OFR Consultants

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Bids Assistant

Bids Assistant - London, UK



Founded in January 2016, OFR Consultants is an independent, employee-owned fire engineering practice. Since its inception with just two founding members, OFR has grown to a team of over 150 technical experts, operating from offices in Manchester, Banbury, Bath, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and London.



Our people are our business and we are incredibly proud to be rated as ‘World Class To Work For’. This recognition from Best Companies is based solely on the feedback of our own staff.



About you:


This is a varied role where you'll work closely with the Bids Co-ordinator, Practice Director, Project Managers and the wider Bid Team, whilst assisting the Business Support Team as required. You'll help drive projects from enquiry to a successful bid, and handover to the Project Team at a very high standard.


You will support coordination and tender activities from initial expression of interest through to final submission and handover to the Project Team, supporting the Bids Co-Ordinator with the process and content.



You will have a minimum of one year's experience in bid coordination or within an administrative team. In addition, you will also be able to demonstrate skills in the following:


  • Excellent verbal/written command of English and good interpersonal skills.
  • Strong copywriting and copy-editing skills, with attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality of work.
  • Exceptional organisation skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and multitask.
  • Previous experience of coordinating and managing tight deadlines.
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office packages and Outlook.



Desirable skills:


  • A creative, well-organised, detail-oriented and collaborative mindset.
  • Previous experience in marketing, business development and bid coordination.
  • The ability to remain calm and professional while juggling multiple projects, tasks, commitments and expectations.
  • Strong IT skills and experience of using databases is advantageous.
  • Previous experience within the engineering, architecture and consultancy sector is advantageous.
  • You work well with other team members, acting professionally and quickly to resolve disputes.
  • The ability to work independently and be flexible around tasks performed.



Responsibilities:



  • Complete supplier and sub consultant forms, maintaining supporting information and accurate internal records.
  • Support the creation of external and internal marketing resources.
  • Monitor the General Enquires mailbox and issue bid requests to the wider Bid Team.
  • Liaise with clients to obtain any outstanding information before sending to the Bid Team, and decline bid requests where required.
  • Support the Bid Co-Ordinator with weekly Bid Team meetings to run through any outstanding client requests.
  • Review bid documentation to identify requirements, deadlines and any potential issues.
  • Review technical input against bid criteria, identifying potential gaps and ensuring responses are tailored to client requirements.
  • Participate in Bid Kick-Off meetings for significant bids to capture the bid themes, key team members, case studies and key dates.
  • Ensure submissions are well written, compliant with what the client has asked for, and reflect the OFR brand and corporate messaging.
  • Collate submission documents, checking for accuracy, spelling and grammar.
  • Assist in the design and production of client presentation materials.
  • Capture and share model answers and refined project descriptions.
  • Liaise with the Bids Co-ordinator, Practice Director and Finance for tender portal invoices and H&S accreditation portal invoices.
  • Review fee consistency across bid submission documents.
  • Support the Bids Co-ordinator with ad-hoc reporting for the Business Support Team and Directors.



What's in it for you?


At OFR, you can also expect an exceptional benefits package including various options which support your unique lifestyle.


  • Company pension scheme
  • Private medical insurance
  • Life insurance scheme
  • Healthcare cash plan
  • Flexible and hybrid working
  • 28 days holiday, plus an additional birthday leave day
  • Early finish on the last Friday of the month
  • Social budget for team activities
  • Additional paid leave for charitable work
  • Staff discount club
  • Learning and development opportunities


Finally, we are proud of our culture. OFR is employee-owned, and we value the contribution of every individual. We enjoy working together, learning from each other, and building relationships not just at work but also through social activities that bring people together.


If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now.



If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, we are happy to support you.

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