Job Title: Senior Proposals Engineer

Location: Woodmead

Primary Purpose (Role):

To understand the client’s position and requirements and respond with a robust solution delivered promptly as a technically compliant and commercially competitive proposal. The proposal should present a responsible contractual position and highlight unique selling points, with the ultimate aim of securing contractual closure for new business at DRA.

Based within the Business Development Department, the Senior Proposals Engineer reports directly to the Proposals Manager. This department provides functional support services—including marketing, proposals, and new business development—across the Group and regional offices as required.

Key Responsibilities

Operational

• Compile comprehensive proposal documentation in response to client enquiries, pre-qualifications, and expressions of interest.
• Ensure all proposals undergo thorough risk analysis (RAC) and receive approval from the Proposals Director before proceeding.
• Manage cross-functional teams, including various divisions, departments, partners, and subcontractors, to deliver technically compliant and commercially competitive proposals.
• Review commercial conditions for projects and communicate the responsible position clearly to clients.
• Adhere to the Proposal Management Plan, ensuring all processes and procedures are followed.
• Secure review and approval of proposals by the Proposals Manager or Proposals Director.
• Conduct technical evaluation of enquiry documents, identify potential issues or deviations, and liaise with client representatives to clarify and mitigate delays.
• Facilitate initial design and engineering of mineral processing, mining, electrical, mechanical, infrastructure, and operations solutions in line with tender specifications and statutory requirements.
• Analyse client risks and financial constraints to develop “fit for purpose” solutions.
• Collaborate with other managers to ensure client requirements are achievable and met.
• Negotiate contract terms with support from the Proposals Manager, Commercial Manager, and General Manager.
• Hand over project requirements and contractual terms to the Divisional Manager and relevant engineers.
• Provide ongoing support to the project team during and after project award.
• Assist proposal team members with technical and commercial matters as required.
• Support departmental management in meeting targets.
• Ensure regular follow-up on submitted proposals.
• Manage stakeholder relationships effectively.
• Contribute to on-the-job training and development of trainee team members.

Database & Systems

• Maintain up-to-date records in accordance with proposal procedures, including timely submission of IT sheets.
• Hand over all relevant tender documentation to Projects/Study teams following contract award.
• Coordinate with administrative personnel and peers to finalise proposal documents, ensuring formatting and audit compliance.
• Manage proposals database to ensure accuracy and accessibility.

Quality & Time

• Ensure proposals reflect cost-effective, industry best practise and innovative solutions.
• Distribute technical and commercial project specifications to all relevant personnel involved in the project.
• Maintain awareness of new technologies, providing assistance and advice to proposal engineers and other departments as needed.
• Produce professional write-ups and keep bid narratives and supporting data current.

Client Relations

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with clients and joint venture partners.
• Adopt a customer-focused approach in all interactions.
• Communicate with clients respectfully, both in writing and verbally.
• Keep clients informed and up to date on the status of various project aspects.

Personal Capabilities

• Proactively seek opportunities for personal growth and capability enhancement.
• Take ownership of personal development.
• Value innovation and diversity of ideas.
• Demonstrate high integrity and focus on meeting obligations.

Qualifications

• Relevant Degree or Diploma in Engineering – Essential

Experience

• 4–7 years’ related proposals experience – Essential
• 5–10 years’ experience in mining, infrastructure, commercial and business development – Advantageous
• 5–10 years’ industry-related project implementation and studies – Essential

Knowledge Areas

• Engineering – Essential
• Procurement – Advantageous
• Construction Management – Advantageous
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) – Advantageous
• Risk Management – Essential
• Commercial (Contractual & Financial) – Advantageous
• Logistics and Expediting – Advantageous

Contact information

Yolanda Swart