Bid Writer Job Description

Job Description Template: Bid Writer

As bid writing and management experts, we have written hundreds of job descriptions for different bid writers, proposal management and bid directors. Ensuring they clearly set out of specific duties and expectations is key! This doesn't only make the job more appealing it also helps with retention!

At Thornton & Lowe, we have a dedicated bid recruitment division - Bid Resource.

Job Title: Bid Writer Department: Bid Team

Overview

The Bid Writer will be responsible for producing compelling and persuasive content for tender responses, managing the end-to-end bid process, and supporting the development of bid strategies. This role requires excellent writing skills, creativity, and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines. The role will involve collaboration with colleagues across various departments and adhering to robust quality assurance procedures.

Main Responsibilities

• Content Creation: Draft, review, and write creative and persuasive tender content.
• Bid Strategy: Support the development of bid strategies, including storyboarding, identifying USPs, and win themes.
• Document Management: Complete bid planning documents, such as summaries, project plans, and gap analysis.
• Research: Research and summarise markets, competitors, and bid-related topics.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all bid requirements and internal standards.
• Submission: Submit and upload PQQs, tenders, and supporting information.
• Administration: Provide bid administration support and maintain accurate records.

Key Objectives: Take full ownership of the tender process. Improve the organisation's ability to win work and support business growth.

Reporting to {insert}

Person Specification

• Education: NVQ Level 4, HND, Degree, or equivalent.
• Experience: 1-5 years of bid writing experience in a business-to-business or sales environment.
• Skills: Excellent communication, English language, and proofreading skills. Ability to project manage, work under pressure, and meet deadlines. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop rapport with stakeholders. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Flexibility to meet operational requirements, including attending networking, training, and team meetings.

Tailoring the Job Description For Technical Bid Writer Focus Areas: Emphasise experience in writing technical content, familiarity with technical specifications, and understanding of industry-specific terminologies.

Additional Skills: Highlight proficiency in specific software and tools.

Example Additions:

• Technical Content Creation: Develop detailed technical specifications and methodologies based on experience in XXX sector.
• Software Proficiency: Technical tools to support bid development and design, for example.

How Thornton & Lowe Bid Resource

Can Help Thornton & Lowe's Bid Resource team can provide invaluable support in developing your bid job descriptions, creating assessments, recruiting, and vetting your bid team. Their services include:

• Developing job descriptions that set clear expectations and build trust with genuine candidates
• Advising on salary and benefits to ensure both quality and retention for your business
• Completing initial interviews as part of their shortlisting service to ensure they have full confidence in the candidates' abilities
• Creating tasks for candidates to complete, which they review and provide guidance and feedback on based on their expertise in bids and proposals

Additionally, Thornton & Lowe can train and mentor your bid team, leveraging their extensive experience in the UK bid market since 2009. By working with Thornton & Lowe Bid Resource, you can benefit from their knowledge, network, and proven success in recruiting and supporting bid professionals.

How to Tailor Your Bid Writer Job Description

When recruiting a bid writer, it's essential to create a job description that accurately reflects the role and your organisation's specific requirements. A well-crafted job description will help attract the right candidates and ensure a smooth hiring process. Here are some key points to consider when tailoring your bid writing job description:

Nature of the Bids

Provide information about the types of bids the writer will be working on, such as:

• Sector: Will they be focusing on a specific industry (e.g., construction, IT, healthcare) or working across multiple sectors?
• Complexity: Are the bids typically straightforward or highly complex, requiring specialist knowledge?
• Bid Type: Will they be working on PQQs (Pre-Qualification Questionnaires), framework agreements, or private sector business proposals?

Bid Team Structure

Describe how the bid writer will fit into your existing bid team structure:

• Seniority: Will they be leading bids independently or supporting a bid manager?
• Collaboration: Who will they be working with closely (e.g., subject matter experts, sales team, designers)?
• Reporting: Who will they report to, and what will be the line management structure?

Quality Assurance Process

Explain how the bid writer's work will be reviewed and quality-checked:

• Review Stages: Will there be multiple review stages (e.g., peer review, manager review, director sign-off)?
• Quality Criteria: What are the key quality criteria they need to meet (e.g., compliance, persuasiveness, clarity)?
• Feedback: How will feedback be provided, and how are they expected to incorporate it into their work?

Professional Development Opportunities

Highlight any opportunities for the bid writer to develop their skills and knowledge:

• Training: Are there any in-house or external training programs available?
• Mentoring: Will they have access to mentoring from more experienced bid professionals?
• CPD: Do you support Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities, such as attending industry events or pursuing certifications?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Provide a realistic overview of what a typical day or week might look like for the bid writer:

• Bid Volume: How many bids will they be working on concurrently, and what is the expected turnaround time?
• Tasks: What will be their main tasks (e.g., writing, editing, research, project management)?
• Meetings: What types of meetings will they attend (e.g., kick-off, strategy, review, interview preparation)?

Required Skills and Experience

Based on the specific requirements of the role, list the essential and desirable skills and experience:

• Qualifications: What educational background or professional certifications are required or preferred?
• Experience: How many years of bid writing experience are necessary, and in which sectors?
• Skills: What specific skills are crucial (e.g., writing, editing, research, project management, software proficiency)?

By including these practical details in your bid writing job description, you'll provide candidates with a clear understanding of the role and your expectations. This will help attract applicants who are the right fit for your organisation and increase the likelihood of a successful hire.

Remember to tailor the job description to your unique business needs and ensure it aligns with your overall bid strategy. With a well-crafted job description, you'll be well on your way to building a strong bid writing team.

Bidding Roles: What to Consider When Recruiting

When recruiting a bid writer, it's important to understand the differences between various roles within a bid team and how they may overlap. A bid writer is typically responsible for developing and writing the content of a bid proposal, working closely with subject matter experts to craft compelling responses. As the writer gains experience and takes on more responsibilities, they may transition into a bid manager role.

A bid manager oversees the entire bid process, from identifying opportunities to submitting final proposals. They coordinate resources, manage timelines, and ensure quality control. In contrast, a bid coordinator focuses on the administrative tasks vital to a successful bid, such as organising meetings, maintaining documentation, and liaising with various stakeholders.

While a skilled bid writer may be capable of handling the responsibilities of a coordinator or manager, it depends on the organisation's bid volumes and complexity. In smaller companies with fewer bids, a writer may take on additional roles. However, as bid activity increases, it becomes necessary to distribute responsibilities among team members to ensure sustainable workloads and maintain the quality of submissions.

To retain a talented bid writer, organisations should consider the long-term sustainability of the role. Providing opportunities for growth, such as progression to a bid manager position, can help keep writers engaged and motivated. Additionally, offering support from coordinators and senior managers can alleviate the pressure on writers, allowing them to focus on developing compelling content while ensuring the overall success of the bidding process.