Bid manager

How to become a bid manager

There are several routes to becoming a bid manager. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to becoming a bid manager to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card to work on a construction site.

University

Some employers will expect you to have an undergraduate degree to join as a bid manager. Relevant subjects include English, business management or sales and marketing.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice 

College/training provider

You could complete a college course in business studies or administration to become a bid manager.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could complete an apprenticeship to become a bid manager, such as a bid and proposal coordinator advanced apprenticeship.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships 

Work

You could start as a trainee or junior bid manager. If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a company to gain on-the-job experience. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced bid manager and progress as your abilities improve.

Many employers will expect a minimum of:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• Some employers will also prefer you to have A levels, or equivalent.

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a bid manager include: 

• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of the English language
• To be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Administration skills
• Ability to use your initiative
• Ability to use computers and software competently.

Qualifications

What does a bid manager do?

As a bid manager, you will be responsible for writing tenders and reviewing documentation to secure new contracts for your business. You could be required to work evenings in the run up to a new bid submission.

The role of a bid manager involves the following duties:  

• Analysing the tender document to understand the needs of the client
• Planning bid preparation to ensure that deadlines are met
• Liaising with other managers to agree bid details
• Preparing case studies and other reference materials
• Editing or rewriting previous tenders to reuse relevant material
• Collating materials provided by various departments and ensuring a uniform tone across the overall document 
• Ensuring that the bid is accurate and delivered on time.

How much could you earn as a bid manager?

The expected salary for a bid manager varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained bid managers can earn £22,000 - £30,000
• Trained bid managers with some experience can earn £40,000 - £50,000
• Senior bid managers can earn £50,000 - £70,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest bid manager vacancies:  

• Totaljobs
• Reed

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a bid manager you could progress to become a senior bid manager.  

You could also move into a related area and become a team leader, business development manager or contracts manager.

Alternatively, you could set up as a freelance bid manager or consultant.