Bid Writer

Job Description:

Bid writers prepare documents used to request contracts to provide services or apply for funding.

Job Category:

Professional Services

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What you will do:

As a bid writer you’ll:

find out about possible business opportunities
work with clients and planning teams
gather evidence to complete Pre Qualification Questionnaires (PQQ)
collect data for bids, like financial records
check the rules the bid must follow
present technical information in easy to understand ways
keep accurate records and save material to a ‘bid library’ for future use
design, write, edit and submit bid documents

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of English language
knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
administration skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

excellent written communication skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
the ability to use your initiative (ambition)

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become a Bid Writer, you don’t typically need specific qualifications, as this role is more focused on writing, communication skills, and industry-specific knowledge. However, certain subjects and skills from your studies can be beneficial in preparing for a career in bid writing. Here are some subjects that can be valuable:

English Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for bid writers, as they need to create compelling and clear written proposals.
Mathematics (Optional): Basic math skills can be useful for tasks such as budgeting and financial calculations, although advanced math is typically not a primary focus of bid writing.
Business Studies (Optional): Courses in business studies can provide insights into business principles, project management, and the competitive environment, which are relevant to bid writing.
IT and Computer Science (Optional): Familiarity with digital tools and software is important, as bid writers often work with word processing software, project management tools, and document formatting.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

Some employers will expect you to have a degree.

Relevant subjects include:

English
business management
sales and marketing
law

You could also study a subject relevant to an industry you want to specialise in, like IT, civil engineering or housing.

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by completing a bid and proposal co-ordinator advanced apprenticeship.

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

Work

Many employers will prefer you to have at least high school qualifications.

You may also be able to work your way up through administrative jobs, especially in bid writing companies.

Career tips

A professional marketing qualification may help you find work.

If you’re preparing bids for international funding, the ability to speak other languages can help.

Experience in writing or research may be helpful when applying for work as a bid writer.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 37-39 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings occasionally.

You could work at a client’s business or in an office.

Career Path & Progression:

You could become a team leader, senior bid writer or bids and proposals manager.

You could also transfer your skills to other kinds of technical writing or contract management.