Trainee Bid Writers

Stepnell is a leading regional contractor, a complete construction partner with proven end-to-end project lifecycle expertise. We serve a broad spectrum of private and public sector clients, ensuring they realise their vision by providing a more holistic approach to project design, build, management and delivery. We are an established, mature business with the resources and infrastructure to deliver larger, more challenging projects generally up to £25 million.

We are ambitious and continue to grow our business; but despite our stature, we remain a family business  combine the focus and accessibility of a regional contractor, with a depth of technical competency, professional capability and national reach usually reserved only for larger organisations.

Stepnell has fantastic opportunities for Trainee Bid Writers to work within our pre-contract teams to help win tenders, frameworks and project contracts by translating technical construction data into clear, persuasive and compliant proposals.

You will be working as part of the regional team alongside trained professionals and managers to deliver work to the highest standards. Assisting in production of Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), Invitations to Tender (ITTs) and quality-focused bid submissions for construction projects.

Stepnell operate across a number of offices, in Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Rugby, Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford, Exeter and Southampton. Successful applicants will be based in either Nottingham, Rugby or Southampton.

You will gain competencies in a wide range of activities, for example:

• Information Gathering: Working with site managers, estimators, surveyors, and technical specialists to extract project methodologies, risk mitigations, and value-for-money propositions.
• Drafting Content: Write, edit, and re-format clear, plain-English responses to tender questions, case studies, and CV profiles.
• Portal & Document Management: Set up, check, and maintain e-tendering portals, log submissions, and help manage the central bid library/content database.
• Supporting Pre-Contract Teams: Assist senior bid managers and estimators with data analysis, cost plans, schedules/programmes, and deadline tracking.
• Compliance Checks: Ensure all bid responses strictly adhere to client specifications, word counts, and statutory requirements.

Exceptional written and verbal communication in English.

Meticulous attention to detail and proofreading abilities.

Strong IT literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email systems).

Ability to organise, prioritise, and meet strict submission deadlines under pressure.

Bid Manager / Head of Work-Winning

Relevant Health & Safety Certificates

Structured training programmes

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships in Bid and Proposal Co-ordination.

Starting salary of £24K

Contributory Pension

You will receive continuous 'on the job' training and professional development.

Excellent career prospects are available for those with the drive and ability to achieve.

Opportunities to progress to senior management, earn more money and build a successful career.

Closing date for applications 31st January 2027

Telephone Interviews
- January-February 2027

Face to face interviews
- March-April 2027

Offers of employment no later than 31st May 2027

Start Date - 6th September 2027

At Stepnell, we’re passionate about empowering our people to thrive. We believe in building fulfilling and rewarding careers by investing in talent, nurturing growth, and inspiring innovation. With the prestigious Investors in People Gold accreditation, we’re proud to place our people at the heart of everything we do. Every team member is…