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

• Build and manage a qualified, sustainable sales pipeline aligned with business objectives

• Identify and pursue high-value opportunities across the M&E, Fire, and HVAC sectors

• Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities

• Strengthen relationships with key clients and stakeholders to increase win rates

Tendering & Technical Oversight

• Lead the preparation and submission of complex technical bids and tenders

• Oversee proposals involving fire detection, suppression, HVAC, life safety, and integrated building systems

• Focus on high-value opportunities, particularly in data centres and technically demanding environments

• Identify and mitigate risk, scope gaps, and interfacing issues during bid stage

• Work collaboratively with estimating, design, and delivery teams

Team Leadership & Marketing

• Lead and mentor a direct internal sales and proposals team

• Align team activity with company targets and performance goals

• Support the execution of marketing strategies alongside senior leadership

• Promote a high-performance, client-focused team culture

Commercial & Operational Integration

• Ensure proposals are accurate, commercially viable, and aligned with project delivery

• Validate budgets and subcontractor pricing prior to submission

• Support detailed handovers to contracts and project delivery teams

• Track commercial KPIs, contribute to forecasting, and maintain CRM data integrity

Required Experience

• Proven success in a proposals, estimating, or business development leadership role within the M&E, Fire, or HVAC sectors

• Deep technical understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, fire safety, and building services solutions

• Experience in delivering successful bids in data centre or critical infrastructure environments (preferred)

• Strong commercial acumen, leadership ability, and excellent client engagement skills

• Proficient in preparing tender documents, build budgets, and contract proposals

• Ability to work cross-functionally with design, commercial, and operations teams

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline (preferred)

• Relevant fire safety or building services accreditations (e.g., FIA, LPCB)

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally

• CSCS and/or NVQ Level 6 or higher (desirable)

• Must have the right to work in the UK

Benefits

• £6,500 car allowance or company car

• £70k+ basic salary

• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service)

• Annual bonus scheme

• Annual pay reviews

• SW Pension

• Holiday purchase scheme

• Health cash plan

• Enhanced sick pay

• Enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave

• Death in Service cover

• Company events and staff engagement initiatives