About Wright Engineering
Wright Engineering designs, manufactures and installs complex bulk materials handling and industrial engineering systems. Our projects bring together mechanical handling, structural steelwork, civils, electrical and control systems, specialist subcontractors and demanding live-site installation requirements.
As our opportunities become larger and more complex, we are strengthening the bid team so that major tenders receive the time, detail and commercial control they require. This role provides practical support to experienced Bid Managers while developing the next generation of bid leadership within the business.
Role purpose
This is a graduate development role for someone who wants to build a career in estimating and bid management. Initially, the Graduate Estimator will work alongside experienced Bid Managers on larger opportunities, completing defined estimating and tender work packages. As capability and confidence grow, the role will take ownership of selected smaller, lower-risk bids while continuing to support major tenders, with a long-term pathway towards becoming a Bid Manager.
Key responsibilities
Major-bid support: Work to an agreed plan set by the Bid Manager, completing allocated estimating, scope, quotation and proposal tasks accurately and on time.
Enquiry review: Review customer specifications, drawings, schedules and tender information; identify missing details, interfaces and questions for clarification.
Estimate development: Build clear, traceable cost estimates covering relevant design, procurement, fabrication, installation, commissioning and project-delivery activities, using company data and agreed allowances.
Supplier and subcontractor input: Prepare and issue defined enquiries, obtain quotations, compare offers on a like-for-like basis and record lead times, exclusions, qualifications and commercial implications.
Technical coordination: Work with the Bid Manager and central engineering team to ensure estimates reflect the agreed technical solution, equipment selections, design responsibilities and construction approach.
Scope and risk control: Help develop clear inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, battery limits, risk allowances and responsibility boundaries so that the commercial offer is complete and defensible.
Programme and delivery input: Support the preparation of tender programmes, resource assumptions and procurement schedules, taking account of design approvals, long-lead equipment, shutdowns and site constraints.
Tender documentation: Prepare pricing schedules, scopes, proposal sections, supporting calculations and internal approval information to the required standard.
Reviews and governance: Maintain action lists and evidence for bid reviews, close out comments promptly and escalate cost, scope, programme or information gaps early.
Smaller-bid ownership: As competence develops, manage selected smaller and lower-risk enquiries from initial review through submission and handover, with appropriate senior review and approval.
Learning and improvement: Use feedback from Bid Managers, customers and delivered projects to improve estimating judgement, cost data, templates and understanding of how Wright Engineering designs and delivers its work.
Development pathway
Build the foundations: Learn Wright Engineering's systems, products, project lifecycle and commercial controls while supporting Bid Managers on major tenders and producing reliable estimating inputs.
Take ownership: Lead selected smaller, lower-risk bids with structured review, while taking responsibility for larger work packages within major tenders.
Progress towards Bid Manager: Develop the technical judgement, client confidence, commercial awareness and coordination skills needed to lead increasingly complex opportunities in future.
Progression will be based on demonstrated capability, performance and business need rather than a fixed timescale. Regular development reviews will be used to agree the next level of responsibility.
Experience and capability
Essential
A degree or equivalent higher-education qualification in engineering, construction, quantity surveying or another relevant technical or commercial discipline.
Strong numerical and analytical ability, with the discipline to produce accurate and traceable work.
Confidence using Microsoft Excel and the willingness to learn estimating, CRM and document-control systems.
The ability to interpret technical information, drawings and specifications, supported by guidance where required.
Clear written and verbal communication and the confidence to ask questions when information is incomplete or unclear.
Strong organisation and follow-through, with the ability to manage several defined tasks and meet agreed deadlines.
A genuine interest in industrial engineering, project delivery, commercial decision-making and developing a career in bids.
A full UK driving licence and willingness to visit customer, supplier and project sites when required.
Desirable
A placement year, internship or early-career experience in engineering, construction, manufacturing, estimating or project delivery.
Understanding of mechanical handling, structural steelwork, civils, electrical systems or industrial installation.
Experience reading engineering drawings, bills of quantities, scope documents or technical schedules.
Familiarity with supplier enquiries, quotation comparison, cost build-ups or project programmes.
Knowledge of bulk materials handling, process equipment or design-and-build project environments.
Personal qualities
Curious, coachable and motivated to understand how technical and commercial decisions fit together.
Methodical and detail-conscious, with pride in producing complete and accurate work.
Comfortable seeking guidance, accepting constructive challenge and acting on feedback.
Collaborative and able to build effective working relationships across sales, engineering, procurement, construction and projects.
Calm and dependable when priorities change or deadlines approach.
Measures of success
Allocated tender work packages are complete, accurate, traceable and delivered to the agreed programme.
Supplier and subcontractor comparisons clearly capture scope, cost, lead-time and qualification differences.
Information gaps, assumptions and risks are identified early enough to be resolved or properly allowed for.
The individual becomes increasingly capable of managing smaller bids while continuing to add value on major tenders.
Development reviews show growing technical understanding, commercial judgement, client confidence and readiness for broader bid responsibility.
Our approach
Wright Engineering values practical thinking, sound judgement and people who learn by getting involved. We are looking for potential rather than a finished Bid Manager: the successful candidate will receive hands-on experience, structured review and mentoring from experienced colleagues while being expected to take increasing ownership as their capability develops.
Pay: Up to £29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
