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Bid writer

Alternative titles for this job include Bid co-ordinator

Bid writers prepare documents that are submitted when organisations bid for contracts to provide goods and services, or apply for funding.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 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

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

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 work in, like IT, civil engineering or construction. Once working, you could specialise in bid writing or contract management.

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 could apply for a place with an organisation to do a Bid and Proposal Co-ordinator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This takes around 2 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with study.

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. Some employers will prefer you to have a minimum of A levels.

You may also be able to work your way up from administrative jobs, through training and promotion, especially in bid writing companies.

Once working, you could develop your career by taking work-based training like that offered by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals.

More Information

Career tips

It may help when looking for work, if you have experience or a professional qualification in marketing.

If you're preparing bids for overseas work contracts or funding, the ability to speak another language might help.

Experience in technical writing or research may also be useful when applying for work as a bid writer.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Association of Proposal Management Professionals for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in bid writing from the Association of Proposal Management Professionals.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of English language
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to work well with others
  • administration skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

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 could:

  • do research to uncover potential new business opportunities
  • respond to enquiries about the bid process
  • collect information and data to complete Pre Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs)
  • write and edit proposal documents and complete forms
  • make sure bid proposals follow bid standards and brand guidelines
  • work closely with contract managers and clients
  • submit finalised bid documents by agreed deadlines
  • respond to follow-up information requests
  • keep accurate records and save information to a 'bid library' for future use

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 move into contract management or procurement.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a bid writer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Business Seminar - Marketing Planning

  • Provider: TRURO AND PENWITH COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Truro

Level 2 Media, Marketing & Event Management

  • Provider: SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 23 September 2026
  • Location: Eastleigh
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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