Careers Spotlight: Jo Walker, Senior Bid Co-ordinator – National Careers Week 2021
March 5, 2021
Today marks the final day of National Apprentice Week, and we’re rounding off the week with our final two employee spotlights.
First – say hi to Bid Co-ordinator, Jo, who is currently studying a 2-year Bid and Proposal apprenticeship to gain a level 3 qualification.
Jo, who has been a part of the J Tomlinson team for over 21 years, joined the company when it was just a quarter of the size that it is today! Read about her journey with J Tomlinson below…
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What does your job entail?
As a Senior Bid Co-ordinator, I supporting work-winning (i.e. bid writing and submission) activities for the business through excellent communication, co-ordination and organisation. I act as a conduit between clients and internal staff members, quickly disseminating information to relevant stakeholders and contributing to the timely production of bids through input to DPS, PQQ and tender submissions.
What is a typical day like?
Busy! A typical day sees me downloading, logging in tenders, and reading through for key information before issuing out to the business. Keeping on top of any clarifications received and/or that need to go to the client. Completing any questionnaires that have been allocated to me and/or helping team members out with their submissions. Co-ordinating the submission of all tenders and PQQs.
What other jobs/work experience have you had?
I worked at another company as secretary for a Technical Director for 10 years prior to joining J Tomlinson.
My first job at J Tomlinson was secretary for the whole business (which, at the time, was a quarter of the size that it is today!), after that I progressed to Secretary for Heads of Departments, which saw me working for the Managing Director and Directors of the business.
Due to the growth of the company, it was decided to create a new division known as the Business Development and Marketing Team. I was approached to see if I would like to change role and work with a new team. My role became Bid Co-ordinator progressing a few years later to Senior Bid Co-ordinator. I have been with J Tomlinson for 21 years in total.
What is great about your job? What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working with various people around the business of all levels and, of course, my team members. The part I enjoy most about my job is giving out the good news if we have won a key tender for the business – it creates such an infectious buzz.
What training do you do at work to help you do your job role?
I am currently undertaking a 2-year Bid Proposal Co-ordinator apprenticeship, which is both fascinating and challenging in equal measures!
What skills are required to do your job?
Communication, co-ordination and organisation. Being approachable at all times.
Name the top three skills needed for your job.
Communication, co-ordination and organisation
What subject options (curriculum subjects) would you recommend someone choose to do your role?
English and Maths.
For more information about the career opportunities available at J Tomlinson, please visit our Careers Page at www.jtomlinson.co.uk/careers
If the role your searching for isn’t currently on our website, feel free to send a copy of your CV and covering letter to [email protected]
J Tomlinson, which was founded in Nottingham the 1950s, works primarily across the Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern and Central England.
The company provides a range of sustainable building solutions including refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, engineering services, extra care construction, renewable energy, and facilities management, working across a range of key sectors including extra care, healthcare, blue light, social housing and local government.
