Head Proposals

Descon Engineering Ltd is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Proposals to lead the comprehensive review and development of design engineering proposals for oil & gas, petrochemical, and related industrial projects. This executive-level position requires full ownership of proposal quality, competitiveness, and profitability. The successful candidate will drive winning strategies across Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK), Long-Term Agreements (LTA), and Direct Hire contracts, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market demands.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Leadership: Take charge of the end-to-end review process of engineering proposals. This includes validating project scope, design bases, deliverables, and man-hour estimates to guarantee technical accuracy and completeness.

Commercial Strategy: Collaborate closely with Business Development, Finance, and Engineering leadership teams to formulate competitive bid strategies. Assess pricing assumptions, profit margins, and the long-term impact of proposals on business growth.

Bid/No-Bid Decision Making: Evaluate the strategic fit, commercial returns, and delivery feasibility of potential projects. Provide clear recommendations on bid/no-bid decisions to the executive management team.

Risk and Contract Governance: Identify contractual, commercial, and technical risks at an early stage. Work alongside Legal and Contracts departments to define assumptions, exclusions, and develop effective risk mitigation plans.

Stakeholder and Client Engagement: Lead technical and commercial discussions with clients during the bidding phase. Ensure seamless coordination and alignment among all internal business functions to support proposal success.

People and QHSE Leadership: Mentor and develop high-performing proposal and design teams. Ensure strict adherence to company standards including Design Integrity Management System (DIMS), Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC), and Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) protocols.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering.

Experience: A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in proposal development, design engineering, and bid management within the petrochemical or oil & gas sectors.

Core Competencies:
- Strong commercial and business acumen with the ability to evaluate risks and negotiate contracts effectively.
- Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams and engaging multiple stakeholders.
- In-depth knowledge of LSTK, LTAs, and major project delivery frameworks.

This role offers the opportunity to lead critical proposal initiatives within a reputable engineering firm, contributing directly to the company’s growth and market leadership. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with strategic insight to secure profitable contracts and foster long-term client relationships.