Bid Coordinator
This page gives you the real story about what it's like to be a Bid Coordinator (with insights from people actually doing the job).
Your goal: Decide if this sounds interesting enough to explore further, or if it's clearly not for you. Both answers are useful!
It will take about 5 minutes to read through - by the end, you'll know if this is worth exploring or if you should look at something else.
What is this job?
When a company wants to win a contract to provide goods or services, they have to compete for it. They submit a 'bid' - a detailed proposal that answers questions, shows their experience, and explains why they're the best choice. That's where bid coordinators come in.
Bid coordinators help companies win work. They pull together all the information needed for proposals, write compelling responses, manage deadlines, and make sure everything gets submitted on time. It's part writing, part project management, part detective work.
Think of it as being the person who makes sure a company puts its best foot forward when competing for work. Without bid coordinators, proposals would be rushed, disorganised, or miss crucial details - and the company wouldn't win the contract.
It's varied work that combines writing skills with organisation. Every bid is different, every client has different questions, and you're constantly working with different teams across the business to get the information you need.
What do they do day to day?
You work in teams, coordinating the responses to tenders and proposals, making sure everything comes together before the deadline.
Writing and coordination:
- Answering questions about your company in tender documents
- Writing case studies about previous projects your company has completed
- Chasing colleagues for information and technical input
- Editing and proofreading proposal responses
- Managing version control and keeping documents organised
Project management:
- Tracking deadlines for multiple bids at once (typically 3-4 projects)
- Creating timelines and making sure milestones are met
- Coordinating with different departments - technical, finance, legal
- Managing the submission process and portal uploads
Who you work with:
- Bid managers and senior bid writers who lead major submissions
- Technical experts and project managers who provide content
- Sales and business development teams
- Finance teams for pricing information
- Marketing for case studies and company materials
Where you work:
- Mostly office-based, with hybrid working common
- Desk work with computers - lots of Word, Excel, and bid portals
- Some companies offer site visits to see completed projects
- Deadline-driven environment - busy periods around submission dates
How much do they earn?
Salaries vary depending on the company, location, and your experience level. Here's a rough guide for bid coordinator roles:
Apprentice (Level 3 Bid and Proposal Coordinator) £15,000 - £22,000 per year
You're earning while gaining a qualification over 15-24 months
Entry-Level / Graduate £26,000 - £32,000 per year
With Experience £32,000 - £40,000 per year
Senior Level / Bid Manager £45,000 - £60,000+ per year
Head of Bid Management £70,000 - £81,000+ per year
What affects your salary:
- Location - London salaries are typically 10-15% higher than other UK cities
- Industry sector - Law and professional services tend to pay more than healthcare
- Company size - Larger organisations often have bigger bid teams and higher salaries
- Qualifications - APMP certification can boost your earning potential
- Specialism - Moving into bid writing or bid management increases pay significantly
Remember: These are approximate figures for the UK based on 2025 salary surveys. The good news is there's clear progression - bid coordinators have seen the largest salary increases in the profession recently (up 20% since 2022), and the skills transfer well to other commercial roles.
You'll Be Successful In This Career If...
You're organised and can juggle multiple things
You'll have several bids on the go at once, each with different deadlines and requirements. If you're the kind of person who keeps lists, tracks progress, and gets satisfaction from keeping things moving smoothly, this role plays to your strengths.
You're not afraid to chase people
You'll need information from busy people who might not reply to your first email. Being comfortable with follow-up questions, approaching colleagues you've never met, and persistently (but politely) getting what you need is essential. If you're easily put off, this might be frustrating.
You care about making an impact
Winning a bid directly affects your company's success. If you work in sectors like renewable energy or public services, you can see real-world results from your work - projects built, services delivered, communities helped. That delayed satisfaction of seeing something come to life months later can be really motivating.
You enjoy writing and communicating clearly
A big part of the job is writing - case studies, responses to questions, editing other people's input. You don't need to be a novelist, but you should enjoy putting words together clearly and be comfortable with written communication.
You like variety in your work
Every bid is different - different clients, different questions, different sectors. If you'd hate doing the same thing every day, this could suit you. But if you prefer deep focus on one project at a time, the juggling might feel stressful.
The Bottom Line
If you're naturally organised, comfortable with writing, good at working with different people, and motivated by seeing tangible results from your work, bid coordination could be an excellent fit. It's a career many people fall into rather than plan, but those who suit it find it varied, rewarding, and full of progression opportunities.
The routes to the role:
Apprenticeship (Level 3 Bid and Proposal Coordinator):
- Earn while you learn over 15-24 months
- Combines on-the-job training with structured learning
- Gain eligibility for APMP membership on completion
- No university debt and immediate work experience
- Available across sectors including construction, engineering, professional services
What helps:
- Good writing skills - they're really important
- Any admin or coordination experience, even from part-time work
- Evidence of organisation and attention to detail
- Interest in the sector you're applying to (but technical knowledge isn't expected)
University degree:
- English, humanities, or business degrees are often preferred
- But any degree can work - it's your skills that matter
- Look for graduate roles or entry-level bid coordinator positions
- Many people discover bid management in their final year or after graduating
Insights from people who do the job
Aisha Munir
Bid Coordinator at Vital Energi