Pre Contract Coordinator

VolkerWessels; Preston; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering company in the UK is seeking a Proposals Assistant. This entry-level role involves supporting the bid team in developing proposals, formatting documents, and researching project-specific content. Ideal for recent graduates with strong academic results and writing skills, this position offers a structured introduction to the bidding process and career development. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are provided.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave plus an extra day off on your birthday

Private medical care

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Comprehensive training and development

Qualifications

• Entry-level position for recent graduates with a focus on proposals and bids.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work under deadlines.
• Ability to write clearly and research effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of client proposals and submissions.
• Format documents and manage content libraries.
• Research project-specific content for bid proposals.

Skills

Strong academic results

Clear writing skills

Organised and reliable

Strong communicator

Curious and thoughtful

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in English, History, Politics, Geography, Law, Business, or similar

Job description

Proposals Assistant Role

In this role, you'll work closely with our Bid Writers and Bid Coordinators to:

• Support the development of client proposals and submissions
• Format documents, manage version control, and maintain content libraries
• Upload files and update client portals (e.g., tender platforms)
• Track emails and help identify new tender opportunities
• Research project-specific content to support writers and subject matter experts
• Liaise with experts across the business to identify and capture case studies and content for bids

You'll get a hands-on introduction to how we win major infrastructure projects, with a clear path to grow into a Bid Writer role if you show the aptitude.

What We Offer

• A structured introduction to bidding, business strategy, and infrastructure
• A team culture that values clarity, integrity, and collaboration
• Mentoring and coaching to help you grow
• The chance to work on some of the UK's most important civil engineering projects

Are you academically strong and thrive under deadlines? Do you enjoy writing, research, and problem-solving? Are you interested in how major infrastructure projects are won and delivered?

We are looking for a Proposals Assistant to join our bid team. This entry-level role is ideal for a recent graduate with strong academic results, clear written skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset. If you're eager to learn, develop new skills, and grow your career in a supportive, high-performing team, we'd love to hear from you.

We're seeking someone with strong academic results who can think clearly, write well, and work confidently with others. You'll thrive if you're:

• Organised and reliable—works well to deadlines and manages tasks carefully
• A clear and confident writer—enjoys making complex things simple
• Curious and thoughtful—asks good questions, enjoys research and learning
• A strong communicator—able to build relationships, listen well, and collaborate across teams
• Ambitious to grow—keen to learn and develop a long-term career in bids and proposals

Studying English, History, Politics, Geography, Law, Business, or similar fields is preferred, but we're open-minded. If you have a sharp mind, strong writing skills, and a collaborative approach, we'd love to hear from you.

About VolkerWessels UK Group

Part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, VolkerStevin is a leading civil engineering business delivering complex, innovative solutions across sectors including maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water, and regeneration. We collaborate across our group to provide integrated services.

We believe in pushing boundaries with fairness, inclusion, and respect, ensuring our teams can thrive regardless of background. VolkerWessels UK is committed to safe, healthy, and productive working conditions, with mandatory drugs & alcohol screening.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous annual leave plus an extra day off on your birthday
• Option to purchase additional leave
• Private medical care
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Vouchers and discounts
• Comprehensive training and development
• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity benefits
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental, physical, and financial health support
• 24/7 Virtual GP service