My Stantec Story: Leisa Ward and the business of bids
February 28, 2022
Leisa, head of our Central Bid team, shows how Stantec’s culture of collaboration and achievement supports better bid submissions
In the My Stantec Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at Stantec have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
Tell us about your role…
I joined the business in 2019 to unite and build a strong bidding community across Stantec. Our Central Bid team supports the business in improving how we bid. Our new process has had a positive impact on winning new work and improving the confidence and job satisfaction of those supporting and leading our bids.
What do you enjoy most about your role at Stantec?
Sighting improvements and implementing plans to address them. Nearly two years on, I’m still learning about the wealth of projects we support and deliver, which makes every day a school day.
How would you describe the culture at Stantec?
Entrepreneurial and inclusive, a hard-working environment with people who support each other.
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How would you describe your team?
We’re a pro-active, adaptable, and enthusiastic bunch of bid professionals who are passionate about doing a great job. We’re also competitive, which adds to our drive in winning new work.
Of our brand values which is most important to you?
“We are better together” and “We are driven to achieve” stand out for me and my team. Together we want to improve our bidding expertise and processes and ensure our entire bidding community follow that lead!
What has been the standout project for you during your time at Stantec?
The Warrington Western Link bid. Jumping into this bid with just a few months of business knowledge behind me was enjoyable and thoroughly worthwhile. Understanding how we operate and how staff support bids was a great learning exercise, being able to share my experience on bid creation to shape the look and feel of the bid was rewarding, and the win result was the cherry on the top.
What makes Stantec stand out from our competitors?
We are not defined by our corporate structure. We have a diverse mix of services and projects which is also reflected in our workforce.
How do you and your team deliver excellent client service?
As the Central Bid team, we are honest, accountable, and we make sure to highlight any early pitfalls to ensure our submissions are compliant and gain maximum scores. Above all else we value clear communication.
My ambition at Stantec is to create a work-winning function of bidding professionals who not only win work but enjoy the game of bidding too.
What are your passions outside of work?
I have many, but I enjoy being creative the most, anything that involves a paint brush, be it home improvement projects or creating a new masterpiece for the hall. I have also recently joined the Peloton bike community—who knew exercise could be fun and enjoyable?
Why should someone interested in a career in bidding to join the Stantec team?
The Central Bid team is like a family. We all support each other and ensure our efforts are in line with business expectations. From a wider Stantec perspective, how can the vast skills of our workforce, and the wider Stantec capabilities, not be an encouraging place to grow, be it at the start of your career, a change in direction or joining the strategic leadership team to grow our business in the UK.
At Stantec, we’re driven to achieve, and for Leisa that means building a team and process that she’s proud to work with every day. If you want to find a role at Stantec that fits your needs and aspirations, visit Stantec.jobs to look at our available positions.