Proposals Director - M&E, Fire, HVAC

Job Title: Proposals Director - M&E, Fire, HVAC
Location: Hampshire
Salary: £70,000+ per annum
Package: £6,500 car allowance or company car + comprehensive benefits
Reports to: Sales Director
Department: Sales

Overview

A growing £20M-turnover contractor specialising in M&E, fire protection, and HVAC solutions is seeking a strategic and commercially focused Proposals Director. Based in Hampshire, this is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of pre-construction bidding, pipeline development, and strategic client engagement-particularly across high-value, technically complex projects such as data centres.

This role will shape the company's work-winning strategy and lead a high-performing sales and technical team to secure opportunities that align with long-term growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Client Development

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Build and manage a qualified, sustainable sales pipeline aligned with business objectives
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Identify and pursue high-value opportunities across the M&E, Fire, and HVAC sectors
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Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities
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Strengthen relationships with key clients and stakeholders to increase win rates

Tendering & Technical Oversight

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Lead the preparation and submission of complex technical bids and tenders
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Oversee proposals involving fire detection, suppression, HVAC, life safety, and integrated building systems
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Focus on high-value opportunities, particularly in data centres and technically demanding environments
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Identify and mitigate risk, scope gaps, and interfacing issues during bid stage
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Work collaboratively with estimating, design, and delivery teams

Team Leadership & Marketing

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Lead and mentor a direct internal sales and proposals team
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Align team activity with company targets and performance goals
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Support the execution of marketing strategies alongside senior leadership
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Promote a high-performance, client-focused team culture

Commercial & Operational Integration

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Ensure proposals are accurate, commercially viable, and aligned with project delivery
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Validate budgets and subcontractor pricing prior to submission
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Support detailed handovers to contracts and project delivery teams
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Track commercial KPIs, contribute to forecasting, and maintain CRM data integrity

Required Experience

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Proven success in a proposals, estimating, or business development leadership role within the M&E, Fire, or HVAC sectors
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Deep technical understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, fire safety, and building services solutions
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Experience in delivering successful bids in data centre or critical infrastructure environments (preferred)
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Strong commercial acumen, leadership ability, and excellent client engagement skills
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Proficient in preparing tender documents, build budgets, and contract proposals
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Ability to work cross-functionally with design, commercial, and operations teams

Qualifications

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Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline (preferred)
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Relevant fire safety or building services accreditations (e.g., FIA, LPCB)
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Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally
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CSCS and/or NVQ Level 6 or higher (desirable)
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Must have the right to work in the UK

Benefits

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£6,500 car allowance or company car
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£70k+ basic salary
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25 days annual leave (increasing with service)
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Annual bonus scheme
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Annual pay reviews
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SW Pension
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Holiday purchase scheme
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Health cash plan
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Enhanced sick pay
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Enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave
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Death in Service cover
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Company events and staff engagement initiatives