Verified Job
Engineering - Architecture
Senior Manager – Engineering Projects & Proposals
Engineering - Architecture
#803009
Remote / WFH
Gravity Business Process
Job Description
Job description
1. Role Overview
The Senior Manager – Engineering Projects & Proposals is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of engineering projects and the end-to-end development of technical and commercial proposals. The role blends strategic management with hands-on engineering expertise, requiring the incumbent to lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing multidisciplinary team while maintaining the highest standards of quality, accountability, and client satisfaction.
The Senior Manager acts as the primary technical authority within the Engineering and Proposals divisions, serves as a key liaison with clients, and partners closely with HR and executive leadership to build organisational capability.
2. Key Responsibilities
2.1 Leadership & Team Management
• Provide clear strategic direction, day-to-day oversight, and inspirational leadership to the Engineering and Proposals teams.
• Establish team structures, define roles and responsibilities, and ensure adequate resource allocation across all active projects and proposals.
• Cultivate a culture of ownership, professionalism, and continuous improvement across both teams.
• Monitor individual and team performance, providing timely constructive feedback and recognition.
2.2 Team Training & Development
• Design and implement structured training programmes covering engineering fundamentals, proposal techniques, software tools, and industry best practices.
• Identify skill gaps through performance assessments and create personalised development plans for each team member.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, guiding their technical and professional growth.
• Promote knowledge sharing through workshops, lunch-and-learn sessions, and internal technical presentations.
• Keep the team current with emerging engineering technologies, regulatory updates, and market trends.
2.3 Recruitment Support & Technical Interviewing
• Collaborate closely with the HR Manager to define hiring requirements, job descriptions, and evaluation criteria for all engineering roles.
• Participate actively in the recruitment process: screening CVs, shortlisting candidates, and conducting structured technical interviews.
• Assess candidates' engineering competencies, problem-solving ability, and cultural fit using standardised evaluation frameworks.
• Provide detailed post-interview feedback and hire/no-hire recommendations to HR and senior leadership.
• Support onboarding of new engineering hires to ensure a smooth integration into the team.
2.4 Project & Proposal Management
• Lead the development of technically sound and commercially competitive proposals in response to client RFPs, ITTs, and enquiries.
• Oversee the full project lifecycle – from initiation and planning through execution, monitoring, and closure – ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Review and approve all proposals and project deliverables before submission or handover, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage project risks, implement mitigation strategies, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Coordinate with clients to develop accurate cost estimates and commercial terms.
2.5 Accountability & Performance Management
• Set clear, measurable, and time-bound targets and goals (KPIs/OKRs) for every team member aligned with departmental and organisational objectives.
• Conduct structured monthly performance review meetings to assess progress against targets, address blockers, and recalibrate priorities.
• Hold team members accountable to agreed deliverables, quality standards, and deadlines through consistent follow-through and documentation.
• Implement performance improvement plans where necessary and celebrate outstanding achievements.
• Report team performance metrics to senior management on a regular basis.
2.6 Monthly Review Meetings & Reporting
• Plan and chair monthly review meetings covering project status, proposal pipeline, resource utilisation, quality metrics, and team development updates.
• Prepare and present clear, data-driven reports and dashboards to leadership and stakeholders.
• Track action items from meetings, ensure follow-up, and maintain a record of decisions and outcomes.
• Facilitate cross-functional coordination meetings as required, aligning Engineering with Sales and Operations.
2.7 Client Liaison & Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for client companies, building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships.
• Understand client requirements in depth and translate them into actionable engineering scopes of work and proposal content.
• Lead or participate in client meetings and technical presentations.
• Manage client expectations, handle escalations diplomatically, and resolve technical disputes effectively.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand client relationships and add value through innovative engineering solutions.
2.8 Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
• Establish, document, and enforce quality standards and review processes for all engineering outputs, proposals, and project deliverables.
• Conduct or oversee internal audits and technical reviews to identify non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
• Champion process improvement initiatives, leveraging lean, six sigma, or equivalent methodologies to enhance efficiency and quality.
3. Required Skills & Competencies
Leadership & People Management
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams of 20+ people.
• Strong decision-making and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to delegate effectively while maintaining overall accountability.
Engineering Knowledge
• In-depth technical knowledge in one or more engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil/Structural, HVAC, or related fields).
• Strong understanding of project engineering workflows, codes, and standards.
• Ability to review and validate engineering calculations, drawings, and technical documents.
Proposal & Commercial Acumen
• Expertise in technical proposal writing, cost estimation, and commercial negotiations.
• Ability to interpret complex RFP/ITT documents and develop winning, compliant responses.
Engineering Tools & Software
• Proficiency in industry-standard engineering design and analysis software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, STAAD.Pro, ETAP, HAP, or discipline-specific tools).
• Experience with project management platforms (MS Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent).
• Competency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting and documentation.
• Familiarity with ERP and document management systems is an advantage.
Communication & Client Management
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Confident presenter with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Skilled negotiator and relationship builder.
Quality & Process Orientation
• Strong commitment to quality assurance and compliance.
• Analytical mindset with excellent attention to detail.
• Continuous improvement orientation; experience with ISO 9001 or similar QMS is advantageous.
4. Qualifications & Experience
Education & Qualifications
Minimum Degree
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related discipline)
Certifications
PMP / PRINCE2 / PMI-ACP (Project Management); ISO 9001 Lead Auditor; Relevant discipline-specific professional certifications (PE, CEng, etc.)
Experience
Total Experience
Minimum 10 years in an engineering environment
Management Experience
Minimum 3 years in a senior leadership / managerial role
Proposal Experience
Demonstrated experience leading proposal development for multi-discipline engineering projects
Client-Facing Experience
Track record of managing key client accounts and technical negotiations
1. Role Overview
The Senior Manager – Engineering Projects & Proposals is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of engineering projects and the end-to-end development of technical and commercial proposals. The role blends strategic management with hands-on engineering expertise, requiring the incumbent to lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing multidisciplinary team while maintaining the highest standards of quality, accountability, and client satisfaction.
The Senior Manager acts as the primary technical authority within the Engineering and Proposals divisions, serves as a key liaison with clients, and partners closely with HR and executive leadership to build organisational capability.
2. Key Responsibilities
2.1 Leadership & Team Management
• Provide clear strategic direction, day-to-day oversight, and inspirational leadership to the Engineering and Proposals teams.
• Establish team structures, define roles and responsibilities, and ensure adequate resource allocation across all active projects and proposals.
• Cultivate a culture of ownership, professionalism, and continuous improvement across both teams.
• Monitor individual and team performance, providing timely constructive feedback and recognition.
2.2 Team Training & Development
• Design and implement structured training programmes covering engineering fundamentals, proposal techniques, software tools, and industry best practices.
• Identify skill gaps through performance assessments and create personalised development plans for each team member.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, guiding their technical and professional growth.
• Promote knowledge sharing through workshops, lunch-and-learn sessions, and internal technical presentations.
• Keep the team current with emerging engineering technologies, regulatory updates, and market trends.
2.3 Recruitment Support & Technical Interviewing
• Collaborate closely with the HR Manager to define hiring requirements, job descriptions, and evaluation criteria for all engineering roles.
• Participate actively in the recruitment process: screening CVs, shortlisting candidates, and conducting structured technical interviews.
• Assess candidates' engineering competencies, problem-solving ability, and cultural fit using standardised evaluation frameworks.
• Provide detailed post-interview feedback and hire/no-hire recommendations to HR and senior leadership.
• Support onboarding of new engineering hires to ensure a smooth integration into the team.
2.4 Project & Proposal Management
• Lead the development of technically sound and commercially competitive proposals in response to client RFPs, ITTs, and enquiries.
• Oversee the full project lifecycle – from initiation and planning through execution, monitoring, and closure – ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Review and approve all proposals and project deliverables before submission or handover, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage project risks, implement mitigation strategies, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Coordinate with clients to develop accurate cost estimates and commercial terms.
2.5 Accountability & Performance Management
• Set clear, measurable, and time-bound targets and goals (KPIs/OKRs) for every team member aligned with departmental and organisational objectives.
• Conduct structured monthly performance review meetings to assess progress against targets, address blockers, and recalibrate priorities.
• Hold team members accountable to agreed deliverables, quality standards, and deadlines through consistent follow-through and documentation.
• Implement performance improvement plans where necessary and celebrate outstanding achievements.
• Report team performance metrics to senior management on a regular basis.
2.6 Monthly Review Meetings & Reporting
• Plan and chair monthly review meetings covering project status, proposal pipeline, resource utilisation, quality metrics, and team development updates.
• Prepare and present clear, data-driven reports and dashboards to leadership and stakeholders.
• Track action items from meetings, ensure follow-up, and maintain a record of decisions and outcomes.
• Facilitate cross-functional coordination meetings as required, aligning Engineering with Sales and Operations.
2.7 Client Liaison & Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for client companies, building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships.
• Understand client requirements in depth and translate them into actionable engineering scopes of work and proposal content.
• Lead or participate in client meetings and technical presentations.
• Manage client expectations, handle escalations diplomatically, and resolve technical disputes effectively.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand client relationships and add value through innovative engineering solutions.
2.8 Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
• Establish, document, and enforce quality standards and review processes for all engineering outputs, proposals, and project deliverables.
• Conduct or oversee internal audits and technical reviews to identify non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
• Champion process improvement initiatives, leveraging lean, six sigma, or equivalent methodologies to enhance efficiency and quality.
3. Required Skills & Competencies
Leadership & People Management
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams of 20+ people.
• Strong decision-making and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to delegate effectively while maintaining overall accountability.
Engineering Knowledge
• In-depth technical knowledge in one or more engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil/Structural, HVAC, or related fields).
• Strong understanding of project engineering workflows, codes, and standards.
• Ability to review and validate engineering calculations, drawings, and technical documents.
Proposal & Commercial Acumen
• Expertise in technical proposal writing, cost estimation, and commercial negotiations.
• Ability to interpret complex RFP/ITT documents and develop winning, compliant responses.
Engineering Tools & Software
• Proficiency in industry-standard engineering design and analysis software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, STAAD.Pro, ETAP, HAP, or discipline-specific tools).
• Experience with project management platforms (MS Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent).
• Competency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting and documentation.
• Familiarity with ERP and document management systems is an advantage.
Communication & Client Management
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Confident presenter with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Skilled negotiator and relationship builder.
Quality & Process Orientation
• Strong commitment to quality assurance and compliance.
• Analytical mindset with excellent attention to detail.
• Continuous improvement orientation; experience with ISO 9001 or similar QMS is advantageous.
4. Qualifications & Experience
Education & Qualifications
Minimum Degree
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related discipline)
Certifications
PMP / PRINCE2 / PMI-ACP (Project Management); ISO 9001 Lead Auditor; Relevant discipline-specific professional certifications (PE, CEng, etc.)
Experience
Total Experience
Minimum 10 years in an engineering environment
Management Experience
Minimum 3 years in a senior leadership / managerial role
Proposal Experience
Demonstrated experience leading proposal development for multi-discipline engineering projects
Client-Facing Experience
Track record of managing key client accounts and technical negotiations
