As part of the United Infrastructure Group, we are a dynamic and innovative specialist engineering services, solutions and products provider focused on servicing our clients’ immediate and future needs. We do this through the development of industry-changing cleantech products as well as through engineering delivery excellence.
We specialise in the design and delivery of process, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering-based projects, products and solutions. Regardless of the project, they all pursue the same goal: to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our water, wastewater and waste treatment.
We have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals with extensive consulting and contracting experience, including engineers, scientists and commercial managers. Our knowledge and expertise spans more than 30 years, across industries including: water, wastewater, marine, energy and power sectors. At AFECO, we cover all stages of the innovation and project delivery cycle from concept through to operations.
Our aim is simple – to provide the most effective solutions and products on the market and thus, exceed clients expectations through market-leading technology. From technical through to commercial and management expertise, we have the in-house expertise to execute a range of projects from the most basic to highly complex.
Company Description
About us
AFECO is an engineering services provider, delivering high quality process and MEICA design and installation projects predominantly across the South of England and Midlands for the water industry. We have excellent inhouse engineering teams capable of delivering all stages of the project cycle, from concept through to commissioning, with a strong focus on process led innovative and robust yet appropriate solutions.
We have a portfolio of varied projects covering both wastewater and clean water projects for planned and reactive projects.
Due to the expansion of our team, we are currently recruiting for an Administrative Assistant to work within our multi-disciplinary teams. This is a great opportunity for enthusiastic individuals who fit in with our company values and are keen to develop in a forward-thinking organisation
Job Description
Role Purpose
The Proposal Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and delivering high-quality, compliant, and competitive bids for major opportunities within the water sector. This role focuses on complex, high-value, and strategically important tenders across water and wastewater infrastructure, treatment, networks, and asset management frameworks.
The role requires strong leadership of multidisciplinary bid teams, deep understanding of water sector procurement, and the ability to translate technical, commercial, and operational inputs into compelling, client-focused proposals.
Key Responsibilities
Bid & Proposal Management
Lead end-to-end management of significant and strategic bids from opportunity identification through submission and post-bid review
Develop and own bid plans, programmes, and governance for complex water sector tenders
Ensure all submissions are fully compliant with client requirements, procurement regulations, and internal approvals
Manage multiple concurrent bids with varying values, timescales, and complexity
Water Sector Expertise
Apply detailed knowledge of the water industry, including AMP cycles, regulatory drivers (e.g. Ofwat, EA, DWI), and client priorities
Understand delivery models such as frameworks, alliances, joint ventures, D&B, DBO, and capital maintenance contracts
Interpret water company objectives around resilience, sustainability, customer outcomes, carbon reduction, and innovation
Stakeholder & Team Leadership
Collaborate with multidisciplinary bid teams including engineering, commercial, planning, delivery, sustainability, digital, and supply chain
Act as the central point of coordination between internal teams, partners, and joint venture organisations
Influence senior stakeholders to secure resources, approvals, and timely inputs
Proposal Development & Quality
Develop win strategies, value propositions, and key messages aligned to client scoring criteria
Oversee and, where required, author high-quality written responses that are clear, persuasive, and evidence-based
Ensure proposals demonstrate strong understanding of risk, opportunity, and whole-life value
Commercial & Risk Awareness
Work closely with commercial and estimating teams to ensure proposals align with pricing, risk, and delivery assumptions
Contribute to bid/no-bid decisions, risk assessments, and commercial strategies
Ensure proposals clearly articulate commercial robustness, value for money, and risk mitigation
Continuous Improvement
Capture lessons learned from bid outcomes and feedback from clients
Develop and maintain bid best practice, templates, and standard responses
Key Skills & Competencies
Proven experience managing significant or complex bids within the water or wider utilities/infrastructure sector
Strong understanding of water sector procurement processes and client expectations
Excellent written communication and proposal development skills
Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deadlines under pressure
Strong planning, organisation, and attention to detail
Confident facilitator with the ability to challenge and influence senior contributor
Experience working with UK water companies and AMP frameworks
Knowledge of NEC, alliancing, or framework-based contracting models
Familiarity with sustainability, carbon, digital delivery, and innovation themes in water
APMP (or equivalent) qualification
Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
Degree or equivalent experience in engineering, business, commercial management, or a related discipline
5+ years’ experience in bid management, proposals, or work-winning roles within water, utilities, or infrastructure
Experience of leading bids valued at £10m+ (or strategically significant frameworks)
Additional information
Salary and benefits
· Medicash plan
· Life insurance
· Benefits portal
· Company pension
· 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
Join us at AFECO and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.
