Bid writer

Bid writers prepare documents that are submitted when organisations bid for contracts to provide goods and services, or apply for funding.

Also known as: Bid co-ordinator

• Starter salary£26,000 a year
• Experienced£55,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 39 a week

What you'll do

As a bid writer you could:

• do research to uncover potential new business opportunities
• respond to enquiries about the bid process
• collect information and data to complete Pre Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs)
• write and edit proposal documents and complete forms
• make sure bid proposals follow bid standards and brand guidelines
• work closely with contract managers and clients
• submit finalised bid documents by agreed deadlines
• respond to follow-up information requests
• keep accurate records and save information to a 'bid library' for future use

Working environment

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

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• excellent written communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to work well with others
• administration skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a bid writer

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

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 work in, like IT, civil engineering or construction. Once working, you could specialise in bid writing or contract management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place with an organisation to do a Bid and Proposal Co-ordinator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This takes around 2 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with study.

Entry requirements

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

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a trainee or junior bid writer. You'll usually need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Some employers will prefer you to have a minimum of A levels.

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

Once working, you could develop your career by taking work-based training like that offered by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals .

Career path and 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 move into contract management or procurement.

Career tips

It may help when looking for work, if you have experience or a professional qualification in marketing.

If you're preparing bids for overseas work contracts or funding, the ability to speak another language might help.

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

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Association of Proposal Management Professionals for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

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• Creative & Media: pay, interviews and getting started →

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