Bid writer

Entry Requirements:

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.

Entry requirements:

• 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

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

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

Entry requirements:

• 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. Many employers will prefer you to have at least A levels.

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

OtherRoutes

The Association of Bid & Proposal Management Professionals offers qualifications for people working in bid and proposal writing.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of English language
• excellent written communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• administration skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to read English
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• persistence and determination
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of media production and communication
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to learn through your work
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

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

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

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

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £55,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

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.