Companies use the services of a bid manager to get ahead of the competition when submitting bids for contracts.If you have a degree that focuses on writing, business, or a field related to the industry you manage bids for, you might be able to do that.If you want to become a bid manager, you should develop robust communication skills, engage in effective time management, and stay cool under pressure.You could work your way up from a position in project management to become a bid manager after several years of employment in your chosen field.
Step 1: You should get an engineering degree.
Since they are represented heavily in the construction industry, a degree in engineering is a must for bid managers.As a bid manager, an engineering degree will give you deep insight into the industry.If you have an engineering degree, you will be in a better position to be a bid manager in your field.It's difficult to become a bid manager if you don't have in-depth knowledge of a particular field.
Step 2: A business degree is needed.
You can get a business degree if you don't want to get an engineering degree.Many of the skills that could be obtained in a business administration program can be found in the high-stakes world of bid management.To develop strong personal and professional networks is one of the things a bid manager will need to do.Obtaining a business degree can teach these skills.
Step 3: A writing intensive degree is required.
Since a large part of the job is in reading detailed directions and writing a carefully written proposal for a bid, individuals with writing background are favored.Pre-qualification questionnaires and reading service specifications are required.It is best to get a degree in English, Comparative Literature or a similar field if you want to develop your reading and writing skills.If you want to become a bid manager but don't want an engineering degree or a business degree, a degree related to writing coupled with relevant experience is a good alternative.
Step 4: You should get significant experience in the industry you want to manage bids.
Significant experience depends on how much experience you have.Depending on the company you work for.A minimum of five years is what the company that hires you will want.As a bid manager, you will use your knowledge of that industry and the input of your partners to determine what a reasonable bid should look like.Even though bid managers are more prevalent in the construction industry, they can be used by almost any company that competes for major contracts.If you want to be a bid manager for a road construction company, you would need to know a lot about civil engineering in order to adequately address the needs of the client.Other industries that may use bid managers include printing, road construction, education, and manufacturing.You will be able to submit accurate bids if you have more than five years of experience in that industry.
Step 5: As an estimater, work as one.
Estimators give estimates for what a specific job or material will cost.The ability to work with a team, communicate clearly and effectively, and coordinate with clients and partners are some of the skills that will be required of bid managers.Estimators may lead the bidding team at the tender stage if the bid is for a small project.Estimators are familiar with the steps to complete a job to a client's satisfaction, and must have a general knowledge of the materials and hours needed to do the job.It is a natural step for an estimator to become a bid manager.
Step 6: As a project manager, you should work.
A project manager is the individual in charge of overseeing the execution of a project.You can come to bid managing with an in-depth understanding of what a major looks like if you are a project manager.Many of the same skills as a bid manager are required by project managers during the bidding process.
Step 7: Strong communication skills can be developed.
If you have strong communication skills, you can speak easily and naturally when making a presentation to a room full of executives or when one-on-one at a client lunch.You should be able to use modern communication methods like email and text messaging.You will need to coordinate with your team in person and through digital calendar and planning software.
Step 8: Time management skills are learned.
The managers need to be able to meet deadlines.Time management skills are important for success as a bid manager.
Step 9: Don't be a person.
In order to manage the company's bids, managers need to coordinate with support staff, associates, clients, and partner agencies.A bid manager needs to maintain good working relationships and use his or her charisma to ensure customer satisfaction.They need to be willing to listen to other people and ensure all points of view are respected when developing the bid.A good bid manager is well connected to his or her field.
Step 10: Stay cool under pressure.
Under tight deadlines and with many shifting conditions, bid managers often need to work.As a submission deadline approaches, you might need to work long hours or adopt to rapidly changing circumstances, for instance, your company is dealing with a strike or you get word that your estimate was too low.
Step 11: An eye for detail is required.
Winning bids require more than vague assertions about what your company can do and how it will do it.You will have to come up with detailed estimate sheets, timetables, and contingency plans.The bidding process can be difficult to understand and learn.Being able to dig in to the bid management process will make you a better bid manager.