At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage high-quality bids for major water sector opportunities.
- Company: AFECO, a dynamic engineering services provider focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, life insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water industry with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in bid management and a degree in engineering or related field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
As part of the United Infrastructure Group, we are a dynamic and innovative specialist engineering services, solutions and products provider focused on servicing our clients’ immediate and future needs. We do this through the development of industry-changing cleantech products as well as through engineering delivery excellence. We specialise in the design and delivery of process, mechanical, electrical and ICA engineering-based projects, products and solutions. Regardless of the project, they all pursue the same goal: to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our water, wastewater and waste treatment.
We have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals with extensive consulting and contracting experience, including engineers, scientists and commercial managers. Our knowledge and expertise spans more than 30 years, across industries including: water, wastewater, marine, energy and power sectors. At AFECO, we cover all stages of the innovation and project delivery cycle from concept through to operations. Our aim is simple – to provide the most effective solutions and products on the market and thus, exceed clients expectations through market-leading technology.
From technical through to commercial and management expertise, we have the in-house expertise to execute a range of projects from the most basic to highly complex.
AFECO is an engineering services provider, delivering high quality process and MEICA design and installation projects predominantly across the South of England and Midlands for the water industry. We have excellent inhouse engineering teams capable of delivering all stages of the project cycle, from concept through to commissioning, with a strong focus on process led innovative and robust yet appropriate solutions. We have a portfolio of varied projects covering both wastewater and clean water projects for planned and reactive projects.
Due to the expansion of our team, we are currently recruiting for an Administrative Assistant to work within our multi-disciplinary teams. This is a great opportunity for enthusiastic individuals who fit in with our company values and are keen to develop in a forward-thinking organisation.
Role Purpose
The Proposal Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and delivering high-quality, compliant, and competitive bids for major opportunities within the water sector. This role focuses on complex, high-value, and strategically important tenders across water and wastewater infrastructure, treatment, networks, and asset management frameworks. The role requires strong leadership of multidisciplinary bid teams, deep understanding of water sector procurement, and the ability to translate technical, commercial, and operational inputs into compelling, client-focused proposals.
Key Responsibilities
- Bid & Proposal Management
- Lead end-to-end management of significant and strategic bids from opportunity identification through submission and post-bid review
- Develop and own bid plans, programmes, and governance for complex water sector tenders
- Ensure all submissions are fully compliant with client requirements, procurement regulations, and internal approvals
- Manage multiple concurrent bids with varying values, timescales, and complexity
- Water Sector Expertise
- Apply detailed knowledge of the water industry, including AMP cycles, regulatory drivers (e.g. Ofwat, EA, DWI), and client priorities
- Understand delivery models such as frameworks, alliances, joint ventures, D&B, DBO, and capital maintenance contracts
- Interpret water company objectives around resilience, sustainability, customer outcomes, carbon reduction, and innovation
- Stakeholder & Team Leadership
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary bid teams including engineering, commercial, planning, delivery, sustainability, digital, and supply chain
- Act as the central point of coordination between internal teams, partners, and joint venture organisations
- Influence senior stakeholders to secure resources, approvals, and timely inputs
- Proposal Development & Quality
- Develop win strategies, value propositions, and key messages aligned to client scoring criteria
- Oversee and, where required, author high-quality written responses that are clear, persuasive, and evidence-based
- Ensure proposals demonstrate strong understanding of risk, opportunity, and whole-life value
- Commercial & Risk Awareness
- Work closely with commercial and estimating teams to ensure proposals align with pricing, risk, and delivery assumptions
- Contribute to bid/no-bid decisions, risk assessments, and commercial strategies
- Ensure proposals clearly articulate commercial robustness, value for money, and risk mitigation
- Continuous Improvement
- Capture lessons learned from bid outcomes and feedback from clients
- Develop and maintain bid best practice, templates, and standard responses
Key Skills & Competencies
- Proven experience managing significant or complex bids within the water or wider utilities/infrastructure sector
- Strong understanding of water sector procurement processes and client expectations
- Excellent written communication and proposal development skills
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deadlines under pressure
- Strong planning, organisation, and attention to detail
- Confident facilitator with the ability to challenge and influence senior contributor
- Experience working with UK water companies and AMP frameworks
- Knowledge of NEC, alliancing, or framework-based contracting models
- Familiarity with sustainability, carbon, digital delivery, and innovation themes in water
- APMP (or equivalent) qualification
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or equivalent experience in engineering, business, commercial management, or a related discipline
- 5+ years’ experience in bid management, proposals, or work-winning roles within water, utilities, or infrastructure
- Experience of leading bids valued at £10m+ (or strategically significant frameworks)
Additional information
- Medicash plan
- Life insurance
- Benefits portal
- Company pension
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
Join us at AFECO and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.
Proposal Manager in Havant employer: United Infrastructure Ltd
AFECO is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, dedicated to delivering high-quality engineering solutions in the water sector. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including a Medicash plan, life insurance, and a generous holiday allowance. Join our dynamic team in the South of England and contribute to meaningful projects that enhance sustainability and efficiency in water management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Proposal Manager in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the water sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to sustainability and innovation in the water sector. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Proposal Manager. Highlight your bid management skills and your understanding of the water industry. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get those applications in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Proposal Manager in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Proposal Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex bids and your understanding of the water sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of water sector procurement processes and client expectations. Use specific examples from your past experiences to show us you know your stuff!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Make your points easy to understand and avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at AFECO!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Infrastructure Ltd
✨Know Your Water Sector Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the water sector, including key regulations and procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with terms like AMP cycles and Ofwat to show you understand the industry's landscape.
✨Showcase Your Bid Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex bids. Be ready to discuss how you developed bid plans and ensured compliance with client requirements, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Proposal Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
Think of instances where you've led multidisciplinary teams or collaborated with various stakeholders. Highlight your ability to influence senior contributors and secure necessary resources, as this is crucial for managing bids effectively.
✨Craft Compelling Proposals
Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing win strategies and value propositions. Share how you ensure proposals are clear, persuasive, and aligned with client scoring criteria, showcasing your proposal development skills.
