Proposal Manager at Proconics

Purpose

• The Proposals Manager is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the proposal development process for HV substation OHL projects. This includes leading a team of proposal engineers, coordinating with various internal departments, developing winning proposal strategies, ensuring compliance with company standards and client specifications, and managing the proposal budget.

Requirements

• Proposal Strategy & Planning: Develop and implement winning proposal strategies, including identifying key differentiators, understanding client needs, and positioning our company for success. Lead proposal kick-off meetings and develop detailed proposal schedules and resource plans. 
• Team Leadership & Management: Lead and mentor a team of proposal engineers, providing guidance, support, and performance feedback. Assign responsibilities, monitor progress, and ensure timely completion of tasks.  

Proposal Development Oversight: Oversee the entire proposal development process, ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of high-quality technical and commercial proposals. This includes:  

• Reviewing and approving technical solutions and cost estimates.
• Ensuring proposals are compliant with company governance, standards, client requirements, and relevant regulations. 
• Managing the proposal budget and resources.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Collaborate closely with various internal departments, including: 
• Engineering (design, protection, civil, etc.) 
• Procurement 
• Construction 
• Finance 
• Legal 
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and expectations. 1 Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and proposal presentations.    
• Risk Management: Identify and assess potential risks and opportunities associated with each project and develop mitigation strategies. 
• Contract Negotiation Support: Support the negotiation of contracts with clients, ensuring favourable terms and conditions.
• Post-Bid Analysis: Analyse proposal win/loss data and identify areas for improvement in the proposal process. Develop and implement process improvements. 
• Continuous Improvement: Drive the continuous improvement of proposal processes, templates, and tools. 
• Candy system experience is preferred.

Qualifications/Experience

• BSc. or BTech in Electrical Engineering 
• 3-5 years of experience in proposal preparation and management for HV substation EPC projects. 
• Deep understanding of HV substation design, equipment, construction practices, and project  management. 
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations. 
• Proficient in the use of MS Office (excel, word) and PDF software (Foxit/Adobe). 
• Knowledge of various types of contracts to ensure commercial/legal compliance with quotation submissions.  
• Commercial and/or Project Management experience advantageous.

Personal attributes

• Proficient at multi-tasking and attention to detail with high levels of accuracy. 
• Able to work in a high-pressure environment.
• Prioritize tenders on very short notice. 
• Flexible, adaptable and energetic. Able to work reasonable extended hours. 
• Good systems understanding and implementation thereof. 
• Excellent communication (verbal and written). 
• Planning, organization, problem-solving and strong interpersonal skills. 
• Advanced time management skills. 
• Manage and assist with multiple tenders and produce quality deliverables against tight deadlines. 
• Ability to interact and work on different levels; be a team player. 
• Possesses cross-cultural awareness and is able to adapt appropriately. 
• Comfortable working in a matrix environment reporting to multiple managers and teams on tenders. 
• Able to make a convincing arguments and guide customer’s decision making. 
• Ability to work across disciplines, have excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
• Self-starter, who takes ownership of problems.