefits: Flexible work-from-home options and on-site parking.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to collaborate across various teams.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact in the Further Education sector while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of bid writing experience in Further Education and strong writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Thornton & Lowe are recruiting on behalf of a leading national training provider specialising in logistics, apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps. Renowned for delivering high-quality funded and commercial training, they support employers across the UK with expert workforce development solutions.
About the Role
Our Client is looking for an experienced Bid Writer with proven expertise in the Further Education (FE) sector to help us secure high-value opportunities across apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, AEB, and employer-funded training. If you know the FE landscape inside out — funding rules, compliance requirements, tender portals, and what commissioners look for - this role will feel like home. You’ll lead the creation of persuasive, evidence-driven bids while coordinating the full tender process from opportunity identification to submission and clarification. Your work will directly support our growth in logistics, construction, digital, and other priority sectors. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled FE bid writer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to make a measurable impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage tender portals and ensure all organisational information is accurate and compliant
- Identify, assess, and summarise new FE and skills funding opportunities
- Maintain the Bid Tracker and performance data
- Produce accurate, quality-assured bid activity and performance reports
- Manage PQQs, frameworks, compliance documentation, and full bid submissions
- Control bid documentation, deadlines, and versioning
- Coordinate clarification questions and contract documentation
- Attend bid kick-off and review meetings
- Work collaboratively with curriculum, quality, finance, operations, and employer engagement teams to shape credible delivery models
- Produce tailored bid responses, presentations, and pitch materials
- Write high-quality, client-aligned written bid responses
- Support business development with tender presentations
- Monitor social value delivery and ensure tender commitments are met
- Maintain tender return information as required by the commissioning authority throughout the duration of the contract
Essential What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 3 years’ bid writing experience in the Further Education sector
- Strong understanding of FE funding, apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, and workforce development
- Experience managing tender portals and bid management systems
- Excellent writing, editing, and document production skills
- Confidence in managing multiple deadlines and priorities
- High attention to detail and strong self-review capability
- Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Understanding of employer workforce development needs in logistics, construction, digital, or similar growth sectors
- GCSEs (A–C) or equivalent in English and Maths
Desirable
- APMP certification or equivalent
Benefits
- On-site parking
- Work-from-home flexibility
Bid Writer - E012 employer: Thornton & Lowe
Contact Detail:
Thornton & Lowe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Writer - E012
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Further Education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get familiar with tender portals! Spend some time exploring the platforms where bids are posted. Understanding how they work will give you an edge when it comes to identifying and responding to opportunities quickly.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's a formal presentation or a casual chat, being able to articulate your experience and skills confidently is key. Tailor your message to highlight your expertise in FE funding and bid writing.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles waiting for talented individuals like you. Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your skills directly to us and make a real impact in the FE sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Writer - E012
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and needs of Thornton & Lowe. Show them you get the FE landscape!
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in bid writing, especially in the Further Education sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in managing tender portals and producing high-quality bids.
Be Clear and Concise: When crafting your application, clarity is key! Avoid jargon and keep your sentences straightforward. We want to see your skills shine through without any fluff getting in the way.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thornton & Lowe
✨Know Your FE Landscape
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Further Education sector, especially around funding rules and compliance requirements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the industry but that you truly understand what commissioners are looking for.
✨Showcase Your Bid Writing Skills
Prepare examples of your previous bid writing experiences, particularly those that led to successful outcomes. Be ready to discuss how you approached each bid, the strategies you employed, and the results achieved. This will demonstrate your expertise and ability to create persuasive, evidence-driven bids.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tender Portals
Since managing tender portals is a key part of the role, it’s essential to be well-versed in how they operate. If possible, practice navigating a few different portals before your interview so you can speak about your experience and comfort level with them.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various teams, such as curriculum, quality, and finance. Prepare to share specific examples of how you’ve successfully coordinated with others to shape credible delivery models and produce tailored bid responses.