At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of compelling bid submissions and collaborate with project managers.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated company committed to sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, potential for permanent role, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and innovative construction sector.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by crafting bids that transform lives and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid writing and editing, with knowledge of Adobe InDesign.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Proposals Manager to join our Construction South team. You will work with our Project Managers to craft bespoke and compelling bid submissions, addressing our customers' key project drivers. We are committed to truly understanding our customers' needs and developing sustainable solutions that are articulated into clear and attractive submissions.
Working flexibly from home and from one of our offices (based in Weybridge OR Southampton), you will have a passion for creating high-quality bids and must be able to demonstrate the skills and capabilities outlined below:
- You should have experience as a Bid Writer, Bid Editor, Bid Coordinator or similar role.
- Ability to lead the creation of our written responses to achieve high quality, winning bids that meet our company objectives.
- Good experience of writing and editing tender submissions.
- Knowledge and experience of the Adobe Suite, particularly InDesign is required.
The main role of a Proposals Manager at Willmott Dixon is to lead the development of quality submissions and actively work with our bid managers to enhance the quality of bids. You will be able to work with our subject matter experts to assess technical bid requirements and assist the Project Manager in shaping our proposals. You will ensure the formal bid process is followed, providing recommendations for improvement to the process.
Through your writing, review and editing of drafts you will ensure the writing structure and words used in the bid persuasively convey our offer to the customer. Working with subject matter experts, you will conceptualise and work with our graphic designers to help best convey our offer. You'll also support the creation of clear and effective customer presentations and provide creative ideas and initiatives for bids.
Essential skills:
- Experience of facilitating answer plan sessions, win theme workshops and managing the tender review process.
- Proven experience of bid writing and bid editing, creating compelling and persuasive responses.
- Excellent resource planning skills.
- Experience of using Microsoft Office.
- Use of Adobe InDesign.
- Experience working within the construction sector.
Desirable skills:
- Ideally hold DfE - Department for Education tendering experience (CF25).
- Relevant degree or equivalent qualification.
With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon's purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive.
Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 'Big' Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe's 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025. Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.
Proposals Manager - 12 months Fixed-term contract employer: Willmott Dixon Group
Willmott Dixon is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, our Fit Out team provides opportunities to influence high-quality bids while working alongside industry leaders. Our recognition as one of the Top 10 'Big' Companies to Work For and our focus on sustainability make us a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Proposals Manager - 12 months Fixed-term contract
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Willmott Dixon Group.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Willmott Dixon Group appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Proposals Manager - 12 months Fixed-term contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Willmott Dixon Group know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Willmott Dixon Group is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Group
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
