Actual salary £26,922.65 per annum depending on qualification status and experience
Solihull College & University Centre is seeking an exceptional Bid Writer & Project Manager to join our ambitious Business Growth, Skills and Partnerships directorate. This is a high-impact strategic role ideal for a talented professional who can turn ideas, partnerships and opportunities into successful externally funded projects.
You will lead the end-to-end development, coordination and submission of high-quality, competitive bids that directly support the College’s strategic growth and income ambitions. This includes researching funding opportunities, writing compelling narrative content, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring compliance across all strands of external funding.
You will also play a pivotal role in mobilising successful bids establishing project plans, KPIs, risks, financial models, governance structures and reporting mechanisms ensuring that every funded project is delivered to a consistently high standard.
This is a collaborative role requiring strong relationship-building across curriculum teams, finance, external partners, employers, universities and local authorities.
Key Responsibilities within the role will include:
* Lead competitive bids, tenders, EOIs and business cases across capital, skills, apprenticeship, FE/HE and partnership funding streams.
* Maintain and manage a College-wide bid pipeline with visibility of opportunities, deadlines, risks and strategic alignment.
* Research and interpret funder guidance, sector policy and eligibility criteria.
* Write persuasive, evidence-based narratives that maximise the College’s success rates and deliver income targets.
* Develop robust financial models in collaboration with Finance.
* Produce progress reports, dashboards and KPI updates for SLT and partners.
* Ensure compliance with funding rules, audit standards and College policies.
We are looking for someone who can bring both analytical rigour and creative, high-quality writing.
The successful candidate will have a degree-level qualification or equivalent together with proven experience of successful bid writing and tender development.
Strong project management, organisational and planning skills. The ability to analyse funding rules, data and complex guidance and excellent written communication, interpersonal and influencing skills are essential.
A Project management qualification (PRINCE2, APM etc.) together with experience in the education, skills, FE/HE or public sector funding environment and a knowledge of key funding streams including DfE, LSIF, SDF, AEB, UKSPF and apprenticeships are desirable.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a strategic role in shaping the future growth of one of the region’s most innovative education providers. You will join a collaborative, forward-thinking team and work on high-value projects with real community and economic impact.
This position is offered on a part-time basis, requiring 22 hours per week. The hours are to be distributed across three working days. Flexibility is essential regarding both the days worked and the hours, as the workload varies during busy and quieter periods.
The College is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community and welcomes applications from individuals across all sectors. We aim to reflect the diversity of our student population in our staff profile, ensuring that we provide the best possible experience and environment for our learners. Our goal is to continue to develop a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive workplace where all staff can thrive.
For the next stage in the process, you will be required to attend the College’s premises, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Solihull College & University Centre is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all students and expects all staff to engage fully with this commitment.
Closing date: Sunday 12 April 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 21 April 2026 and Friday 24 April 2026
Salary description
£26922.00 - £26922.00 per year