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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development and manage proposals for key clients in South-Wales & Bristol.
- Company: Join Tilbury Douglas, a top UK engineering firm delivering impactful projects across various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, 26 days leave, private medical insurance, and flexible perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and inclusivity while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Strong technical background, excellent communication skills, and experience in customer management required.
- Other info: Role involves occasional travel and is subject to security clearance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Regional Pre-Construction Director, the Business Development & Proposals Manager will lead business development, key client management, and proposal production for the South-Wales & Bristol business. The role focuses on developing and managing a pipeline of opportunities with both new and existing clients, aiming to secure work that meets budgeted turnover and margin requirements.
The successful candidate will cultivate new regional accounts and support national key accounts, ensuring Tilbury Douglas Engineering (TDE) delivers exemplary customer service and adds value at every project stage. The role covers the entire opportunity lifecycle, from initial contact to tender preparation, settlement, and final negotiations.
The role offers hybrid working, with time split between a primary base in our Swansea office and our Clevedon office, along with occasional travel to other regional locations.
What you will be doing
- Develop and manage a transparent, robust pipeline with key accounts including end users, main contractors, PQS’s, consultants, and project influencers.
- Focus on expanding the external and end-user market while supporting the Regional Operations Manager.
- Build strategic relationships through structured networking with key account stakeholders, clients, designers, supply chain, and more.
- Drive targeted development activities including calls, cost plans, order conversions, and hospitality engagements.
- Accurately report on Work to Win, GAP, CRM systems, and estimating and cost planning workload programmes.
- Balance sector exposure in line with historic trends and future market forecasts.
- Obtain and analyse Customer Satisfaction Questionnaires (CSQs) at various project stages.
- Attend meetings and contribute to bid support and tender interview presentations.
- Coordinate team to produce tender and tender submission working with the Southern Team.
- Focus on delivery of best in class tender submissions and settlements internally making use of the business tools and resources including the use of AI.
- Identify key client decision-makers to focus efforts effectively, manage a key account/account contact program with B2B’s and client entertainment plans.
- Build Social value plans with existing clients to develop the relationships and add value to the projects we tender for them.
- Manage internal process of accessing contract and terms and conditions.
- Produce and contribute to company brochures and tender presentations.
- Collaborate closely with preconstruction managers, design managers, and estimating leads.
- Maintain communication with the Regional Pre-Construction Director and the National Business Development Director to leverage national relationships and insights.
- Manage enquiries through the bid/no-bid process, oversee internal tender settlements, present tenders to clients, and negotiate terms.
What we will need from you
- Strong technical and engineering background with experience in customer management.
- Knowledge of bid management and coordination.
- Familiarity with mechanical & electrical services design and cost elements (preferred).
- Excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
- Ability to self-manage tasks and lead teams under tight deadlines.
- Commercial awareness and strong presentation abilities.
- Exceptional communication, organisational, and teamwork skills.
- Dynamic, focused, and entrepreneurial.
- Willingness to travel regionally and nationally, including occasional overnight stays.
- Strong leadership qualities and ability to support customer bid strategies.
- Analytical, numeric, and literacy proficiency.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint).
What we can offer you
- Competitive salary
- Car Allowance
- 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
- 3 additional long service days achieved after 3, 7 and 10 years
- Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)
- Life Assurance
- Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave
- 2 days volunteering opportunities
- Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional membership fees
- Perks at Work Employee discount scheme offering discounts on a range of categories such as electronics, home appliances, food & groceries, car buying, travel, fitness and more
- Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:
- Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)
- Dental Insurance
- Travel insurance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions.
Who we are
Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and environment.
It is our people who make Tilbury Douglas a success. We believe our inclusive culture encourages new ways of thinking, enabling us to innovate whilst remaining resilient. We value and celebrate all individual differences and look forward to receiving your application. We have now achieved our Investors in Diversity status.
Please note we do not have a sponsorship licence.
Please note that this role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance which includes identity, employment history, and criminal record checks.
We look forward to receiving your application!
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Proposals Manager employer: Tilbury Douglas
Contact Detail:
Tilbury Douglas Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Proposals Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically with professionals in the construction and engineering sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential clients and stakeholders who could influence your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in bid management and proposal production. Understanding current best practices will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising your presentation and negotiation skills. Role-playing with a friend or mentor can help you articulate your experience and approach to managing key accounts effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Tilbury Douglas and their recent projects to understand their values and client expectations. Tailoring your discussions around their work will show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Proposals Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development, proposal management, and client relationship building. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage a pipeline of opportunities and deliver successful tender submissions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Proposals Manager role at Tilbury Douglas. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your technical knowledge and experience in bid management. Be sure to mention your understanding of the importance of customer satisfaction and relationship building.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight key skills such as negotiation, communication, and leadership in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed projects under tight deadlines, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your formatting is consistent. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tilbury Douglas
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Proposals Manager. Familiarise yourself with the entire opportunity lifecycle, from initial contact to tender preparation and negotiations. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Given the emphasis on a strong technical and engineering background, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience in customer management and bid coordination. Highlight any familiarity you have with mechanical and electrical services design, as this could set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
The role requires building strategic relationships with key stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed client relationships in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to networking and managing key accounts.
✨Prepare for Presentation and Negotiation Scenarios
Since excellent presentation and negotiation skills are crucial, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to present a mock proposal or negotiate terms during the interview, so be ready to showcase these abilities.
