Architype; an established architectural practice with a focus on designing life enhancing genuinely sustainable architecture in a collaborative and innovative working environment, has an opening for a like-minded bid coordinator to join their business development and marketing team.
With a staff number of 60, located between two offices in Hereford and London, you will be required to work practice-wide managing the steady flow of Requests for Information (RFIs), bids and proposals.
An ability to work individually and as part of a team is required as well as an enthusiasm to be involved with wider aspects of the practice promotion.
The key aspects you will possess for this role are:
Understanding of tender rules
A comprehensive understanding of tendering rules is desirable. You will be expected to work within the policy and procedures of OJEU and any other client tendering rules and obligations to ensure full compliance throughout the full tendering process. You will be able to lead each opportunity as a project, driving inputs from key members across the practice and where applicable external consultants.
Time management
Timely management of tender activities is essential. You will be required to submit tender responses in a punctual and systematic manner ensuring that all players involved are fully aware of their responsibilities and deliver within the stipulated timescales.
Development of bid strategies
Ability to develop a convincing win strategy and translating that into a high quality and convincing output. Working alongside the business development manager, you will be expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of client requirements and formulate responses that succinctly meet expectations, instil confidence and are persuasive.
Copy writing and graphical representational skills
Responsible for the production of tender materials, it is essential that you have previous experience in copy writing; creating compelling text that is grammatically correct to eloquently convey our approach and response to questions. You will be a creative thinker and continuously looking for new ways to communicate messages and tell stories. Working within the practice’s brand guidelines and templates, you will be expected to produce visually attractive and well organised bid documents and proposals.
Tracking and feedback
As part of your role, you will be responsible for obtaining updates and monitoring progress of bid proposals and submissions. Similarly you will be expected to keep a live record of all bid work and track success rate (via company CRM system), and obtain performance feedback for continuous improvement.
Interviews and correspondence
You will be responsible for leading the selected team in preparation for any interviews. Collating background information, assigning tasks and critically reviewing interview style and format will be essential.
Business development and marketing
You will work closely with the business development manager to gather insight, analyse any forthcoming opportunities, and understand client mindsets, best practice to support the development company strategies.
Management and reporting
On a monthly basis you will be required to assist the business development manager with compiling a practice wide report on business development and marketing. You will be responsible for presenting this at local management meetings and feeding back any matters to the business development manager.
General
As part of the team, you may be expected to help out with some marketing and PR tasks as and when required. This covers a broad range of activities and enthusiasm to undertake tasks beyond the remit of tendering and bid work from time to time is essential.
Other skills and attributes
In addition we will be looking for the following skills and attributes:
Essential
an enthusiasm for architecture and sustainable design
fluency in Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
competent user of Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint
excellent communication skills – verbal and written
previous bid management experience within a service sector environment
excellent time management and ability to multi-task
ability to work individually with limited supervision and as part of a team
pro-active and self driven work ethic
an eye for detail and accuracy
organised and systematic – can handle tight and multiple deadlines in a pressured environment
friendly, diplomatic and unperturbed
Desirable
understanding of the built environment industry, architecture and/or construction
an understanding of marketing and experience of contributing to wider business objectives
competitive nature with awareness of preserving the practice reputation and image
Architype is moving into a period of deliberate expansion and this opening will offer opportunities for the successful candidate to develop and grow their career in this field of work.
You will be supported and mentored in this role and relevant training will be made available to you.
The practice offers a range of benefits, inclusive of a workplace pension, a Time Owed in Lieu (TOIL) system, a health care plan, and a cycle to work scheme.
Architype is an equal opportunities employer. We are featured in the Top 3 of the Building Magazine Good Employers Guide 2015 and finalist for the Architects Journal Employer of Year Award at the AJ120 Awards 2015.
Application deadline: August 24, 2015
How to apply
To apply please send your CV with a 300-word proposal on what makes you suitable for this role to vacancies@architype.co.uk by 24 August 2015. Please reference ‘Bid Coordinator Role’ within the subject title of your email. Email size must not exceed 5MB.