Job Description

Job title

Bid Writer

Line Manager

Commercial Director

Location

Andover (hybrid options considered)

Job type / hours

Full time (flexible work patterns considered)

Salary

50,000 FTE

About Marston Events

Marston Events was founded in 2005 and has grown into a prestigious and expanding company specialising in graduation ceremony services. We work in partnership at ceremonies with universities, colleges, schools, and professional bodies across the UK and internationally. Our core services include expert event management, the design and supply of high-quality gowns, professional graduation portraits by qualified and experienced photographers, event video services, and venue ticketing services.

Marston Events is dedicated to celebrating the power of aspiration, recognising that gowns and mortarboards symbolise hard work, dedication, and the potential for future success. Our expert and personalised customer service is based on trust and integrity, which we see as our greatest strength. Marston Events goes the extra mile to support the graduands and Universities that we serve with professionalism at all times.

Spread over three sites across the UK - Andover, Salfords (Surrey), and Belfast, Marston offers a wide variety of job roles throughout the company and takes pride in its richly diverse workforce of specialists. We deliver our services not only in this country but internationally and have ambitious plans to grow and develop outside the UK. We care deeply about our staff and everyone that works alongside us. Our most recent staff survey highlighted 'team sprit', 'respect' and 'inclusivity' as some of the key factors that makes our team unique. "It is a very friendly and supportive culture where everyone feels safe to communicate and innovate"

Company benefits include

The chance to work supportive company that's passionate about creating memorable experiences

Employee Assistance Programme (Peninsula) - 24 hour helpline and hub for a offering a range of services from experienced therapists or specialist advisors.

Access to Pension Scheme - more info

28 day holiday allowance including bank holidays

On-site parking

Enhanced holiday allowance for long service, starting from one full year

Volunteering days

Hybrid and Flexible working arrangements (role dependant)

Death in service

About The Role

As our Bid Writer, you will play a key role in securing new business by producing high-quality, compelling bids and proposals for university tender contracts. You will work closely with our Managing Director and Commercial Director to understand client needs and articulate our unique value in written responses. You will also be working both operationally to ensure that tender contracts are understood, operationalised and reviewed throughout the company.

Tender Preparation & Submission

Lead the preparation of tender submissions, ensuring they meet all client requirements and deadlines. Interpret tender documents, portals, and PQQs to identify requirements and develop compliant submissions. Whether bespoke or concession tender within a supplier framework and create appropriate approach for response Write, edit, and coordinate winning bespoke tender responses for public sector university contracts. Ensure bids are tailored, persuasive, and aligned with each university's strategic goals whilst demonstrating an understanding of industry best practices and service delivery. Produce images, graphics and other visual content including flowcharts within tender responses as appropriate

Project Management & Tracking:

Maintain and update a library of standard content for future bids Maintain up to date information about company processes to ensure accurate and competitive tendering Manage timelines and submission deadlines to ensure timely delivery of all documentation. Review feedback from past bids to continuously improve quality and success rates.

Stakeholder Engagement & Research:

Work as part of the business development function to identifying upcoming pre engagement opportunities, ensuring we have a pro-active approach Maintain relationships with key stakeholders and potential clients as we pre-engage to gather insight that strengthens submission and to obtain feedback that improve future submissions. Collaborate with internal departments to gather technical and operational input. Liaising with the Procurement team to ensure that tender samples are made available in the correct time frame and to the superior quality needed. Support Marketing and Communications functions as required to share successes and ensure that our offer remains aligned with our clients needs Provide feedback on all tenders once outcomes are received, ensuring we deliver on our promises and continuous improvement On occasion, attend and work at ceremonies, particularly during the training phase, to understand the reality of event work and the processes we employ.

Communications

Review and proofread tender documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality.

Ensure all submission documents align with company brand, tone, and messaging

Essential Competencies / Person Specification

The below competencies specific to this role have been designed based on our company values.

Competency

Competency detail

Empathy & Client-Focus*

Demonstrates genuine care and respect in every interaction. Understands client needs and responds with tailored, thoughtful, and effective solutions.

Clarity & Communication*

Exceptional written English, with the ability to write clearly, persuasively, and accurately under tight deadlines. Able to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively, adapting tone and language to suit the audience.

Attention to Detail & Quality Focus*

Maintains a strong eye for detail, ensuring all submissions are accurate, consistent, and aligned with both client and organisational expectations.

Project Management & Organisation*

Manages multiple bids simultaneously with efficiency and structure. Able to plan, prioritise, and deliver work independently and collaboratively.

Collaboration & Professionalism*

Works supportively with colleagues across departments, fostering a respectful and productive environment. Maintains a professional approach and takes ownership of the bid process from start to finish.

Adaptability & Initiative*

Open to feedback, thrives in dynamic environments, and actively contributes to service improvement and innovation.

Procurement Awareness*

Familiarity with public sector procurement processes and platforms (e.g., Contracts Finder, ProContract). Understands compliance requirements and how to meet them effectively in bid responses.

Technical Proficiency*

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for efficient document creation and editing.

Desirable Skills & Experience

Experience writing bids within the higher education or public sector, particularly for graduation or university event services. Knowledge of the structure, format, and flow of graduation ceremonies or academic events. APMP or similar certification in bid management, demonstrating a structured and strategic approach to bidding.

How to apply

Please send a CV that demonstrates you have the skills and experience to carry out the responsibilities listed in the job description.

Please also send a covering letter that provides examples from your experience on how you meet each of the competencies listed in the person specification section of the job description.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 19/05/2025
Reference ID: Bid Writer