Bid writer

Career path and progression

You could become a team leader, senior bid writer or bids and proposals manager.

You could also transfer your skills to other kinds of technical writing or contract management.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• excellent written communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• administration skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• English Language - Bid writers spend most of their time writing, editing, and refining documents that need to be clear, persuasive, and precise. They must present complex technical information in ways that are easy to understand, and even small errors in grammar or tone can cost a company a contract.
• Business - Bid writers need to understand how businesses operate, including financial records, organisational structures, and competitive markets. They work closely with planning teams and clients to identify business opportunities and present a compelling case for why their organisation should win a contract.

Also relevant

• Mathematics - Bid writers collect and present financial data, including budgets, cost breakdowns, and pricing models as part of their proposals. Being comfortable working with numbers helps them check figures are accurate and present financial information clearly.
• Law - Bid writers must check the rules and regulations that each bid must follow, including procurement law and contract terms. Understanding legal language and compliance requirements helps them ensure proposals meet all the necessary legal standards.
• Economics - Bid writers benefit from understanding market conditions, funding environments, and how organisations make spending decisions. This helps them frame proposals in a way that demonstrates value for money and aligns with broader economic priorities.
• Modern Foreign Languages - Bid writers who prepare bids for international funding or work with overseas clients may need to communicate in other languages. Being able to read and write in another language can open up opportunities in global organisations and cross-border projects.
• English Literature - Bid writers need to construct persuasive arguments and use language strategically to influence decision-makers. Studying literature develops skills in close reading, structuring ideas, and understanding how word choices shape a reader's response – all of which are valuable when crafting winning bids.