Bid writer

Alternative titles for this job include Bid coordinator

Bid writers prepare documents used to request contracts to provide services or apply for funding.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Bid writer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

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

Apprenticeship

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

Work

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.

Other Routes

The Association of Bid & Proposal Management Professionals offers qualifications for people working in bid and proposal writing.

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Bid and Proposal Coordinator Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: CORN EXCHANGE, BUSINESS CENTRE, MARKET PLACE

Bid Coordinator Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Birmingham

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a Bid writer?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.