Bid Writer Apprentice

Sureserve; Horsham; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Sureserve Compliance Fire is offering an apprentice Bid Writer position where you will learn on the job, supported by experienced colleagues who want you to succeed. As a Bid Writer Apprentice, you will assist the Bid Team with the organisation's work-winning strategy by preparing, coordinating, and submitting high-quality proposals and tender responses.

You will benefit from the Sureserve Academy's structured training, with access to mentoring, career development, and a pathway to professional

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English and Maths.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Good organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Interest in bid writing, business development, marketing, or project management.
• Experience creating written content through education, volunteering or work.

Responsibilities

• Support the coordination, preparation, and submission of bids, tenders, and framework applications.
• Assist with reviewing tender requirements, deadlines, and maintain bid trackers.
• Draft, edit, proofread, and format bid content for clients.
• Research clients, markets, competitors, and tender opportunities.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to gather information for responses.
• Maintain bid libraries, templates, and company information for accuracy.
• Support compliance checks, document control, and tender submissions.
• Build relationships across the business for timely bid delivery.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Interest in bid writing

Education

GCSEs including English and Maths

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

SharePoint

CRM systems

Canva

Adobe InDesign

Job description

As an apprentice at Sureserve Compliance Fire, you won't just be observing - you'll be learning on the job, supported by experienced colleagues who want you to succeed.

As a Bid Writer Apprentice, you will support the Bid Team in implementing the organisation's work-winning strategy by assisting with the preparation, coordination, and submission of high-quality, proposals, and tender responses.

As part of your apprenticeship, you'll be supported by the wider group in our Sureserve Academy, our dedicated learning and development function. The Academy provides structured training, technical learning, and ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship, helping you build theoretical knowledge, practical skills and confidence as you progress towards your qualification. You'll also benefit from Sureserve Group's wider apprentice network, including access to external apprentice communities and learning resources. This gives you opportunities to connect with other apprentices, access additional learning materials, and take part in development activities that support both your professional and personal growth.

You'll earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience from day one, and work towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Many of our apprentices go on to long-term careers with us, progressing into fully qualified roles and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the coordination, preparation, and submission of bids, tenders, and framework applications.
• Assist with reviewing tender requirements, monitoring deadlines, and maintaining bid trackers and documentation.
• Draft, edit, proofread, and format high-quality, customer-focused bid content.
• Conduct research on clients, markets, competitors, and tender opportunities to support bid development.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and stakeholders to gather information and develop compelling responses.
• Maintain bid libraries, templates, and company information, ensuring content remains accurate and up to date.
• Support compliance checks, document control, and submission processes through tender portals.
• Build positive relationships across the business to facilitate effective communication and timely bid delivery.
• Maintain accurate bid records, update CRM systems, and assist with reporting and performance tracking.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities by supporting post-bid reviews and identifying process enhancements.

Essential

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Good organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work to deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Positive, proactive attitude with a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme and professional development opportunities.
• Interest in bid writing, business development, marketing, communications, or project management.
• Experience creating written content through education, volunteering, projects, or previous employment.
• Familiarity with SharePoint, CRM systems, or document management systems.
• Knowledge of Canva, Adobe InDesign, or similar design tools.
• Awareness of public sector procurement and tendering processes.
• Interest in construction, compliance, fire safety, engineering, housing, or professional services sectors.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic and motivated learner.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Professional and confident communicator.
• Highly organised and able to prioritise workloads effectively.
• Positive and adaptable approach to work.
• Strong team player who can build effective working relationships.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Committed to continuous improvement and achieving high standards.

Working Environment

This is a hybrid position that involves collaborating closely with the Bid Team, Business Development colleagues, Leadership Team, operational teams, and subject matter experts across the organisation.

The role offers a dynamic work environment that combines office-based collaboration with independent working, providing exposure to commercial strategy, project coordination, and business development activities.

The successful candidate will receive structured training, mentoring, and coaching from experienced bid professionals while gaining practical experience supporting live tender submissions and pursuing a recognised apprenticeship qualification.

What You'll Gain

• A recognised apprenticeship qualification.
• Hands‑on experience supporting live bid and tender submissions.
• Professional bid writing, research, and proposal development skills.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders across the business.
• Ongoing mentoring, coaching, and professional development.
• Potential future progression into Bid Writer, Bid Manager, or Business Development roles.