Senior Proposals Engineer - Fire Sprinklers

Alecto Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Alecto Recruitment is seeking a Senior Proposals Engineer for London duties in the fire sprinklers sector. You will lead the full bid lifecycle, from enquiry and cost estimation through to proposal writing and handover to delivery, while pursuing new business opportunities across the UK market.

You will work with design, project delivery and senior management to ensure estimates are commercially viable, technically compliant with BS EN 12845 and LPCB standards, and aligned with client

Qualifications

• Experience in estimating, sales or proposals for fire sprinkler projects.
• Knowledge of UK fire standards such as BS EN 12845.
• Ability to prepare tenders and cost estimates and write client proposals.
• Commercially aware with pricing versus profitability.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end estimating and tender process from enquiry to contract award.
• Prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates and proposals.
• Review drawings and specifications to scope project requirements.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors for pricing information.
• Lead production of high-quality proposal documents and presentations.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities in the UK fire sprinkler sector.
• Build relationships with consultants, main contractors, developers and clients.
• Attend client meetings, site visits and pre-tender briefings as required.
• Support handover to the project delivery team for a smooth transition.
• Monitor market trends and pipeline opportunities to inform sales strategy.
• Ensure estimates and proposals comply with BS EN 12845, LPCB, FM Global and NFPA where applicable.
• Mentor junior estimating or proposals staff where applicable.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Proposal writing

Pricing

Stakeholder management

Client relationship building

Education

FIA/IFE/LPCB certs

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Proposals Engineer - Fire Sprinklers

Salary/Package - £75,000 - £80,000 Basic + Car + Bonus + Benefits

Location - London/South East

Permanent Position - Hybrid Role

About the Company

Our client is a well-established LPCB Level 4 accredited fire sprinkler contractor operating within the UK sprinkler industry, delivering the design, installation, and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems across commercial, industrial, and residential projects. With a strong pipeline of work and an excellent reputation across the sector, they are now seeking an experienced Sales/Estimating/Proposals Manager to lead their pre-construction function and drive continued growth.

The Role

This is a pivotal role bridging business development, technical estimating, and proposal delivery. You will take ownership of the full bid lifecycle from initial enquiry and cost estimation through to proposal writing and contract handover, while also playing an active role in identifying and securing new business opportunities across the fire sprinkler market.

You’ll work closely with design, project delivery, and senior management teams to ensure estimates are commercially sound, technically accurate, and aligned with LPCB/BS EN 12845 and other relevant fire sprinkler standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end estimating and tender process for fire sprinkler projects, from enquiry through to contract award
• Prepare accurate, competitive, and commercially viable cost estimates and proposals
• Review tender documentation, specifications, and drawings to scope project requirements
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain pricing and ensure competitive procurement
• Lead the production of high-quality, professional proposal documents and presentations
• Identify and develop new business opportunities within the UK fire sprinkler sector
• Build and maintain relationships with consultants, main contractors, developers, and end clients
• Attend client meetings, site visits, and pre-tender briefings as required
• Support contract handover to the project delivery team, ensuring a smooth transition from sale to execution
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and pipeline opportunities to inform sales strategy
• Ensure all estimates and proposals comply with relevant fire sprinkler standards (BS EN 12845, LPCB, FM Global, and NFPA where applicable)
• Manage and mentor junior estimating or proposals staff, where applicable

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in an estimating, sales, or proposals role within the fire sprinkler or wider fire protection industry
• Strong technical understanding of sprinkler system design principles and UK fire protection standards
• Demonstrable experience preparing tenders, cost estimates, and client-facing proposals
• Commercially astute, with the ability to balance competitive pricing against profitability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail
• Confident presenting to clients and building long-term relationships
• Proficient with estimating software and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Self-motivated, organised, and capable of managing multiple tenders simultaneously
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Relevant fire industry qualifications (e.g. FIA, IFE, or LPCB-related certifications)
• Experience with CAD or sprinkler design software
• Existing network of contacts within UK main contractors, consultants, or developers