Proposal Manager

Role Purpose

The Proposal Manager is responsible for leading the development and conversion of strategic opportunities into commercially viable project awards. The role focuses on early client engagement, bid strategy, and commercial leadership, supporting backlog growth, improved win rates, and enhanced margin performance across the UAE and wider MEI region.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end proposal process from opportunity qualification through to contract award.
• Drive early-stage client engagement and contribute to the expansion of the opportunity pipeline.
• Develop and implement bid strategies aligned with business objectives and client drivers.
• Prepare and oversee proposals, including:

o Risk assessment.

o Costing and pricing strategy.

o Technical solution alignment.

o Submission planning and quality control.

• Lead cross-functional coordination between operations, engineering, finance, and commercial teams.
• Support commercial negotiations and ensure delivery of competitive, value-driven offers.
• Contribute to business development activities and strengthen client relationships.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to the proposal team, driving performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key outcomes:

• Growth in qualified opportunity backlog (target: ~2x current pipeline).
• Improved win rates and margin performance.
• Stronger client engagement and market positioning.
• Transition to a proactive, commercially driven proposal function.
• Enhanced team performance and delivery standards.

Qualifications & experience

• Degree in Engineering, Geoscience, or related discipline
• Minimum 5+ years’ relevant industry experience, including proposal or project management.
• Experience in onshore/nearshore site investigation or related services preferred.
• Experience in the EPC sector, construction, and/or oil & gas industry within the UAE / MEI region is highly beneficial.
• Proven track record in:

o Opportunity development and deal conversion.

o Commercial strategy and pricing.

o Delivering backlog growth and return on investment.

Key competencies:

• Strong commercial acumen and strategic mindset.
• Established local market experience and client network.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• High level of initiative, ownership, and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to raise team performance and drive accountability.

What we offer

Fugro provides a positive work environment as well as projects that will satisfy the most curious minds. We also offer great opportunities to stretch and develop yourself. By giving you the freedom to grow faster, we think you’ll be able to do what you do best, better. Which should help us to find fresh ways to get to know the earth better. We encourage you to be yourself at Fugro. So bring your energy and enthusiasm, your keen eye and can-do attitude. But bring your questions and opinions too. Because to be the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, we need the strength in depth that comes from a diverse, driven team.

Our view on diversity, equity and inclusion

At Fugro, our people are our superpower. Their variety of viewpoints, experiences, knowledge and talents give us collective strength. Distinctive beliefs and diverse backgrounds are therefore welcome, but discrimination, harassment, inappropriate behaviour and unfair treatment are not. Everybody is to be well-supported and treated fairly. And everyone must be valued and have their voice heard. Crucially, we believe that getting this right brings a sense of belonging, of safety and acceptance, that makes us feel more connected to Fugro’s purpose ‘together create a safe and liveable world’ – and to each other.

What’s in it for you?

At Fugro, our people are our number one priority and central to our purpose to create a safe and livable world. Our values set the foundation for our unique culture: we are determined to deliver, we prepare for tomorrow, we do what’s right, and we build trust. Our talent philosophy is driven by our values and fueled by a passion for learning, developing leadership behaviors, transparency, and accountability. Fugro offers opportunities to sharpen skills and provide career growth through on-the-job learning experiences, LinkedIn Learning access, business and technical training, and leadership development programs. We also offer competitive benefits packages including hybrid working to support you in your career journey with us.

Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated**.**