Tender Jobs & Tendering: Essential Guide for Success in 2025

Tender Jobs in the UK: What You Need to Know

The term ‘tender jobs’ can have dual meanings depending on the context. It may refer to employment opportunities in the tendering/ bid writing and procurement sector, or it could mean tendering opportunities - contracts organisations bid for to secure new work. Understanding these distinctions is crucial, whether you’re seeking a new career or looking to grow your business by winning contracts.

This guide unpacks both meanings, highlighting job roles within tendering and opportunities in the procurement process to help you navigate this dynamic sector effectively.

Quick Answer

Tender jobs could mean either:

1. Employment roles in tendering, such as bid writers, tender managers, or procurement officers.
2. Contract opportunities (tenders) issued by organisations seeking suppliers or services.

Explore your interest in tendering careers or discover the latest tendering opportunities to grow your business below.

What Are Tender Jobs?

Tendering Roles

Tendering jobs on the employment side focus on roles involved in creating, managing, or assessing tenders.

Tender jobs focus on the preparation, submission, and assessment of tenders - formal proposals that organisations use to bid for contracts or evaluate suppliers.

Roles on the bidding side include bid writers and tender managers, who create detailed proposals tailored to the buyer's needs. On the procurement side, roles such as procurement officers and contract managers evaluate these tenders to select suppliers that offer the best outcomes.

For example, if a council issues a tender for public transport services, bid writers develop proposals showcasing their company’s expertise and compliance. Procurement professionals then assess the bids, ensuring they meet quality, pricing, and sustainability criteria.

Tendering is widely used across industries like construction, healthcare, IT, and professional services, providing varied opportunities for those looking to enter or progress in this field.

Tendering Opportunities

On the contract opportunity side, tenders represent formal requests for proposals (RFPs) issued by organisations seeking goods, services, or works. For example:

• A local council might release a tender for waste management services.
• Businesses submit their bids, showcasing expertise, compliance, and value for money.
• Procurement teams evaluate submissions and award the contract to the most competitive bidder.

At Thornton & Lowe our software Tender Pipeline provides access to free 'tender jobs' (tendering contract opportunities) from across the UK.

What Skills Are Required for Tender Jobs?

Professionals in this field need a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. For bid writers, clarity in communication, attention to detail, and an ability to present solutions effectively are key. Those in procurement roles require strong analytical skills, a good understanding of regulations, and confidence in decision-making.

Additionally, adaptability is becoming more important. With sustainability, innovation, and social value now central to tendering, professionals need to be able to align their work with these evolving priorities.

UK Market Outlook for 2025

As organisations adapt to new challenges and priorities, tendering is evolving rapidly. Predictions for the sector highlight a growing focus on sustainability, innovation, and efficiency in bidding processes. Buyers are increasingly seeking proposals that align with net-zero goals and offer broader social value.

The bid writing industry is also moving towards greater collaboration and streamlined practices. Those who can demonstrate these approaches in their work will stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

You can view our tender related live jobs:

- Careers page

- LinkedIn

Recruitment Trends: Growing Demand and New Opportunities

Rising Need for Tender Professionals

The UK is experiencing increased activity in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and public services. This has led to a higher demand for skilled professionals who can handle complex tendering requirements.

Organisations are not just looking for experienced individuals; many are actively recruiting and training new talent. This creates opportunities for those with transferable skills from related fields or those keen to build expertise in tendering.

Training and Up-skilling Initiatives

With tendering processes becoming more competitive, employers are placing a greater emphasis on up-skilling their teams. Training now focuses on developing abilities in compliance, data analysis, advanced proposal writing, and negotiation.

If you’re entering the sector, your skillset will be more important that qualifications. However, our training courses are CPD accredited, are highly practical and show your commitment to your personal development.

Practical Steps to Build Your Career in Tender Jobs

1. Learn the Basics:
   Start by understanding the tendering process, including common contract types like fixed-price agreements, framework contracts, and cost-plus arrangements.
2. Gain Experience:
   Entry-level roles such as bid assistant or procurement support provide a solid foundation. These positions allow you to learn the essentials while building practical skills.
3. Develop Key Skills:
   Focus on improving your communication, organisational, and analytical skills. Training in AI tools and sustainability reporting can also give you an advantage.
4. Invest in Professional Development:
   Qualifications like ours training courses or CIPS, for example, which are widely recognised and can help you progress more quickly in this field.
5. Network and Stay Updated
   Attend industry events and join professional groups to connect with others in the field. Staying informed about trends and innovations will help you stay ahead.

AI and Tender Jobs: Opportunities, Risks, and Implications

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into tendering processes is transforming how tender jobs are performed. From bid writing and management to procurement and evaluation, AI is creating opportunities for greater efficiency while introducing new challenges. This section explores the implications of AI on tender jobs, the evolving skills required, and how tools like Tender Library are supporting these changes.

How AI is Changing Tender Jobs

AI is reshaping every stage of the tendering process, making tasks faster and more precise. However, it is also redefining traditional roles, creating demand for new expertise and approaches.

Bid Writing and Management

AI-powered tools are revolutionising the bid writing process by assisting teams in drafting initial proposals, analysing buyer requirements, and presenting data more effectively.

• Opportunities: AI tools allow bid teams to focus on crafting bespoke strategies by automating repetitive tasks like formatting and data retrieval. For example, tools like Tender Library provide quick access to high-quality past responses, ensuring consistency and saving time.
• Risks: Over-reliance on AI may result in bids that lack the personalisation and insight required to meet buyer expectations. Without human oversight, there is also a risk of inaccuracies or misinterpretation of requirements.

Tip: Use AI for efficiency but ensure all content is reviewed and tailored to buyer needs. Training your team in AI tools is essential to balance automation with human expertise.

Procurement and Evaluation

AI is also enhancing procurement by enabling faster, data-driven decision-making. From supplier evaluation to compliance checks, AI tools streamline tasks that were once time-intensive.

• Opportunities: AI enables procurement officers to assess large volumes of data, improving the consistency and objectivity of evaluations. For instance, AI tender evaluation software offers insights that focus on selecting suppliers aligned with organisational goals.
• Risks: Bias in AI systems or poorly designed evaluation criteria can lead to unfair scoring. Additionally, automated scoring systems without transparency can undermine trust and accountability.

Tip: Ensure the AI systems used in evaluations are transparent and explainable. A diverse, multidisciplinary team can help identify and address potential biases.

Evolving Roles in Tender Jobs

AI is changing the skill sets required for tender jobs. Traditional roles are shifting towards tasks that combine strategic thinking with technical expertise.

• Bid Professionals: With AI managing repetitive tasks, bid writers and managers now focus more on strategy, client engagement, and creative problem-solving.
• Procurement Officers: These roles require stronger data literacy, familiarity with AI tools, and the ability to critically evaluate outputs.

Tip: Up-skilling in AI technologies and data analysis is essential for staying competitive. Thornton & Lowe offers training tailored to the evolving demands of tender professionals.

Ethical and Legal Implications

The adoption of AI in tendering introduces ethical and legal considerations that must be proactively addressed to ensure fairness and accountability.

• Data Ethics: Organisations must adhere to frameworks like the Data Ethics Framework and GDPR to safeguard sensitive information.
• Transparency: Avoid “black box” AI systems that lack explainability. Opt for tools that provide clarity on how decisions are made.

Tip: Establish clear governance frameworks for AI use and seek expert advice to navigate ethical and legal requirements. Thornton & Lowe can provide tailored support for your organisation.

AI and Tender Jobs: A Future-Focused Approach

The rise of AI in tendering is not about replacing jobs but enhancing them. By addressing opportunities and risks thoughtfully, professionals can use AI to create more effective, impactful, and ethical tendering processes.

How Thornton & Lowe Can Help
Navigating the complexities of AI in tendering requires expertise. Thornton & Lowe offers:

• AI Tools and Software: From bid libraries to evaluation platforms, we provide cutting-edge resources.
• Expert Advice: Free consultations tailored to your organisation’s budget and goals.
• Training and Support: Practical training to help teams adapt to AI-driven changes.

Book Your Free Consultation Today
Contact us to explore how Tender Library, Bid Resource, BidTalentConnect and our Outsourced Procurement Consultancy can transform your tendering processes, save time, and help you achieve success in a competitive market.

Hello@thorntonandlowe.com or 01204 238046

Tender Library: A Solution for AI and Tender Jobs

Tender Library, developed by Thornton & Lowe in 2011, was originally created to manage a large volume of bid content internally. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive solution that supports bid management for organisations of all sizes.

Key Features:

1. AI-Powered Search: Quickly locate past responses and develop tailored answers for new opportunities, saving time and ensuring consistency.
2. Save Time: Tender Library can reduce bid writing and management time by up to 40%, whether you’re completing bids in-house or with consultancy support.
3. Continuity and Control: A secure, centralised platform ensures continuity even as team members change, maintaining control over bid content.
4. Train Your Sales Team: Tools, templates, and resources included in the library help train sales and wider teams to support bids more effectively.

Exclusive Member Benefits

• Up-skilling Opportunities: Monthly training sessions on bid writing techniques, social value, procurement rules, and more.
• Practical Resources: Access to bid-no-bid tools, templates, and guidance on win themes, storyboarding, writing styles, and bid processes.
• Tender Pipeline Premium: Included at no additional cost, offering unlimited searches, buyer contact details, and more.

Why Choose Tender Library?
Tender Library combines AI-driven innovation with practical resources to help teams achieve better results. It addresses key challenges by improving efficiency, ensuring consistency, and empowering team development.

T&L: Supporting Tender Jobs and Recruitment

As a leading supply chain consultancy, Thornton & Lowe is not only continually expanding its own bid team - including trainee bid writers, experienced bid writers, and bid managers—but also operates Bid Resource, a dedicated bid and tender job-focused recruitment agency.

For those seeking freelance tender opportunities, we offer BidTalentConnect, a platform that connects freelancers with clients. BidTalentConnect actively promotes freelance availability to potential clients, providing opportunities to grow and succeed in tender-related roles.

Tip: Whether you’re looking for full-time roles, freelance projects, or recruitment support, Thornton & Lowe provides tailored solutions to help you achieve your career or organisational goals.

Public Sector Tendering Process

The public sector tendering process involves several key steps and platforms for businesses to access contract opportunities. You'll need to navigate different systems depending on the contract value and location within the UK.

Contract Notices and OJEU

Contract notices are official advertisements for public sector procurement opportunities. For high-value contracts above certain thresholds, these were previously published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). Now, post-Brexit, the UK uses its own systems.

You'll find notices for contracts worth over £12,000 including VAT. These notices provide essential details about the tender, including:

• The contracting authority
• Description of goods or services needed
• Estimated contract value
• Deadline for submitting bids
• Selection criteria

To bid successfully, you must carefully review the notice and meet all requirements.

The Role of Contracts Finder

Contracts Finder is a free online service for finding public sector contracts in England. It's a key resource for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

On Contracts Finder, you can:

• Search for current contract opportunities
• View past tenders and awards
• Set up email alerts for relevant new contracts

The platform lists opportunities worth over £10,000 from central government and over £25,000 from wider public sector bodies. It's a vital tool for growing your public sector client base.

Navigating the Find a Tender Service

Find a Tender (FTS) is the UK's new e-notification service, replacing OJEU for high-value public contracts. It's used to post and view notices for contracts typically worth over £118,000 for central government and £189,000 for other public sector bodies.

On FTS, you can:

• Search for contract opportunities
• Access tender documents
• Submit questions about specific tenders
• Register for email alerts

The service covers the whole of the UK, making it easier to find high-value contracts across different regions.

Opportunities in Scotland and Wales

Scotland and Wales have their own dedicated procurement websites for public sector contracts.

Public Contracts Scotland lists opportunities from Scottish public bodies. It allows you to:

• Register as a supplier
• Receive email alerts
• Access Quick Quotes for lower-value contracts

Sell2Wales is the Welsh equivalent, offering similar features for businesses looking to work with Welsh public sector organisations.

Both platforms aim to make it easier for local businesses to compete for public contracts.

E-tendersNI for Northern Ireland

E-tendersNI is the central portal for public sector procurement opportunities in Northern Ireland. It provides a single point of access for all procurement activity.

Key features include:

• Free registration for suppliers
• Online tender submission
• Automatic notifications of relevant opportunities

The platform covers a wide range of sectors, from construction to healthcare. It's designed to streamline the tendering process for both buyers and suppliers in Northern Ireland.

Accessing Tender Opportunities

Finding public sector contracts can open up new business prospects. There are different ways to locate and engage with these opportunities.

Methods to Locate Public Contracts

The Find a Tender service is a key resource for UK public sector contracts over £12,000 in England. It's free to use and covers a wide range of opportunities.

For smaller contracts, check the Contracts Finder on GOV.UK. It lists details of past and current tenders.

Some tender websites offer basic info for free but charge for full access. These often include email alerts for new tenders.

Don't forget to look at buyer websites directly. Many public bodies list opportunities on their own sites.

Engaging with the Public Sector Market

To get started, create an account on tender websites. This lets you save searches and get updates.

Contact procurement teams at NHS trusts, unis, and other public bodies. Ask how to become an approved supplier.

Keep your company details up-to-date on tender portals. This helps buyers find you more easily.

Be ready to respond quickly when you spot a good fit. Tenders often have tight deadlines.

Network at industry events. It's a great way to learn about upcoming projects before they're formally announced.

Private Sector Tendering

Private sector tendering involves bidding for contracts with private companies. It offers more flexibility but can be challenging to navigate. Finding opportunities and building relationships are key to success in this area.

Private vs Public Tendering

Private sector tenders differ from public ones in several ways. Private firms have more freedom in their selection process. They're not bound by the same strict rules as government contracts. This means they can be more flexible in choosing suppliers.

Private tenders often focus more on cost and quality. Public tenders may have additional social or environmental goals. The bidding process for private contracts can be faster. There's often less paperwork involved.

Private firms may also keep their tender details more confidential. This can make it harder to research and prepare bids.

Finding Opportunities in the Private Sector

Locating private sector tenders can be tricky. Many aren't advertised as widely as public contracts. Building a network is crucial. Attend industry events and join professional groups to make contacts.

Some tips for finding opportunities:

• Use tender tracking services
• Check company websites regularly
• Set up Google alerts for key terms
• Follow target companies on social media

Once you find a tender, research the company thoroughly. Tailor your bid to their specific needs and goals. Show how you can add value to their business.

Remember, relationship building is vital in the private sector. Even if you don't win a bid, stay in touch. Future opportunities may arise.

Bidding and Bid Management

Bidding and bid management are key skills for winning contracts. They involve crafting persuasive proposals and overseeing the entire bidding process.

Best Practices for Bidding

Start by reading the tender documents carefully. Highlight key requirements and deadlines. Make sure you meet all eligibility criteria before proceeding.

Research the client thoroughly. Understand their needs, challenges, and goals. Tailor your bid to address these specifically.

Focus on your unique selling points. Explain clearly how you can add value. Use concrete examples and data to back up your claims.

Price competitively but realistically. Don't underbid just to win - ensure you can deliver profitably.

Proofread meticulously. Spelling or grammar errors look unprofessional. Ask a colleague to review your bid before submission.

Submit early if possible. Last-minute technical issues could make you miss the deadline.

Effective Bid Management Strategies

Assign a dedicated bid manager to oversee the process. They should coordinate all aspects of bid preparation.

Create a bid/no bid decision matrix. This helps you quickly assess if an opportunity is worth pursuing.

Build a strong bid team with diverse skills. Include subject matter experts, writers, and designers.

Use a bid management system to track deadlines and tasks. This keeps everyone aligned and on schedule.

Develop bid templates and a "bid library" of reusable content. This saves time on future bids.

Hold regular team meetings to review progress. Address any issues or roadblocks promptly.

After submission, conduct a thorough debrief. Learn from both wins and losses to improve future bids.

Accreditations and Compliance

Accreditations and compliance play a key role in the tendering process. They show your company meets industry standards and can handle the job properly.

Importance of Accreditation

Accreditations are official recognitions that your business meets specific standards. They prove your skills and knowledge to potential clients.

For many tenders, certain accreditations are must-haves. Without them, you might not even be considered for the job.

Different sectors often need different accreditations. It's crucial to know which ones matter in your field.

Having the right accreditations can give you an edge over other bidders. They show you're serious about quality and safety.

Some common accreditations include ISO certifications, industry-specific qualifications, and health and safety awards.

Compliance in the Tendering Process

Compliance means following all the rules and requirements set out in a tender. It's about ticking all the boxes and meeting every standard.

When you bid for a contract, you must prove you can comply with all its terms. This includes legal, financial, and operational requirements.

Tender documents often have strict compliance checklists. Missing even one item can disqualify your bid.

It's vital to read tender documents carefully. Make sure you understand and can meet all compliance points before you bid.

Keeping up-to-date with industry regulations helps you stay compliant. It also makes the tendering process smoother.

Good compliance records can boost your chances of winning contracts. They show you're a reliable and trustworthy partner.