Proposals Manager

Role: Proposals Manager

Location: Johannesburg

Responsible for the accurate, timely preparation, approval, and submission of commercial proposals to customers, primarily supporting Wabtec's Freight Services and Freight Components businesses across Sub Saharan Africa. This includes aftermarket solutions for locomotives and wagons such as spare parts, repairs and overhauls, technical support, long term maintenance services, and maintenance of way equipment. Acts as a key commercial partner to the Sales team, providing critical support throughout commercial negotiations and contract formation.

• Commercial proposals & contracting: Lead end-to-end commercial proposal development, including interpreting bid requests, coordinating technical and pricing inputs, conducting financial and risk analysis, defining win strategies, reviewing contract terms, and obtaining internal approvals.
• Compliance & governance: Ensure adherence to compliance standards, Delegations of Authority, and approval processes, including documenting deviations, preparing executive summaries, and supporting internal and external audits.
• Cross functional project coordination: Manage and coordinate proposal activities across multiple business units and functions (Sales, Finance, Legal, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Project Management), contributing to integrated "One Wabtec" bids.
• Customer & stakeholder engagement: Act as the commercial interface with customers during the bid phase and manage ongoing interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Bid documentation & knowledge management: Ensure structured documentation, effective handover from Inquiry to Order to Order to Revenue teams, market and competitive analysis, and tracking of bid and sales data.

• Degree or diploma in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field, with experience in proposals and/or contracts management within heavy engineering or similar industries.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, with experience using ERP systems (e.g., Oracle or equivalent) and CRM tools such as Salesforce.
• Strong ability to interpret RFPs and contracts (particularly in the Aftermarket), understand customer expectations, and deliver high quality, continuous service solutions.
• Proven capability to work independently and lead cross functional, matrix teams to deliver compliant bids under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, effective time management, flexibility to take on varied responsibilities, and willingness to travel for customer engagements across Sub Saharan Africa.

Legal authorization to work in South Africa is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.