Bid Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Bid Writer

🔹 Company: Marlborough Highways

🔹 Location: Chelmsford - HQ, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Civil Engineering

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-30

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the production of quality submissions and setting strategies
• Developing win themes through analysis of client intelligence and corporate strategies
• Collaborating with the Bid Director and other teams to create compelling submissions
• Attending site visits, client meetings, and project close-out meetings
• Continuously improving bid quality and processes

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive and energetic individual with a strong background in bid writing and a solid understanding of the highways industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the production of winning quality submissions, working closely with the Bid Director to set the strategy for these submissions

✅ Focus on the development of win themes through analysis of client intelligence and corporate strategies

✅ Take responsibility for producing all written responses, conducting interviews, and proofreading documents

✅ Support the Bid Director in development of presentation preparation for both mid-bid presentations and post-submission presentations

✅ Attend pre and post-award meetings with clients to facilitate operational and commercial handover of the project

✅ Assist with development and maintenance of bid collateral – e.g. case studies

✅ Visit live contracts to review current best practice and feedback knowledge into the Bid Team

ASSUMPTION: This role involves working on multiple priorities with demanding timescales and the ability to work under pressure is essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Degree level qualification or equivalent experience

Experience: Proven track record of leading bid submissions, with highways-specific experience preferred

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Proficient in the use of relevant IT software
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities with demanding timescales
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to build effective relationships and communicate well across the Marlborough business
• Ability to continually improve the quality of work sent out by Marlborough
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in management/mentoring of direct reports

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant highways industry experience and a strong portfolio of successful bid submissions will be highly competitive for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for a Bid Writer with 2-5 years of experience in the civil engineering sector)

Benefits:

• Private Medical Insurance
• Employer Pension Scheme
• Healthshield cover including 24 hr GP services
• Employee Wellbeing Service
• Death in Service Cover
• Employee Recognition Programme
• On Site Parking
• On Site Gym

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM with flexibility to work additional hours as needed during tender periods

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Marlborough Highways operates within the civil engineering sector, specializing in full-service highway and public space maintenance, improvement, and construction.

Company Size: Marlborough Highways is a medium-sized company with 201-500 employees, providing a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Founded: Marlborough Highways was founded in 1992 and has since grown to become a dynamic, independent civil engineering company with over 30 years of experience.

Company Description:

• Marlborough Highways is a multi-discipline contractor offering a wide range of services, including road surfacing, reactive maintenance, highway maintenance, and urban redevelopment.
• The company prides itself on its exceptional customer care and dedicated in-house Project Managers.
• Marlborough Highways delivers services to London Boroughs, Local Authorities, and the supply chain.

Company Specialties:

• Civil engineering
• Highway maintenance
• Road surfacing
• Reactive maintenance
• Surface treatments
• Winter maintenance
• Bridge installation
• Structure maintenance
• Cliff stabilisation
• Gully cleansing
• Traffic management
• Street lighting
• Emergency call outs
• Road marking
• Urban redevelopment

Company Website: http://marlboroughhighways.co.uk/

ASSUMPTION: Marlborough Highways' focus on exceptional customer care and dedicated in-house Project Managers sets it apart from competitors in the civil engineering sector.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced Bid Writer looking to take the next step in their career, with opportunities for growth and development within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Bid Writer will report directly to the Bid Director and work closely with other teams within the company to create winning submissions.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the primary location being the Chelmsford - HQ office. However, the role may require travel to client sites, project locations, and other Marlborough Highways offices as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior bid writing role or management position within the bids department
• Expanding skills and knowledge within the civil engineering sector
• Gaining experience in other aspects of the business, such as project management or operations

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow within the company and take on more responsibilities as they develop their skills and expertise.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Marlborough Highways' Chelmsford - HQ office is a modern, professional environment with on-site parking and a gym for employee use.

Office Location(s): Chelmsford - HQ, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

• Chelmsford is a vibrant city located in Essex, with a population of approximately 170,000 people.
• The city offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to London and other major cities.
• Chelmsford is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and excellent shopping and dining options.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule for this role is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. However, during tender periods, additional hours may be required to meet deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Marlborough Highways is collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on teamwork and exceptional customer care.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• Face-to-face interview with the Bid Director and a member of the bids team
• Second-stage interview or assessment, if required
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and presentation skills
• Bid writing experience and track record
• Industry knowledge and understanding of the highways sector
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Cultural fit and alignment with Marlborough Highways' values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant bid writing experience and skills
• Include specific examples of successful bid submissions you have worked on and the outcomes
• Demonstrate your understanding of the highways industry and Marlborough Highways' services
• Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the role, the team, and the company

ATS Keywords: Bid Writer, Bid Submission, Win Themes, Client Intelligence, Corporate Strategies, Written Responses, Presentation Preparation, Client Meetings, Project Close-Out, Bid Collateral, Case Studies, Live Contracts, Marlborough Highways, Civil Engineering, Highway Maintenance, Road Surfacing, Reactive Maintenance, Surface Treatments, Winter Maintenance, Bridge Installation, Structure Maintenance, Cliff Stabilisation, Gully Cleansing, Traffic Management, Street Lighting, Emergency Call Outs, Road Marking, Urban Redevelopment

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant skills and experience, as well as their understanding of the role and the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Bid management software (e.g., BidMaster, BidSync)
• Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello)
• Industry-specific software (e.g., highway design software, GIS)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in the use of relevant IT software and willing to learn and adapt to new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Exceptional customer care
• Dedicated in-house Project Managers
• Dynamic and independent approach to civil engineering

Work Style:

• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Focus on continuous improvement and exceptional quality
• Flexibility to work additional hours during tender periods

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of leading bid submissions and creating winning quality responses?
• Are you comfortable working under pressure and managing multiple priorities with demanding timescales?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative and supportive work environment, and are you committed to delivering exceptional customer care?

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with Marlborough Highways' values and work style, as well as a commitment to delivering exceptional customer care.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working under pressure and managing multiple priorities with demanding timescales during tender periods
• Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in bid writing and the highways sector
• Adapting to changes in the company's priorities and focus areas
• Balancing the demands of the role with personal and family commitments

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Bid Writer roles in other civil engineering or construction companies may have different focuses, such as infrastructure, utilities, or facilities management
• Bid Writer roles in other industries may have different requirements and expectations, such as a focus on technical specifications or financial proposals
• Career progression in bid writing may lead to roles such as Bid Manager, Bid Director, or other senior leadership positions within the bids department or the wider organization

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles in other companies and industries to gain a better understanding of the market and the specific requirements of the Bid Writer role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a winning submission for a major highways maintenance contract, including conducting site visits, interviewing internal teams, and producing high-quality written responses
• Collaborating with the Bid Director and other teams to create a compelling presentation for a mid-bid presentation, incorporating win themes and client intelligence
• Attending a project close-out meeting and facilitating the production of suitable material to improve future bid submissions

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to provide specific examples of their bid writing experience and the outcomes of their submissions.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the bids department collaborate with other teams within the company, such as project management and operations?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the bids department and the wider organization?
• How does Marlborough Highways support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of the Bid Writer role, and how can I best prepare for them?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful and insightful questions to ask the interview panel, demonstrating their interest in the role and the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the PinPoint application portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant bid writing experience and skills, including specific examples of successful bid submissions you have worked on and the outcomes
• Prepare for your interview by researching Marlborough Highways, the civil engineering industry, and the specific requirements of the Bid Writer role
• Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the role, the team, and the company
• Follow up with the HR department after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications and fit for the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.