Bid writer
Bid writers prepare documents used to request contracts to provide services or apply for funding.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a bid writer you'll:
- find out about possible business opportunities
- work with clients and planning teams
- gather evidence to complete Pre Qualification Questionnaires (PQQ)
- collect data for bids, like financial records
- check the rules the bid must follow
- present technical information in easy to understand ways
- keep accurate records and save material to a 'bid library' for future use
- design, write, edit and submit bid documents
Working environment
You could work at a client's business or in an office.
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
Some employers will expect you to have a degree.
Relevant subjects include:
- English
- business management
- sales and marketing
- law
You could also study a subject relevant to an industry you want to specialise in, like IT, civil engineering or housing.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You can work towards this role by completing a bid and proposal co-ordinator advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You could start as a trainee or junior bid writer. You’ll usually need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths. Many employers will prefer you to have at least A levels.
You may also be able to work your way up through administrative jobs, especially in bid writing companies.
The Association of Bid & Proposal Management Professionals offers qualifications for people working in bid and proposal writing.
Career tips
A professional marketing qualification may help you find work.
If you're preparing bids for international funding, the ability to speak other languages can help.
Experience in writing or research may be helpful when applying for work as a bid writer.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Association of Bid Proposal Management Professionals for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.