Bid Writer (37 hours per week, Permanent)

Location: Hybrid working with Priory House, Durham or Western House, Peterborough as a base

Salary: £33,705 - £40,446 plus a discretionary bonus potential of up to 8% of annual salary

Job Level: D

Reporting to: Jonathan Hutchinson (Bid Manager)

We want our people to have a great work-life balance and support flexible working in terms of a hybrid model and varying start and finish times in some teams where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.

ABOUT US

Wave is a leading national business water retailer helping over 300,000 customers across the UK to benefit from the non-household water market. We’re dedicated to helping businesses lower water use, be more water efficient and reduce costs – all which helped us earn Water Retailer of the Year 2021. Our vision is to be the most customer-focused utility delivering value and efficiency in everything we do, making a positive difference to the environment and society.

The culture at Wave is like nowhere else. We’re committed to a happy, healthy place to work, and have a working environment which supports continuous learning and development, one where people can really flourish. Our people are at the centre of everything we do. Joining us means you’d be part of a team of over 300 people working flexibly across two UK based offices. You’ll find a real focus on employee wellbeing, excellent career opportunities and some great benefits too. We expect great things from you and we give great things back.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Wealth

• Excellent pension scheme - we will double match your contribution, up to a maximum of 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave
• Bonus potential
• Perkbox membership with a vast range of perks - high street savings (fashion retailers, supermarkets and restaurants), discounted cinema tickets, travel and holiday discounts and online fitness classes
• Income protection scheme
• Personal accident insurance
• 4x salary Life assurance
• Free onsite parking

Time off

• 24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays)
• A day off for your birthday
• Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
• The option to buy holidays
• 1 day paid volunteering

Wellbeing

• Hybrid/Flexible working
• Healthcare cash back scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Christmas and summer parties
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Free flu shots

Family Friendly

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave
• Dog friendly offices
• We care about you as an employee and have a range of resources available to both you and your family

THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL

The Bid Team are responsible for managing the bid process for new business and retention opportunities. The Bid Writer will play an integral role in leading the Bid Team’s output, working collaboratively with Sales, Account Management and Pricing Teams to analyse customer requirements, develop win themes and create compelling proposals that showcase Wave’s capabilities and value propositions.

The Bid Writer will work closely with the Bid Manager and Junior Bid Writer to support the creation of a range of tailored proposals. While achieving this, the Bid Writer will contribute to further-developing Wave’s award-winning work culture.

The role will suit you if you have the following skills:

• Exceptional written communication
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Collaboration and relationship building
• Research and analytical abilities
• Adaptability and resilience

WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

• Work closely with the Bid Manager and Junior Bid Writer to review and action new requests which have come through to the bid inbox.
• Arrange and lead kick off calls to establish win themes and agree bid timelines.
• Complete proposals which directly address identified win themes and outlines an agreed offering which best showcases Wave’s capabilities.
• Ensure all bids are compliant with Wave governance.
• Work with the Bid Manager and Junior Bid Writer to create new proposal content and contribute to the continuous improvement of proposal format and bid process.

WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?

• Proven track record of the coordination of the whole bid process.
• Proven experience of bespoke writing for Public Sector bids achieving consistently high scores in excess of 80% on quality.
• Proficient Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with InDesign or similar system(s) is an advantage but not essential.
• Experienced in time / project management with excellent organisational skills.
• Proven track record, producing compelling bid, tender and proposal responses.
• Ability to think both strategically and analytically.
• Highly motivated with a positive “can do” attitude.
• Ability to work remotely and work using own initiative.
• Broad experience/understanding of water/wastewater company business & regulation – an advantage (but not essential).
• Experience within a utility retail environment an advantage (but not essential)

Please refer to the essential criteria in the job description as this is what you will be shortlisted against.

Wave is committed to making a positive difference to the environment and society in which it operates. If you are excited to join a dynamic growing business which cares about its people, we would love to hear from you.

BE YOURSELF – OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE US STRONGER

Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. We will take into consideration any adjustments or individual requirements at any stage of your recruitment journey. If you require any additional support related to menopause, neurodiversity, or any other reason, please do let us know by contacting [email protected].

Please ensure you attach your CV and a covering letter so we can get to know more about your skills and experience and why you are suitable for this role. We will not be able to consider applications without a covering letter.

Closing date: 4pm on 17 July 2023

Interviews are planned from week commencing 24 July