Contracts & Project Engineer in Bedford

The objective of this role is to enhance the Cranfield Precision subsidiary to efficiently and promptly prepare commercial proposals, costings and quotations for client projects, and also to manage the delivery / execution of machine projects from award through to final acceptance and warranty period completion. This role is split approximately 50/50 between commercial costing and proposal preparation and project management activities.

Core focuses

• Back‑Office Sales: Project Costings and Quotations
  • Collaborate with the relevant Sales Manager to understand the customer’s needs and requirements, and provide prompt and efficient back‑office support.
  • Match the customer’s requirements with our products capabilities.
  • Occasionally travel with the Sales Manager(s) to site to understand the customer’s requirements and to present the proposal / solutions.
  • Provide timely and accurate costings for Cranfield Precision products based on customer enquiry combined with subsidiary strategic direction.
  • Along with input from the technical teams, produce technical proposal document packages and quotations.
  • Using a strategic approach, ensure that the proposals are targeted for the specific opportunity, and demonstrate a mix of base scope and optional extras.
  • Develop and maintain the costing and proposal templates used for each machine type, including revision control, and regular base‑costing updates from the company ERP and updated supplier / internal manufacturing quotations.
  • Work with the Supply Chain (manufacturing and purchase) teams to give input on and enhance our make / buy strategy and supply chain, for cost and delivery optimisation.
  • Maintain accurate historical costing data for continuous improvement.
  • Enhance commonality in proposal and costing packages between UK and US subsidiary sites.
  • Demonstrate rigor in proposal revision control, documentation and tracking, observing company and Fives Group Directives compliance.
  • Ensure alignment with overall business strategy and profitability targets.
  • Work within the ISO procedures and the ISO process owner for this activity.
• Project and Programme Delivery:
  • After a contract / project is awarded, create the internal Factory Orders and Project Schedules.
  • Launch projects into the business ERP system (SAP) and subsequently coordinate and synchronise the launch of the project into the business, ensuring that the manufacturing and supply chain teams have clear outlines, targets and project details to deliver on time and to budget.
  • Working with department heads to plan resources.
  • Work with Sales and Engineering on customer communication and management.
  • Liaise with supply chain (Manufacturing and Purchase) to focus on on‑time delivery and coordination.
  • Track progress and budgets throughout the projects – preparing the necessary progress and budget reporting (BiPro and AFI) to share with the business management team.
  • Support the Finance Team with all relevant budget and cost information including supporting Cost‑to‑Complete estimates.
  • Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation plans.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for internal coordination and customer updates during project execution.
  • Manage the SAP templates for Cranfield Precision Products and Projects.
  • Develop, maintain and support capacity planning for functional areas.
  • Work within the ISO procedures and the ISO process owner for this activity.
• Other duties and responsibilities
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives in both costing and project delivery processes.
  • Understand and work, at all times, in line with Fives Values and Directives; specifically following the highest standards of health and safety.
  • Responsible for all aspects of Data Protection, Information Security and Cyber Security.
  • Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested.

Key skills requirements

• Recent project management experience managing complex projects – managing projects to time, cost and quality standards.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance technical and financial considerations.
• Comprehensive understanding and demonstrable use of Project Management methodologies.
• Strong reporting and presentation skills.
• Good planning, attention to detail and time management skills.
• Ability to build strong and effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Conscientious and self‑motivated with the ability to work on one’s own initiative as well as motivating others into action.
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to effectively and constructively challenge other departments.
• Experience in engineering environments for highly complex product(s).
• Technical background / qualifications e.g. Mechanical Engineering.
• Formal Project Management training e.g. PMP, APMP or similar desirable.
• Understanding and previous experience of using SAP in a manufacturing environment would be useful.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Project, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Able to travel within the UK and internationally, typically for short periods.
• Ability to work alone or part of a team.
• Able to manage own time and meet tight deadlines.