Proposal Specialist

Proposal Specialist

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Sulzer

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage and develop proposals, ensuring high-quality quotations for our services.
  • Company: Join Sulzer, a leading engineering company with a legacy of innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 33 days leave, and health perks.
  • Other info: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth in a diverse environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a valued role within a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in proposals or commercial coordination; technical knowledge is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About the role

Sulzer is a leading independent electromechanical and rotating equipment service provider, delivering maintenance, repair, overhaul, and engineered solutions across critical industries. With 14 UK service centres and access to a global network, we offer fast, expert support for pumps, motors, turbines, compressors, generators and more. We operate across essential markets including water & wastewater, energy, chemicals, marine, industrial manufacturing and renewables. We are now looking for a Proposals Specialist to join our UK & Nordics Commercial Operations team. This role has become available following the retirement of a long‐serving colleague, offering a fantastic opportunity to step into an established and valued position with real impact across the business.

In this role, you will play a key part in managing and developing our spares offering across the network, leading the preparation and delivery of high‐quality quotations that are accurate, competitive and aligned with customer requirements.

What you’ll be doing

  • Owning the full enquiry and quotation process—from qualification through to final submission
  • Acting as the key point of contact for internal teams and customers throughout the bid lifecycle
  • Structuring, refining and submitting proposals that highlight our technical strengths and differentiators
  • Collaborating with engineering, operations, sales, procurement and finance to develop commercially competitive bids
  • Supporting the sales team with clarifications, follow-ups and customer engagement
  • Taking a lead role in reviewing and developing spares proposals across the UK network
  • Continuously improving bid processes to drive efficiency and accuracy

What you’ll bring

  • Experience in tendering, proposals or commercial coordination
  • A technical understanding of rotating equipment (advantageous but not essential)
  • Any technical experience within the motor industry or the ability to read and interpret general arrangement (GA) drawings would be a strong advantage
  • Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • High attention to detail and a proactive, customer-focused approach
  • Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce experience would be beneficial)

What we offer you

  • A competitive basic salary
  • A company-wide bonus scheme
  • 33 days annual leave
  • Defined pension contributions
  • Access to Medicash helping you cover everyday health costs like dental optical and physiotherapy plus a range of wellbeing perks
  • Confidential support via Employee Assistance Programmes
  • Access to discounts on shopping entertainment lifestyle plus opportunity to apply for Costco membership
  • Discounted personal car leasing for you your family and friends
  • Long Service Awards celebrating your commitment
  • Continuous learning opportunities through Sulzer Learning Pathways

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

Proposal Specialist employer: Sulzer

Sulzer is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, providing employees with the opportunity to grow their expertise in a supportive environment. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, including access to health benefits and continuous learning pathways, Sulzer stands out as a place where you can make a meaningful impact while advancing your career. Join us in Aberdeen, Leeds, or Birmingham, and be part of a diverse team dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions across critical industries.

Sulzer

Contact Details:

Sulzer Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Proposal Specialist

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Proposal Specialist role you’re after at Sulzer.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Sulzer a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Sulzer.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Proposal Specialist at Sulzer, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Proposal Specialist

Proposal Management
Tendering Experience
Commercial Coordination
Technical Understanding of Rotating Equipment
Ability to Read and Interpret GA Drawings
Strong Commercial Awareness
Deadline Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Proposal Specialist, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Sulzer a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Sulzer specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sulzer

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Sulzer, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Sulzer want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.