Freelance Bid Writers

Hire a Freelance Bid Writer or Bid Manager

Need additional bid capacity without making a permanent hire? We can help you find experienced freelance bid professionals for individual tenders, periods of high workload, interim cover or longer-term assignments.

Our network includes freelance bid writers, bid managers and bid directors, with experience across a wide range of sectors and public and private sector procurement. We can also help identify sector specialists and security-cleared bid professionals where available.

Flexible bid resource to fit your requirement

Whether you need someone to take ownership of a complete submission or provide additional capacity to an existing bid team, we can support requirements including:

• Freelance Bid Writers – additional writing capacity, individual tender responses, framework submissions and ongoing bid support.
• Freelance Bid Managers – experienced professionals to plan, coordinate and manage complex bids from opportunity through to submission.
• Interim Bid Directors and Senior Bid Professionals – senior-level support for leadership gaps, major pursuits, team development or periods of change.
• Sector Specialists – match your requirement with professionals who understand your market, buyers, terminology and typical tender requirements.
• Security-Cleared Bid Resource – where available, we can identify professionals with relevant current or previous security clearance for sensitive requirements.
• Temporary, Interim and Project-Based Support – from a single tender or a few days of specialist input through to several months of additional capacity.
• Remote, Hybrid or On-Site Support – depending on your project, location and preferred way of working.

Find the right person for your bid

Tell us what you are bidding for, the experience you need, your timescales and how you want the person to work. We will identify suitable professionals and provide relevant CVs, experience, rates and availability so you can quickly assess the best fit for your requirement.

There is no need to start with a fully defined job description. If you know where the pressure or skills gap sits, we can help you determine whether you need a writer, manager, senior bid lead or specialist resource.

Available Freelance Bid Expertise

Our freelance network includes bid professionals with experience across a wide range of sectors, procurement routes and contract types. This allows us to match clients with people who understand both the bidding process and the market they are bidding into.

Typical areas of experience include:

• Construction and Built Environment – construction, social housing, maintenance, refurbishment, infrastructure and major works.
• Facilities Management – hard FM, soft FM, cleaning, security, grounds maintenance and integrated FM.
• Healthcare and Social Care – NHS, local authority care contracts, healthcare services and regulated environments.
• Technology and Digital – IT services, software, SaaS, cyber security, digital transformation and technology frameworks.
• Defence and Security – experienced bid professionals and, where available, candidates with current or previous security clearance.
• Professional Services – recruitment, consultancy, legal, financial and other business services.
• Transport and Infrastructure – rail, highways, utilities and associated supply chains.
• Public Sector Frameworks – Crown Commercial Service, NHS frameworks, local authority frameworks, housing frameworks and other public procurement routes.

We can also look specifically for professionals with experience of framework submissions, strategic bids, complex multi-lot tenders, mobilisation planning, social value, solution development or bid review, depending on your requirement.

If sector knowledge is particularly important, tell us what you are bidding for and we can prioritise professionals with directly relevant experience.

Freelance Bid Writer or Freelance Bid Manager: Which Do You Need?

Choosing the right level of bid support depends on how much ownership you need the freelancer to take and where the gap sits within your existing team.

Freelance Bid Writer

A freelance bid writer is usually the right choice when you already understand the opportunity and need additional capacity to develop high-quality written responses.

They can support with:

• Drafting tender and framework responses
• Developing answers from interviews, workshops and existing evidence
• Improving and editing existing content
• Researching evidence and supporting information
• Responding to quality, social value and technical questions
• Supporting several bids during busy periods
• Providing specialist sector knowledge where required

This can work well if you already have an internal bid manager, sales lead or subject matter experts who can provide direction and information.

Freelance Bid Manager

A freelance bid manager provides a broader level of ownership and coordination.

Alongside developing responses, they can manage the overall submission, including:

• Reviewing tender requirements and identifying actions
• Creating bid plans and submission timetables
• Allocating responsibilities across the bid team
• Coordinating subject matter experts and stakeholders
• Managing clarification questions and tender documentation
• Tracking progress against deadlines
• Reviewing content for compliance, consistency and quality
• Managing the bid through to final submission

A freelance bid manager is often the better option where you need someone to take control of the whole bid process, rather than simply provide additional writing capacity.

Interim Bid Manager or Bid Director

For major bids, periods of change or temporary leadership gaps, you may need a more senior interim resource.

An experienced bid manager or bid director can provide:

• Bid and pursuit strategy
• Leadership of major or high-value submissions
• Bid governance and review processes
• Senior stakeholder management
• Solution and win-theme development
• Management of internal and external bid teams
• Temporary leadership while recruiting a permanent team member

Not Sure What You Need?

You do not need to know the exact job title before speaking to us. Tell us about the tender, your existing team, timescales and where you need support. recruitment@thorntonandlowe.com - 01204 238046

We can then help you determine whether you need a freelance bid writer, bid manager, interim bid manager or senior bid director, and identify suitable professionals based on their experience, availability and rates.

Freelance Bid Writer and Manager Opportunities

As a vetted and approved freelancer, Thornton & Lowe will promote your availability to our network of clients and partners seeking bid support. We can supply freelance bid writers as specialist experts in their sector or provide our dedicated freelance bid writing services team who offer fixed fees and consistency across multiple projects. Contact us today to discuss your options.

Our sister company, RFPVerse.com, has a freelance bidding community called BidTalentConnect, which connects freelance bid professionals with customers looking for support. Customers gain access to approved and vetted bid freelancers without recruitment fees.

How to Work with BidTalentConnect

BidTalentConnect offers businesses a unique opportunity to find and hire top freelance bid professionals without any recruitment costs. Here's how it works:

1. Register: Create an account on the BidTalentConnect platform.
2. Post a Project: Describe your bid writing needs, including the scope, timeline, and required skills.
3. Review Freelancers: Browse through the profiles of vetted freelance bid writers and managers. Review their experience, qualifications, and ratings from previous clients.
4. Hire and Collaborate: Select the freelancer who best fits your project requirements. Communicate, share files, and track progress directly through the platform.
5. Complete the Project: Once the work is finished, review the deliverables and provide feedback for the freelancer.

BidTalentConnect's fees are negotiated and built into the freelancer's day rate, charged at a competitive 10%. This means you get access to top bid talent without any additional placement or hiring expenses, making it easy and cost-effective to scale your bidding capacity as needed.

Bid Resource: Thornton & Lowe's Dedicated Bid Recruitment Company

Bid Resource is Thornton & Lowe's specialist bid recruitment division, providing temporary and permanent bid professionals to clients across the UK. Our experienced recruiters understand the unique skills and qualifications required for successful bid writing and management.

We offer a range of recruitment services, including:

• Temporary and Contract Bid Professionals: Quickly scale your bidding capacity with experienced freelance bid writers and managers for short-term projects or busy periods.
• Permanent Bid Recruitment: Find the perfect full-time addition to your in-house bid team. We'll help you identify, attract, and hire top bid talent.
• Interim Bid Managers: Bridge the gap during times of transition or absence with an experienced interim bid manager who can keep your bidding process on track.

Our extensive network of bid professionals and thorough vetting process ensure that you have access to the best talent in the industry. Whether you need a freelance bid writer for a specific project or a permanent bid manager to lead your team, Bid Resource has the expertise to help you achieve your goals.

Thornton & Lowe - Your Trusted Partner in Bid Writing and Winning!

Expectations and Roles of a Freelance Bid Writer

The role and expectations of a freelance bid writer vary based on sector, client size, and experience. Freelance bid writer roles can be junior and supportive or senior and technical. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

What You'll Be Doing: 

• Researching Opportunities: Find potential bid opportunities that fit your client's strengths and understand tender documents and requirements.
• Bid Planning and Strategy: Develop a plan for each bid, focusing on key themes and strategies aligned with your client's goals. Manage your time to ensure bids are completed and submitted on time.
• Bid Writing and Editing: Craft clear, persuasive, and well-structured bid content. Create templates for common sections and customise proposals for each tender.
• Collaboration: Work closely with clients to gather information and coordinate with team members to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Bid Document Preparation: Organise and format bid documents according to tender requirements. Ensure all necessary paperwork and certifications are included.
• Quality Assurance: Review and refine draft submissions to ensure they meet the required standards and are compliant with the rules.
• Follow-Up: Track bid outcomes, gather feedback, and keep records of bid documents and case studies for future reference.

Bidding Skills You'll Need:

• Writing and Communication: Strong writing skills to explain complex ideas simply and persuasively. Good verbal communication skills for working with clients and team members.
• Project Management: Be organised and manage your time effectively. Juggle multiple bids simultaneously with attention to detail.
• Research Skills: Quickly find and understand information. Use analytical skills to interpret data and identify key points.
• Industry Knowledge: Understand the tendering process and industry standards. Familiarity with specific industries can be beneficial.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other relevant software. Experience with bid management tools and online submission portals is a plus.
• Interpersonal Skills: Build and maintain relationships with clients and team members. Be adaptable and flexible to meet changing client needs.

Typical Experience and Qualifications of a Freelance Bid Writer

• A degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, English, History, or a related field that involves research and writing.
• Experience in bid writing or a similar role is highly valued.
• A portfolio of successful bids and proposals can give you an edge.
• Certification in bid/proposal management (like our CPD accredited bid writing courses) is a bonus.

As a freelance bid writer, you'll play a key role in helping businesses secure important contracts, directly contributing to their success. If you have a knack for writing and a strategic mind, this could be the perfect career choice for you.

You may also find the following useful:

• Freelance Bid Writers and What They Do - view our client options for support and further detail on the role
• 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Bid Writer - for those assessing a career in bid writing or going freelance
• Bid Resource, Thornton & Lowe's Bid Recruitment Division. We supply freelance bid writers across the UK!

Frequently Asked Questions: Freelance Bid Writers 

Q: How much will a freelance bid writer cost? A: The cost of a freelance bid writer varies depending on their experience, qualifications, and the scope of your project. Rates typically range from £350 to £750 per day, with some highly experienced writers charging more. We work with you to find a bid writer that fits your budget and requirements.

Q: How much notice do I need to give when requesting a freelance bid writer? A: We recommend giving us as much notice as possible to ensure we can find the best available freelancer for your project. However, we understand that sometimes you may have urgent requirements, and this is the benefit of working with a specialist like Thornton & Lowe and BidTalentConnect. 

Q: How long does it take to find a suitable freelance bid writer? A: The time it takes to find a suitable freelance bid writer depends on your specific requirements and the availability of writers with the necessary skills and experience. In most cases, we can provide you with a selection of suitable candidates within 1-2 business days. We'll then arrange interviews and work with you to select the best fit for your project.

Q: Can I hire a freelance bid writer for a part-time or short-term project? A: Absolutely! Many of our clients hire freelance bid writers for part-time or short-term projects, such as a single bid or a busy period. Our flexible approach allows you to scale your bidding capacity up or down as needed, without the commitment of a full-time hire.

Q: What if I'm not satisfied with the freelance bid writer's work? A: We have a rigorous vetting process to ensure that all our freelance bid writers meet high standards of quality and professionalism. However, if you're not satisfied with the writer's work, please contact us immediately. We'll work with you to address any issues and find a solution, whether that's providing additional support to the writer or finding a replacement if necessary.

Further questions? Call us on 01204 238046 or email on hello@thorntonandlowe.com