Bids Assistant

Ashfords LLP; Exeter; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashfords LLP is seeking a Bids Assistant for its Exeter office on a full-time, fixed-term basis to cover a maternity leave period. You will support the Marketing and Client Development team by coordinating bids, tracking deadlines, and ensuring timely information and document production in line with brand templates.

The role offers a hands-on, structured environment with opportunities to contribute to the central bids library and collaborate with multiple stakeholders across the business.

Qualifications

• Strong administration and organisational experience.
• Good written English and ability to format/check documents.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Experience with bids or proposals is helpful but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality administrative support to help run bids and proposals smoothly.
• Coordinate multiple bids, track deadlines and actions, and liaise with colleagues across the business.
• Support document production, including formatting content within brand templates and checks prior to submission.
• Maintain and update the central bids library for easy access across the business.
• Bring structure to a multi-stakeholder, deadline-driven area and proactively move tasks forward.

Skills

Administration

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Written English

Stakeholder management

Proactiveness

Job description

We are looking for a Bids Assistant to join our Exeter office on a full-time, fixed-term basis to cover a period of maternity leave.

Working as part of our growing Marketing and Client Development team, you will provide high-quality administrative support to help keep the firm's bids and proposals running smoothly.

You will work closely with the Senior Bids & Proposals Manager to coordinate several bids at the same time, helping to put clear plans in place, track deadlines and actions, and follow up with colleagues across the business. You will make sure the right information is requested, received and ready when needed.

You will also support document production, including formatting content within our brand templates and carrying out careful checks before submission. Alongside live bids, you will help keep our central bids library accurate, up-to-date and easy for the wider business to use.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys bringing structure to a multi-stakeholder, deadline driven area of work, spots what needs doing and takes the initiative to move it forward. You will be an important part of a supportive team, helping us deliver high-quality bids through a well-managed process.

Who you are

You will have strong administration and organisational experience, with the ability to manage competing priorities and keep several pieces of work moving in a deadline-driven environment. Previous bids or proposals experience would be helpful, but it is not essential.

You will be proactive, calm and professional, with a practical approach and the confidence to follow up with multiple stakeholders. Strong attention to detail is essential, as is the ability to format and check documents accurately within established brand templates. You will be comfortable identifying what needs to happen next, taking ownership of tasks and stepping in to help wherever needed. Good written English and the ability to critically review content are also important, including identifying gaps, inconsistencies or areas where further input may be needed.

At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work - we believe in building a great place to work.

When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work - they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities.

With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work-life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career.

Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way.

Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team.

Our offer

We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance.

Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee led diversity and inclusion groups.

You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.

What’s next?

Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords. Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way.

We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential – so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you.

At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us at [e-mail] .