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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, annual bonuses, and health cash plans.
- Why this job: Shape the company's strategy while leading a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in proposals or business development required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on technically complex projects like data centres.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 98000 £ per year.
Job Title: Proposals Director – M&E, Fire, HVAC
Location: Hampshire
Salary: £70,000+ per annum
Package: £6,500 car allowance or company car + comprehensive benefits
Reports to: Sales Director
Department: Sales
Overview
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
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Build and manage a qualified, sustainable sales pipeline aligned with business objectives
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Identify and pursue high-value opportunities across the M&E, Fire, and HVAC sectors
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Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities
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Strengthen relationships with key clients and stakeholders to increase win rates
Tendering & Technical Oversight
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Lead the preparation and submission of complex technical bids and tenders
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Oversee proposals involving fire detection, suppression, HVAC, life safety, and integrated building systems
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Focus on high-value opportunities, particularly in data centres and technically demanding environments
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Identify and mitigate risk, scope gaps, and interfacing issues during bid stage
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Work collaboratively with estimating, design, and delivery teams
Team Leadership & Marketing
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Lead and mentor a direct internal sales and proposals team
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Align team activity with company targets and performance goals
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Support the execution of marketing strategies alongside senior leadership
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Promote a high-performance, client-focused team culture
Commercial & Operational Integration
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Ensure proposals are accurate, commercially viable, and aligned with project delivery
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Validate budgets and subcontractor pricing prior to submission
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Support detailed handovers to contracts and project delivery teams
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Track commercial KPIs, contribute to forecasting, and maintain CRM data integrity
Required Experience
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Proven success in a proposals, estimating, or business development leadership role within the M&E, Fire, or HVAC sectors
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Deep technical understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, fire safety, and building services solutions
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Experience in delivering successful bids in data centre or critical infrastructure environments (preferred)
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Strong commercial acumen, leadership ability, and excellent client engagement skills
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Proficient in preparing tender documents, build budgets, and contract proposals
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Ability to work cross-functionally with design, commercial, and operations teams
Qualifications
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Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline (preferred)
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Relevant fire safety or building services accreditations (e.g., FIA, LPCB)
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Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally
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CSCS and/or NVQ Level 6 or higher (desirable)
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Must have the right to work in the UK
Benefits
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£6,500 car allowance or company car
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£70k+ basic salary
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25 days annual leave (increasing with service)
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Annual bonus scheme
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Annual pay reviews
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SW Pension
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Holiday purchase scheme
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Health cash plan
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Enhanced sick pay
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Enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave
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Death in Service cover
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Company events and staff engagement initiatives
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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 conferences to meet potential clients and stakeholders. Building relationships in these circles can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in data centre projects and critical infrastructure. This knowledge will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with current employees or alumni from the company to gain insights into their culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can be used to tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful bids you've led in the past, particularly in complex environments. Highlighting your experience in overcoming challenges will showcase your capability for the role.
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.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and client engagement skills. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead complex technical bids and your understanding of the industry.
Highlight Technical Expertise: In your application, clearly outline your technical understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, fire safety, and building services solutions. This is crucial for a role that involves overseeing technical bids.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you've led teams and aligned their activities with company targets. Highlight any mentoring or coaching experiences that illustrate your ability to foster a high-performance culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Strong Recruitment Group
✨Understand the Technical Landscape
Make sure you have a solid grasp of M&E, fire protection, and HVAC systems. Be prepared to discuss your technical knowledge and how it applies to the role, especially in relation to data centres and complex projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Proposals Director, you'll be leading a team. Highlight your experience in mentoring and managing teams, and provide examples of how you've successfully aligned team activities with business objectives in the past.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Be ready to talk about your approach to building and managing a sales pipeline. Discuss specific strategies you've used to identify high-value opportunities and how you've strengthened client relationships to increase win rates.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with preparing tender documents and validating budgets. Show that you understand the importance of commercial viability in proposals and how you ensure accuracy before submission.
