Our client is the UK’s and world’s largest supplier of low, ultra-low and zero emission infrastructure. Established for over 45 years, they are the leading supplier of street furniture assets, shelters, wayfinding, signage and digital displays for Local Government, Passenger Transport Executives & related partners, having provided in excess of over 150,000 products to towns and cities throughout the world.
The business is well positioned for future growth and have created an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Senior Bid Writer. Working closely with the Sales Director, you’ will be responsible for the review and completion of technical bids and tenders. This will require a meticulous approach to proficient writing and producing material to an exceptionally high standard.
You’ll have the ability to comprehend the customers critical objectives in procuring the product or service and the importance of social value for council procurement exercises. You will produce tender documentation and present our offering in such a way that it delivers outstanding quality, improves the lives of people in the local community and represent excellent value for money. You will also support continuous improvement activities within the department and across the business as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
The Role
- Liaise with other internal departments as required, write and compile comprehensive responses for PQQ and tenders within agreed deadlines.
- Research areas of the business to support the production of PQQ and tenders.
- Ensure compliance with PQQ/tender instructions.
- Support the Sales Director and other members of the sales team in driving the development of the business by offering technical insight and expertise.
- Create original, and where required bespoke material to assist senior management in introducing new products and services to the client base.
- Produce bids and proposals for prospective new business, re-write and re-work existing pre-written content as appropriate for submission.
- Undertake appropriate tasks for contract extension or amendments to existing agreements.
- Liaise with their subject matter experts to gather technical insights to ensure the smooth running of the entire tender process.
- Monitor the quality of Prequalification Questionnaires / tenders to ensure accuracy.
- Identify areas for improvement, including time taken to complete tenders , certifications, simplification of process and the management of risks to enhance legal compliance.
- Manage relationships with current or potential clients in a professional manner, deal effectively and promptly with any technical enquiries.
- Support the marketing team for assistance with ad hoc requests; maintain close relationships with the entire sales team for upcoming tenders, to better understand prospects and ensure CRM database compliance.
- Work to an exceptionally high standard of quality, maintain a focus on detail and a “right first time” mentality.
- Commit and adhere to Health, Safety and Environmental policies, processes, and procedures.
Candidate Profile
- Educated to a degree level or equivalent in relevant subject.
- Significant experience in the review and completion of high-quality bids and tenders.
- Experience of working with an Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) lead sales cycle process.
- A relevant background in a construction, civils, architectural structural metal manufacturing or similar is a mandatory requirement.
- Able to demonstrate a high level of commercial acumen:- current/ previous experience in proposals management as a bid specialist, co-ordinator, writer or manager.
- Possess a high level of technical orientation, be capable of grasping concepts quickly and handling multiple bid projects.
- Experience in writing, editing and producing documentation in an exemplary style to a high standard (text and graphics).
- Knowledgeable of current developments within the UK local authority market including relevant legislative & statutory issues.
- Able to develop strong working relationships with colleagues across the business to ensure the smooth running of the entire tender process.
- A deadline-driven mindset, focused on producing “winning bids”, robust quality control, effective process and continuous improvement.
- Able to build professional working relationships with customers.
- Strong commercial / financial skills, able to produce regular internal reports & updates in order to keep all relevant colleagues informed.
- Personal credibility, effective teamworking and strong personal attributes are pre-requisites.
- Strong project management abilities, time management & organisational skills together with the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Act as a social value champion by supporting relevant community initiatives & seminars.
- Advanced experience with IT technology and software – MS Office, CRM systems.
- Willingness to travel to Head Office / within the UK as required.
