Is Bidding Becoming a Demoralizing Hustle for QS?

Quantity Surveyors (QSs) are the financial architects of the construction industry.

They meticulously analyze project plans, delve into market trends, and meticulously craft bids that are the foundation for securing profitable contracts.

But what happens when the bidding process becomes a relentless exercise in frustration, leading to QS burnout and a mass exodus of talented professionals?

There's no denying the importance of a healthy pipeline for construction companies. Submitting bids allows you to showcase your capabilities and potentially win lucrative projects. However, when bidding becomes a numbers game, focused solely on "being in the mix" rather than genuine pursuit of viable projects, this can have a detrimental impact on your QS team and your bottom line.

As highlighted in a recent article by Bidhive, "bidding for everything" can lead to:

• Customer Dissatisfaction: When companies take on projects outside their expertise, they may deliver subpar results, leading to delays, cost overruns, and ultimately, unhappy clients.

• Dilution of Expertise: Spreading your QS team thin across a high volume of bids can lead to a decline in the quality and accuracy of those bids.

• QS Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction: Feeling undervalued and constantly churning out bids with a low chance of success can lead to a demoralized and disengaged QS team.
  
  

What is the real cost of a disengaged team?

A 2021 report by Randstad found that 63% of construction professionals experience job-related stress, and a significant portion cite excessive workload and lack of recognition as key factors.

Disengaged QSs can lead to:

• Missed Opportunities: A demoralized team may overlook high-value projects or fail to invest the necessary effort to create truly competitive bids.

• Increased Costs: Inaccurate bids can lead to project cost overruns and reduced profitability.

• Loss of Talent: Discouraged QSs may leave the profession altogether, creating a talent gap that hinders your company's long-term growth.

But how exactly do you build an Effective Bidding Strategy:

Start by considering these questions before submitting a bid:

• Project Alignment: Does the project align with our company's expertise, experience, and resource capacity?

• Win Probability: Based on our qualifications and the project competition, what is our realistic chance of winning this bid?

• Profit Potential: Does the project budget offer a healthy profit margin after accounting for all costs?

• Team Capacity: Do we have the QS resources available to dedicate the necessary time and effort to crafting a high-quality bid?

• Value Proposition: How can we tailor our bid to highlight our unique strengths and competitive advantages for this specific project?

Moving away from "shotgun bidding" and focusing on strategic pursuits is key to creating a more productive and fulfilling environment for your QS team.

What do you get from it?

• By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of strategic bidding, construction companies can create a win-win situation for both the business and the talented professionals who drive its success. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

  • Improved Win Rates: By focusing on projects where the company has a competitive advantage, you'll increase your chances of winning bids and securing profitable contracts.

  • Enhanced Profitability: Reduced wasted time and resources on non-viable projects translates to a more efficient operation and improved bottom line.

  • Increased QS Engagement and Retention: A strategic approach that values the expertise and time of your QS team leads to higher job satisfaction and talent retention.

  • Enhanced Client Satisfaction: By focusing on projects where your company excels, you'll be better positioned to deliver high-quality work and build strong client relationships.
    
    
    

Ready to build a winning team and transform your bidding process?

Here's how GEDON™ can help you achieve this:

• Recruiting Top Talent: We have a proven track record of placing highly skilled and experienced QSs who possess the expertise and qualifications to excel in your specific niche.

• Building a Cohesive Team: We understand the importance of team dynamics. We go beyond just filling open positions; we help you build a well-rounded QS team with complementary skillsets and a collaborative spirit.

• Optimizing Your Bidding Process: Our industry experts can help you develop a data-driven approach to bidding that considers project alignment, win probability, and resource capacity.

• Investing in Your Team: We can connect you with training resources to enhance your QS team's bid-writing skills and stay current with industry best practices.

  
  Our team of construction industry experts can help you develop a customized strategy for attracting top QS talent and optimizing your bidding process for long-term success

  
  
  Get in touch!