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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-construction bidding and client engagement for high-value projects.
- Company: Join a growing £20M contractor specialising in M&E, fire protection, and HVAC solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £6,500 car allowance, 25 days leave, and an annual bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the company's growth strategy while leading a dynamic sales team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in proposals or business development within M&E, Fire, or HVAC sectors required.
- Other info: Must have a degree in Engineering or related field and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 98000 £ per year.
A growing £20M-turnover contractor specialising in M&E, fire protection, and HVAC solutions is seeking a strategic and commercially focused Proposals Director. Based in Hampshire, this is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of pre-construction bidding, pipeline development, and strategic client engagement—particularly across high-value, technically complex projects such as data centres. This role will shape the company's work-winning strategy and lead a high-performing sales and technical team to secure opportunities that align with long-term growth plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Growth & Client Development
- Build and manage a qualified, sustainable sales pipeline aligned with business objectives.
- Identify and pursue high-value opportunities across the M&E, Fire, and HVAC sectors.
- Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities.
- Strengthen relationships with key clients and stakeholders to increase win rates.
- Tendering & Technical Oversight
- Lead the preparation and submission of complex technical bids and tenders.
- Oversee proposals involving fire detection, suppression, HVAC, life safety, and integrated building systems.
- Focus on high-value opportunities, particularly in data centres and technically demanding environments.
- Identify and mitigate risk, scope gaps, and interfacing issues during bid stage.
- Work collaboratively with estimating, design, and delivery teams.
- Team Leadership & Marketing
- Lead and mentor a direct internal sales and proposals team.
- Align team activity with company targets and performance goals.
- Support the execution of marketing strategies alongside senior leadership.
- Promote a high-performance, client-focused team culture.
- Commercial & Operational Integration
- Ensure proposals are accurate, commercially viable, and aligned with project delivery.
- Validate budgets and subcontractor pricing prior to submission.
- Support detailed handovers to contracts and project delivery teams.
- Track commercial KPIs, contribute to forecasting, and maintain CRM data integrity.
Required Experience
- Proven success in a proposals, estimating, or business development leadership role within the M&E, Fire, or HVAC sectors.
- Deep technical understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, fire safety, and building services solutions.
- Experience in delivering successful bids in data centre or critical infrastructure environments (preferred).
- Strong commercial acumen, leadership ability, and excellent client engagement skills.
- Proficient in preparing tender documents, build budgets, and contract proposals.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with design, commercial, and operations teams.
Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline (preferred).
- Relevant fire safety or building services accreditations (e.g., FIA, LPCB).
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.
- CSCS and/or NVQ Level 6 or higher (desirable).
- Must have the right to work in the UK.
Benefits
- £6,500 car allowance or company car.
- £70k+ basic salary.
- 25 days annual leave (increasing with service).
- Annual bonus scheme.
- Annual pay reviews.
- SW Pension.
- Holiday purchase scheme.
- Health cash plan.
- Enhanced sick pay.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave.
- Death in Service cover.
- Company events and staff engagement initiatives.
Proposals Director – M&E, Fire, HVAC employer: Strong Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Strong Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Proposals Director – M&E, Fire, HVAC
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the M&E, Fire, and HVAC sectors. Attend industry events and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by participating in relevant projects or initiatives. Highlight any experience where you've successfully led teams or managed complex bids, as this will resonate well with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements in M&E, Fire, and HVAC. Being knowledgeable about current developments will help you engage more effectively with clients and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising responses to common questions related to strategic growth and client development. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully secured high-value projects in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace Proposals Director – M&E, Fire, HVAC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in proposals, estimating, or business development within the M&E, Fire, or HVAC sectors. Emphasise your leadership roles and any successful bids you've managed, particularly in data centre environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic vision for the role. Discuss how your technical understanding and commercial acumen can contribute to the company's growth and success in high-value projects.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any relevant qualifications such as degrees in Engineering or Construction Management, as well as fire safety or building services accreditations. Mention your willingness to travel and any additional certifications that may strengthen your application.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've led teams to achieve targets and fostered a high-performance culture. Highlight your ability to work cross-functionally with various teams to ensure successful project delivery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Strong Recruitment Group
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Proposals Director, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of M&E, fire safety, and HVAC systems. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully led bids in these areas, especially in data centres or critical infrastructure.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Share examples of how you've mentored teams, aligned activities with business objectives, and fostered a high-performance culture. Discuss your approach to team management and client engagement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, particularly around risk mitigation and managing complex bids. Think of scenarios where you've identified scope gaps or interfacing issues and how you resolved them.
✨Research the Company and Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the company's recent projects and their position in the M&E, fire, and HVAC sectors. Understanding current industry trends will help you engage in meaningful discussions and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
