My name is Peter Coleman and I am a Tender Manager for Van Oord Offshore Wind working within the MPI Offshore division. I have worked for MPI Offshore since 2009 and have been involved in many offshore wind projects by supporting the tendering processes, predominantly in a technical capacity. More recently, I have stepped into a commercial role delivering high-quality tenders. I have an engineering background and started out after leaving school by taking on a 4-year apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, which eventually resulted in working in the drawing office. While moving on from my apprenticeship as a qualified draughtsperson, I continued my studies part time and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in 2006. While working for MPI Offshore, I further enhanced my qualifications by studying for a Master of Science degree in Project Management, graduating in 2015. 

My main responsibilities are to deliver high-quality tender submissions on time. I take a major role in liaising with clients to fulfil their requirements in the tender stage. I am responsible for evaluating the tender requirements and for liaising with the tender team so that they fully understand their roles and responsibilities relating to the required deliverables within the tender process. I also need to ensure that the team works as effectively and efficiently as possible to give each tender its maximum potential. A further responsibility is to ensure that progress on the tender is going to plan and to introduce remedies where needed to guarantee on-time delivery. Another key responsibility is to collaborate with management by means of stage gate milestones to aid the direction of the final tender submission.

Van Oord invests and focuses heavily on safety, which is paramount for keeping their employees, the public and the environment safe. Van Oord offers a series of both internal and external training courses directed at enhancing employee skills and competencies. I have taken up that opportunity and have achieved my yellow belt in the LEAN programme. I aim to continue my development with Van Oord in order to maximise my potential. Van Oord is always looking to the future, how to improve, remain competitive and be the best they can be. Working for MPI Offshore is dynamic, every day is different and I am continually learning. Often, there are high-pressure challenges but that keeps me driven and motivated. Van Oord is a great place to work with lots of good people and there are exciting times ahead!