Jobs at Proconics

Purpose

• The Proposals Engineer is responsible for the preparation and submission of comprehensive and competitive proposals for HV substation & OHL projects. This involves coordinating with various internal departments, understanding client requirements, developing technical solutions, estimating costs, and ensuring proposals are compliant with company standards, strategy and client specifications.

Requirements
Proposal Development: Lead the development and preparation of high-quality technical and commercial proposals, including:  

• Understanding and interpreting client requirements and specifications. 
• Developing technical solutions and designs in collaboration with engineering teams. 
• Preparing detailed cost estimates for equipment, materials, labour, and other project-related expenses. 
• Compiling all proposal documentation, including technical proposals, commercial proposals, and  supporting documents. 
• Ensuring proposals are compliant with company standards, client requirements, and relevant  regulations. 
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with various internal departments, including: 
• Engineering (design, protection, civil, etc.)
• Procurement 
• Construction 
• Finance 
• Legal 
• Client Interaction: Engage with clients to clarify technical requirements, address queries, and present  proposed solutions. Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits.  
• Cost Estimation: Develop accurate and competitive cost estimates for HV substation projects,  considering all aspects of project execution. Maintain up-to-date cost databases and utilize appropriate estimating tools.  
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and opportunities associated with each project and incorporate them into the proposal development process.  
• Proposal Submission: Manage the timely and accurate submission of proposals, ensuring all deadlines  are met.  
• Post-Bid Activities: Participate in post-bid clarifications and negotiations with clients. Analyze proposal  win/loss data and identify areas for improvement.  
• Market Research: Stay informed about market trends, competitor activities, and new technologies in the HV substation industry.  
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the continuous improvement of proposal processes and  templates. 

Technical Skills. 

• Develop comprehensive engineering scoping documentation tailored to meet proposal requirements. 
• Select and engage appropriate mentors for professional development. 
• Understand the complete proposal requirements, including non-engineering aspects such as 
• contractual, SHERQ, stakeholder management. 
• Design. 
• Create concept designs and documentation for approval, ensuring comprehensive client requirement 
• integration. 
• Review designs for compliance with industry standards and client specifications.

Qualifications/Experience

• NQF Level 7/8 (BEng/BTech) in Electrical Engineering. 
• Courses relevant to contract management will be advantageous. 
• 3-5 years’ experience in engineering and project delivery in the Transmission and Distribution sector. 
• Be a registered professional engineer OR have relevant engineering experience, post-qualification. 
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and solve complex problems. 
• Strong experience in delivering technical excellence and leading proposal execution tasks 
• independently. 
• Must demonstrate commitment to professional development and career growth, following relevant 
• professional body objectives.

Personal attributes

• Critical thinking. 
• Initiative. 
• Effective time Management. 
• Interpersonal Skills. 
• Dependability. 
• Adaptability: Thrives in fast-paced, changing environments. 
• Resilience: Manages stress and challenges effectively. 
• Strong Communication: Ensures clear communication with teams, clients, and stakeholders. 
• Customer Focus: Prioritise effectively meeting client needs. 
• Ethical Judgment: Upholds integrity and compliance in all interactions.

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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.