The pressure that comes with tender deadlines is motivating.

The Tender Plus team is an exceptional bunch. So, we thought you might like to get a peek at what we are like.

Meet … Tayla Reilly, Tender Specialist, Brisbane

What's the most rewarding part of consulting as a specialist on tenders?

I’m always learning. Whether it’s new subject matter or strategies to win, there’s always something new to learn from the industry experts we work with.

How do you adapt to the different subject matter that you deal with on a day-to-day basis?

I think the variety that each day brings helps with staying engaged across multiple subject matters because I’m not being overwhelmed by the same topic day in and day out.  

What's the best tip a mentor or colleague in the field has given you about tendering and why?

Pick up the phone, then follow up with an email. It’s easier to get information and get people moving by talking to them directly.

Coffee or tea? (Discuss)

I’d have to say tea because tea doesn’t make my eyes twitch like coffee does! But there’s nothing better than an espresso after a nice dinner.

What's the most important quality that you think you bring to the bids that you work on? Why?

I try to stay open minded to learn as much as I can from the content, the bid experience, and from the people around me.

What's it like being part of the Tender Plus team?

Wonderful! There’s a really positive environment where everyone strives to do their best individually and as a team. There’s always support if you need help and individual quirks are embraced.

If you could immediately change one thing about tendering that would make the discipline better for everyone, what would it be?

Magically, there would be no issues using technology!

What are the top three tips you would give to a client about writing a tender?

1. Follow the RFT requirements and answer the questions being asked.

2. Focus on improving the quality of the written content over perfecting the graphics.

3. Don’t underestimate how long the tender process takes.

What's the funniest word, phrase, or acronym you have seen in a tender?

Not in a tender, but this was said during a discussion between subject matter experts: “You have to die one death.”

"We came a close second." Thoughts?

We have an opportunity to learn and improve. What was successful? What wasn’t? Are there new solutions to implement on future tenders?

What's the word or phrase you never want to see used in a tender again?

State of the art.

What is your favourite sector to tender in? Why?

I’m interested in construction and engineering, specifically how climate change and emerging technologies like AI are influencing these sectors. 

I also enjoy working with Not for profits as I have a strong sense of purpose working on those bids.

Cat person, dog person or other? If other what?

Cat lady through and through with 3 fur babies at home. But I love dogs too!

How do you describe what you do for a career?

For people who have never heard of tenders, I explain that writing tenders is like filling out a job application, except it’s for an entire company to get a job. 

Why do you think that you thrive under pressure? What makes you so resilient?

It’s just the way my brain is set up. The pressure that comes with tender deadlines is motivating. The race to get the bid in on time is the best part for me.

"It's all about the price." Thoughts?

I think value for money is more important than the lowest price. Feeling confident that the investment will yield the best results over a long period of time means better value, over investing less money into work that leads to poor results costing more in the long run.