About the Role
Job Title: Senior Proposals Writer
Location: Basingstoke (Hybrid Working)
Company: Balfour Beatty – Living Places
We deliver and maintain some of the UK’s most critical highways and local authority infrastructure. We are seeking an experienced Senior Bid Writer to develop high-value submissions for large, complex civils and highways opportunities valued from £100m to £1bn+.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of winning value propositions for major highways and civils frameworks
- Shape and articulate compelling win themes tailored to Local Authority clients
- Lead answer‑planning sessions and review panels at senior level
- Ensure submissions align precisely with evaluation criteria and scoring mechanisms
- Drive “One BB” tone of voice across all responses
- Develop structured, compliant, high‑scoring responses for complex £100m+ programmes
- Coach operational and technical teams on best practice bid writing
- Manage evidence, case studies, and knowledge systems
- Support submission graphics, document production and final upload
Essential Experience
- Significant experience writing and managing proposals in civils and highways infrastructure
- Proven track record bidding into Local Authorities
- Experience leading submissions for large, complex programmes (£100m+)
- Deep understanding of public sector procurement processes and evaluation models
- Experience running planning sessions, red reviews, and final submission sign‑off
- Ability to translate operational delivery into compelling, differentiated narrative
- Strong stakeholder management across technical, commercial and operational teams
Desirable
- APMP Foundation or Practitioner certification
- Degree in English, journalism, or professional writing background
- Advanced MS Word and document production expertise
Why This Role Matters
Our highways and civils frameworks support communities, connect regions, and maintain critical infrastructure across the UK. The work‑winning team plays a direct role in securing long‑term Local Authority partnerships worth hundreds of millions.
What you can do
- Operate at a senior, strategic level
- Influence major public infrastructure awards
- Be part of a high‑performing management‑level work‑winning team
- Work in a hybrid structure supporting flexibility and collaboration
Benefits
- Smart working – staggered start and finish times, up to 40% remote working where roles allow
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies: 28 weeks full pay maternity/adoption leave, four weeks full pay paternity/partner leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and more
Diversity and Inclusion
We believe diversity and inclusion are essential for a successful workplace. Our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy aims to grow a diverse workforce and foster an inclusive culture. We are a Disability Confident Employer and encourage applications from all candidates. For more information, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion.
