Proposal Engineer

Fives; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Richards Bay is seeking a Proposal Engineer to assist in project proposals and cost estimations for aluminium smelters. The role involves liaising with suppliers, preparing high-quality proposals, and ensuring timely project execution. Ideal candidates will have a technical background in engineering and experience in project costing. Join a company that values work-life balance and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in project costing or estimating roles is essential.
• Supply Chain / Purchasing experience is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing proposals and cost estimations for projects.
• Liaise with suppliers and prepare scopes of work.
• Monitor tender deadlines and communicate with the head office.

Skills

Project Management

Technical Knowledge

Communication

Education

N.Dip. in Mechanical Engineering

South African Grade 12 / Matric

Tools

Microsoft Projects

Excel

Word

Job description

Position Summary

Fives Services Southern Africa is actively seeking a Proposal Engineer to join its teams in Richards Bay, South Africa.

At Fives, we are all driven by a common calling: to prove that industry can do it! We work together daily to make industry an answer to the major technological, environmental, social, and economic challenges of our time.

For over 200 years, we’ve invented and designed solutions and technologies that substantially and sustainably improve daily life.

Fives Services Southern Africa & Fives Services Mzansi are the Fives service centers for South Africa and Mozambique, providing support in project execution, engineering, and local parts sourcing.

We strive to create a company culture that values employees, encourages work-life balance, and promotes professional growth.

It is with you that industry can do it!

The Proposal Engineer will assist Key Account Managers in preparing proposals and cost estimations for new projects, equipment upgrades, modernization, technical services, major equipment repairs, customer liaison, marketing, and business sales strategy for aluminium smelters. Travel to customer sites may be required.

Responsibilities include:

1. Receiving tenders/RFQ specifications.
2. Liaising with external suppliers, preparing high-quality scopes of work, submitting RFQs, reviewing, and adjudicating proposals received.
3. Monitoring and respecting tender deadlines.
4. Communicating with the head office for engineering and material quotations.
5. Drafting project proposals for review and approval by Key Account and Proposal Manager.
6. Drafting commercial estimates and reviewing with the Key Account Manager.
7. Following up on client evaluation processes until order placement.
8. Compiling project hand-overs upon receiving an order.
9. Participating in close-out meetings to improve future proposals.
10. Supporting repairs business with proposal reviews, bills of material, and scopes of work.
11. Interpreting technical manuals, parts lists, bills of materials, and installation manuals.
12. Occasional site inspections to understand and scope jobs.

Equipment Repairs Responsibilities:

1. Reviewing RFQ requests for equipment repairs with the Key Account Manager.
2. Aligning customer requests with cost-effective, technical, and operational requirements.
3. Supporting the timely and efficient preparation of repair costings and liaising with the Key Account Manager for sales strategies.

Education and Qualifications:

• South African Grade 12 / Matric is required.
• At least N.Dip. level qualification in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering fields.

Relevant Experience:

• Experience in project costing or similar estimating roles is essential.
• Supply Chain / Purchasing experience is beneficial.
• Knowledge of project management principles is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Microsoft Projects is required.
• Knowledge of heavy industrial equipment repair and modifications is advantageous.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge to client solutions.
• Understanding of project site work processes for proposal development.