Senior Bid Writer

JacksonHyder; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A civil engineering firm based in Ipswich is seeking an experienced Senior Bid Writer to lead the production of high-quality tender submissions. You will work closely with multiple teams to gather technical information and develop compelling bids that reflect the company’s values. Ideal candidates will have exceptional writing skills and proven experience in managing tender and pre-qualification processes. This role offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Life assurance cover (4x annual salary)

Company pension scheme (matching up to 8%)

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Extensive training programmes

Employee Assistance Programme

Free on-site parking

Company social calendar

The Great Escape – early leaving every Friday

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior bid writing role.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong organizational skills and a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate technical information for prequalification and tender submissions.
• Collaborate with planning department to drive best approach for tenders.
• Draft and review tender submissions with fellow writers.

Skills

Effective teamwork

Exceptional writing skills

Ability to communicate complex operations clearly

Time management efficiency

Developing creative ideas

Awareness of construction aspects

Education

Proven experience in bid writing

Tools

MS Office

SharePoint

Photoshop

SketchUp

MS Project

P6

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an experienced, confident Senior Bid Writer to strengthen our Pre-contracts Proposals Team and lead the production of high-quality pre-qualification and tender submissions within our expanding civil engineering business.

You will join a dynamic and engaged team managing an increasing tender pipeline from key clients, including the Environment Agency, National Highways, local authorities and private sector organisations. This role will suit a self-starter confident in leading tender quality submissions, asking the right questions of our in-house specialists, and drawing out the clear, compelling information required by our clients. You will work closely with head office, regional and site teams to uncover the why, how, who and when behind our projects, developing strong evidence to reflect our core values.

The role is based at our Head Office in Ipswich, with flexible home working to support a healthy work-life balance. Occasional travel to regional teams and project sites will be required.

Skills required

• Effective teamwork – collaboration with head office planners, estimators, buyers and regional contacts is essential. You will need to understand how other departments work and learn how to get the best out of them during each tender
• Exceptional writing skills – ideally in construction or a related industry. This is key to the role. Candidates invited for interview will be asked for examples of previous work, and to participate in a written exercise to demonstrate the skills they bring
• Ability to communicate complex operations clearly and simply to technical and non-technical clients using a combination of writing and illustration
• Time management efficiency to meet strict deadlines associated with tender submissions
• Developing creative ideas and making the best use of evidence to showcase Jackson’s competencies and experience to our clients, then bringing these approaches back to the team
• Awareness and understanding of the wider aspects of construction -, such as social value, stakeholder management and environmental mitigation – would be an advantage.

Main responsibilities and duties

• Working with each team across the precontracts department and region to gather, collate and coordinate technical information for prequalification, tender returns and case studies
• Using site and/or industry experience to work closely with our planning department and other members of the Proposals team to successfully answer questions and help win tenders
• Reading tender documents to reach a thorough understanding of each scheme, sufficient to provide challenge to planners and estimators and drive the best possible approach at tender
• Identifying and exploring Value Engineering options to elevate our submission over rivals
• Developing answer plans based on specific client requirements in tender documents and the detailed evaluation/ scoring criteria provided
• Drafting, reviewing and reworking answers in collaboration with fellow writers to achieve best results that will secure future work for Jackson
• Producing sketches to show phasing and/or technical details clearly and concisely
• Working with our Communications Officer to create case studies and project datasheets.

Skills & Experience Needed

• Proven experience in a similar senior bid writing role
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Strong organisational skills and a proactive, collaborative approach
• Experience managing pre-qualifications and tender submissions
• Competent in MS Office, SharePoint and remote working tools
• Additional IT skills are advantageous (e.g. Photoshop, SketchUp, MS Project, P6).

Personal Attributes

• Pride in your own writing skills and the drive to turn high-quality bids into awarded contracts
• Team-focused, professional and able to work under pressure when necessary
• Committed to a long-term role within the business.

Benefits

• Life assurance cover (4x annual salary)
• Company pension scheme (we match up to 8%)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with an option of buying more holiday)
• Extra holiday for long service
• Extensive training programmes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee benefits platform
• Free on-site parking
• A bright, modern, open plan office
• Company social calendar
• Regular fun days hosted in the office, and a broad range of charity events.
• A supportive business that genuinely wants to help you progress in your career.
• The Great Escape – leaving work early every Friday!

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We also place high importance on our inclusive recruitment policy and will do our very best to support those applicants who may need adjustments in order to take part in the recruitment process. Please do let us know if you require any additional assistance or adjustments.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive it is not always possible to respond to unsuccessful applicants. Therefore, if we have not responded to your application within two weeks please note that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

To apply for the role of Senior Bid Writer please complete the form below.

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