Sales Engineering Manager

Datalec Precision Installations (DPI) is a leading provider of data centre design, supply, build, and managed services. We are committed to delivering seamless and integrated solutions for data centre operators worldwide. Our team is dedicated to maintaining high standards of service and excellence in every project we undertake.

This role is responsible for leading the sales engineering function with a strong mechanical & electrical (M&E) bias. You’ll translate client needs into robust technical solutions, shaped for commercial success. You’ll coordinate solutioning, estimates, proposals, and stakeholder engagement, acting as the technical authority through the sales cycle and early project handover.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Own technical qualification of opportunities; capture scope, site constraints, and client requirements (performance, compliance, programme).
• Develop solution architectures across M&E disciplines (e.g., LV distribution, UPS, generators, cooling/CRAC/CRAH, containment, earthing/bonding), and integrate with structured cabling, white space fit-out, and commissioning.
• Produce and review technical proposals, system schematics, equipment schedules, method statements, and risk assessments.
• Lead bid engineering: take-offs, BOQs, labour build-ups, value engineering, and alternatives to improve win probability, margin and deliverability.
• Collaborate with design partners and internal engineering to ensure designs meet British Standards, CDM, BS7671, CIBSE, and client specifications.
• Lead the management of opportunity bids and proposals, coordinating with the sales team to deliver commercially robust proposals (price, programme, risk, exclusions/assumptions).
• Conduct supplier/subcontractor technical clarifications and negotiate optimal technical-commercial outcomes.
• Own technical sections of tenders/RFPs/RFQs; present solutions at client design reviews and bid interviews.
• Maintain a library of standard solutions, pricing models, and proposal templates to improve speed/quality.
• Act as the technical point of contact in pursuits; lead discovery workshops and solution walkthroughs.
• Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders (facilities, design, procurement, project managers).
• Produce and review coordinated project schedules, ensuring compliance with supply chain and clients’ expectations.
• Deliver persuasive presentations and demonstrations tailored to technical and executive audiences.
• Lead technical handover to delivery teams, ensuring scope clarity, quality standards, programme, and design intent are preserved.
• Support submittals, technical queries (RFI), and change control during early project phases.
• Capture lessons learned to feed back into sales engineering and standardisation.
• Manage and mentor the sales engineers/estimators; set standards, KPIs, and development plans.
• Implement best-practice go/no-go, bid stage gates, and quality reviews.
• Champion safety, compliance, and engineering excellence in all commercial activities.
• Represent the business, upholding our core values and behaviours with all internal and external customers, clients and third parties.
• Maintain business and client confidentiality, adhering to applicable Data Protection regulations and Information Security Standards in line with company and group policies and procedures.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Degree/HND in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience). Professional registration (IEng/CEng) is advantageous.
• 7+ years in M&E engineering within data centres, critical infrastructure, or complex commercial projects.
• Demonstrable pre-sales/sales engineering experience: scoping, solution design, estimates, proposals, and bid defence.
• Strong knowledge of LV electrical systems, UPS, generators, switchgear, earthing, and cooling technologies (DX, chilled water, free cooling), plus containment and cabling integration.
• Familiarity with applicable standards and regulations (e.g., BS7671, CIBSE Guides, CDM).
• Skilled in reading technical drawings and producing documentation; proficiency with AutoCAD or Bluebeam is beneficial.
• Commercial acumen: pricing strategies, margin protection, risk registers, contract exclusions/assumptions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement; confident presenting to technical and non-technical audiences.

To Apply

To apply for this position, please send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@datalecltd.com. For further information, please get in touch with HR on +44 (0) 800 6891318.

About Datalec Precision Installations (DPI)

Datalec Precision Installations provides world-class, global data centre solutions, specialising in M&E and connectivity design, bespoke manufacturing, construction, and installation services. Supported by unmatched technical expertise, we offer consultancy, technical and critical cleaning, electronic security, and managed services to address every data centre need.