Apprentice Bid Co-Ordinator

PLAYFORDS LIMITED

Cambridgeshire (PE29 6EF)

Closes on Sunday 9 August 2026

Posted on 7 July 2026

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Summary

Launch your career with Playfords Ltd as an Apprentice Bid Co-Ordinator. Gain hands-on experience supporting winning construction and engineering bids, receive structured training, and develop the skills needed to progress into a future Bid Manager role within a growing, ambitious business

Wage

£16,500 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 14 September 2026

Duration

1 year 3 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • As an Apprentice Bid Co-Ordinator, you will support the Estimating, Business Development and Bid Management teams in identifying and securing new business opportunities
  • A typical day may include monitoring tender portals for new opportunities, updating the company CRM system, coordinating tender programmes and assisting with the preparation of bid submissions
  • You will gather information from departments across the business, help complete pre-qualification questionnaires and tender responses, maintain bid documentation and ensure submissions are accurate, compliant and delivered on time
  • You will work closely with experienced estimators, project managers and senior leaders, attending bid review meetings, supporting business development activities and learning how successful bids are developed from opportunity identification through to contract award
  • You will also assist with producing professional bid documents, researching clients and projects, developing case studies and supporting post-tender presentations and interviews
  • Through structured training and mentoring, you will gain valuable experience in construction, engineering, sales and project delivery, building the skills and knowledge needed to progress into a future Bid Manager role

Where you'll work

Solar House Blackstone Road
Stukeley Meadows Business Park
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6EF

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
  • Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
  • Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
  • Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
  • Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
  • Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
  • Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
  • Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

  • In addition to the apprenticeship training programme, Playfords Ltd will provide extensive workplace training and development to help the successful candidate build a long-term career in bid management and business development
  • This will include on-the-job mentoring from experienced Bid Managers, Estimators, Business Development professionals and senior management, providing exposure to the full tender lifecycle and commercial aspects of the construction and engineering industry.
  • The apprentice will receive training in tender management, public sector procurement processes, framework agreements, bid writing techniques, CRM systems, Microsoft Office applications, document management, project coordination and client relationship management
  • They will also gain experience in preparing compliant submissions, understanding social value requirements, sustainability initiatives and industry best practice within the construction sector
  • Further development opportunities will include attending industry seminars, supply chain events, networking opportunities, internal management workshops and training relating to quality, environmental, health and safety, information security and business processes
  • The apprentice will also be encouraged to undertake professional development activities that support progression towards a future Bid Manager role within the business

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4 or C)
  • Maths (grade 4 or C)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative

Other requirements

  • This role is primarily office-based and offers a varied, fast-paced working environment where no two days are the same
  • Applicants should be comfortable working to deadlines, managing multiple tasks and communicating with colleagues across different departments
  • Strong organisation, attention to detail and a willingness to learn are essential.
  • The successful candidate will work closely with experienced professionals and will be given real responsibility from an early stage, contributing to live tenders and business development activities that help secure future projects for Playfords Ltd
  • Occasionally, there may be opportunities to visit project sites, client locations or industry events to support learning and professional development
  • As the apprentice develops within the role and gains confidence, there will be opportunities to attend client meetings, site surveys, pre-tender visits, supplier engagement sessions and bid strategy meetings alongside experienced members of the Playfords team
  • This exposure will provide valuable insight into the bid process, project delivery requirements and client expectations, helping to develop the commercial, communication and relationship-building skills required for a successful career in bid management and business development. The successful candidate will gain first-hand experience of how opportunities are identified, developed and converted into successful project awards
  • This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is motivated, proactive and keen to build a long-term career within a growing business, with a clear pathway towards Bid Management and other commercial roles

About this employer

Playfords Ltd is a well-established building services contractor with a proud history dating back to 1925. We deliver electrical, mechanical and engineering solutions for clients across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, commercial, industrial and public sector environments throughout the UK.
Our success is built on quality, innovation, teamwork and long-term client relationships. We are committed to investing in our people and providing opportunities for personal and professional development at every stage of their career. As an Apprentice Bid Co-Ordinator, you will become part of a supportive and ambitious team, working alongside experienced professionals who will help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build a successful career in bid management, business development and the wider construction industry.
At Playfords, apprentices are given real responsibility, hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of a business with over 100 years of success.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there will be an opportunity to progress into a permanent Bid Co-Ordinator position, taking increased responsibility for managing tender submissions, client opportunities and bid activities. As experience and knowledge develop, the successful candidate will have a clear pathway towards becoming a Bid Manager, leading major bid and framework submissions and working directly with senior management on growth strategies
  • Longer-term career opportunities may include progression into senior bid management, business development, estimating support, account management or wider commercial management roles within the business. Playfords Ltd is committed to developing talent from within and will provide ongoing training, mentoring and development opportunities to support career progression as the company continues to grow

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000040968.

Apply now

Closes on Sunday 9 August 2026