📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Bid Writer
🔹 Company: Johnson Controls
🔹 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: May 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing tender bids from planning to submission, ensuring precision and professionalism
- Collaborating with various business units to develop compelling proposals
- Highlighting Johnson Controls' value proposition and competitive advantages
- Securing strategic contracts and driving business growth
- Ensuring best practices are followed throughout the bidding process
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders. Familiarity with the Public Sector framework is advantageous but not required.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop clear, persuasive responses for PQQs and ITTs, adhering to client specifications
✅ Lead Storyboard sessions to craft tailored responses
✅ Establish Best Practice Responses for each Line of Business
✅ Provide guidance on site visits, presentations, and interviews
✅ Innovate methods for sharing information and improving the bidding process
✅ Incorporate client feedback to refine future proposals
✅ Coach sales teams and subject matter experts on bid writing
✅ Stay informed about Public Sector developments and relay insights to Account Managers
✅ Develop and manage a network of subject matter experts
✅ Collaborate with the Tender Coordinator to maintain an up-to-date Bid Database
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong project management skills to juggle multiple bids and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: GCSEs in English and Maths (grades A, B, or C) or equivalent qualifications
Experience: Background in bid/proposal writing or relevant degree
Required Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and MS Office suite
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Proven track record of developing successful proposals
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Strong stakeholder management capabilities
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with the Public Sector and its operational framework
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, or a related discipline) may be beneficial but is not strictly required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £25,000 - £35,000 per annum (AI-estimated, based on market research for similar roles in the UK)
Benefits:
- Competitive salary reflecting skills and experience
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and sick pay
- Holiday purchase scheme to buy up to 15 additional holidays
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension plan, life assurance, employee assistance program, and referral scheme
- Exclusive discounts with high street brands and offers through various schemes
- Extensive career development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 37.5 hours per week, with flexible hybrid working arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on market research for similar roles in the UK. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's skills, experience, and the company's internal salary structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Johnson Controls operates in the Industrial Machinery Manufacturing sector, focusing on building automation, fire and hazard protection, industrial refrigeration, HVAC, security, and sustainability solutions.
Company Size: Johnson Controls is a large organization with over 10,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for career growth and diverse project exposure but may also have a more structured work environment.
Founded: Johnson Controls was founded in 1885 and has since grown into a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings.
Company Description:
- Johnson Controls transforms the environments where people live, work, learn, and play by delivering the blueprint of the future for various industries
- The company offers the world's largest portfolio of building technology and software, as well as service solutions from trusted industry names
- Johnson Controls is committed to reimagining the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet
Company Specialties:
- Engineering and manufacturing operations
- Sales and marketing
- Building automation, fire and hazard protection, industrial refrigeration, HVAC, and security solutions
- Sustainability and energy efficiency
Company Website: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com
ASSUMPTION: Johnson Controls' extensive industry experience and global presence provide applicants with opportunities to work on diverse projects and develop their careers within a well-established organization.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in bid writing or a related field, seeking to advance their careers in a corporate environment.
Reporting Structure: The Bid Writer will report to the Bid Team and Sales Support Manager, collaborating with various business units and subject matter experts.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role with flexible working arrangements, allowing for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior bid writing or management roles within the company
- Expanding expertise in specific industry sectors or product lines
- Transitioning to related roles within the organization, such as sales or marketing
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and work-life balance, while the company's size and industry presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Johnson Controls' Newcastle office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.
Office Location(s): Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant city in the North East of England, known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and thriving business scene
- The city offers a high quality of life, with affordable housing, excellent schools, and a diverse range of leisure and entertainment options
- Newcastle is well-connected by road, rail, and air, with easy access to major cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Manchester
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexible hybrid working arrangements allowing for remote work on certain days.
ASSUMPTION: The Newcastle office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to the city's amenities and a strong sense of community among employees.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final interview with the Bid Team and Sales Support Manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects
- Stakeholder management and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and innovation
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your bid writing experience and relevant skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Public Sector framework and Johnson Controls' business in your application materials
- Prepare examples of successful proposals you've developed in previous roles
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
ATS Keywords: Bid writing, proposal development, Microsoft Word, MS Office Suite, Public Sector, stakeholder management, attention to detail, time management, organizational skills
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple stakeholders, as these are critical to success in this position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Word and MS Office Suite
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project)
- Collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for corporate environments and can be easily adapted by candidates with relevant experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions
- Customer focus: Understanding and meeting customer needs and exceeding their expectations
- Innovation: Encouraging creativity and continuous improvement
- Performance: Delivering results and driving excellence in all aspects of the business
- One Johnson Controls: Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Working closely with various business units and subject matter experts to develop compelling proposals
- Adaptable: Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Detail-oriented: Ensuring precision and professionalism in all aspects of the bidding process
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you possess strong written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail?
- Are you comfortable managing multiple stakeholders and collaborating with various business units?
- Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, able to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines?
ASSUMPTION: Johnson Controls values candidates who are strong communicators, adaptable, and detail-oriented, with a commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously, requiring strong project management skills
- Adapting to the unique requirements and specifications of each client, necessitating strong research and analytical skills
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, requiring flexibility and resilience
- Navigating the complexities of the Public Sector framework, which may require additional learning and development
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a large, established organization.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike related roles, such as Proposal Coordinator or Bid Manager, this role focuses specifically on bid writing and does not include responsibilities for bid strategy or team management
- In the Public Sector context, this role requires a strong understanding of client specifications and the ability to adapt to unique requirements
- Career progression in this role may involve transitioning to senior bid writing or management positions, or moving into related fields such as sales or marketing
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on bid writing and offers opportunities for career growth and development within a large, established organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a compelling proposal for a large-scale infrastructure project, requiring extensive research and collaboration with subject matter experts
- Adapting a standard proposal template to meet the unique specifications of a client in the Public Sector
- Coaching sales teams and subject matter experts on bid writing best practices, resulting in improved proposal quality and increased win rates
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Bid Writer in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical bidding process for a project, from planning to submission?
- How does the Bid Team collaborate with other business units and subject matter experts to develop proposals?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth within the Bid Team and Johnson Controls more broadly?
- How does Johnson Controls support work-life balance for employees in hybrid roles?
- What is the company's approach to innovation and continuous improvement in the bidding process?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities, company culture, and career development opportunities within this role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your bid writing experience and relevant skills
- Prepare examples of successful proposals you've developed in previous roles
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
