Trainee Proposals Engineer

We Are WES – A Market Leader in Chemical Dosing Solutions

What Are We Looking For?

Due to continued growth, WES, part of the RSE Group, is looking for a Trainee Proposals Engineer to join us on a permanent basis at our Basingstoke office.

Working as part of the Proposals team, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop a career in technical proposals and estimating within the water industry. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will receive support and guidance to develop the technical and commercial knowledge required to prepare proposals and quotations for WES chemical dosing solutions.

The Trainee Proposals Engineer will assist with reviewing client enquiries, interpreting technical requirements, developing cost estimates and preparing proposal documentation. You will work with teams across Engineering, Project Delivery, Production and Site Operations, gaining exposure to the full pre-contract process from initial enquiry through to project handover.

As your knowledge and experience develop, you will take increasing responsibility for preparing your own quotations and proposals, providing a clear development pathway towards becoming a Proposals Engineer.

Some of Your Key Duties Include:

• Assist with the preparation of technical and commercial proposals, quotations and tender submissions for chemical dosing projects.

• Review client enquiries, specifications, drawings, scopes of work and tender documentation with support from experienced members of the Proposals team.

• Develop an understanding of WES chemical dosing systems, standard products and engineering solutions and how these are applied to different client requirements.

• Assist with the development of appropriate technical solutions in collaboration with Engineering, Project Delivery, Production and Site Operations teams. Support the preparation of project cost estimates using standard costs, previous project information and supplier/subcontractor quotations.

• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain quotations, technical information and equipment lead times.

• Assist with the preparation of proposal documentation, including project scope, technical information, pricing, assumptions and exclusions. Support the review of client specifications and help identify areas requiring technical or commercial clarification.

• Attend site assessment visits alongside experienced colleagues to develop an understanding of existing installations, site conditions and project requirements.

• Develop the ability to interpret engineering documentation including drawings, P&IDs, equipment schedules and technical specifications.

• Support responses to client technical and commercial clarification questions during the proposal and tender process.

• Maintain accurate records of enquiries, quotations, costings and supporting documentation to ensure effective traceability.

• Assist with maintaining and developing standard costs, proposal templates, credentials, case studies and standard product information.

• Develop an understanding of the principles of standardisation and productisation and how these are applied across WES chemical dosing solutions.

• Support the handover of secured projects to the Project Delivery team, helping ensure relevant proposal, technical and commercial information is communicated effectively.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across WES and the wider RSE Chemical and Biological Treatment portfolio.

• Develop an understanding of commercial awareness, project costs and the importance of producing accurate and deliverable proposals.

• Ensure all activities comply with relevant Company management systems and procedures, including Health and Safety requirements.

What Do You Need?

• HNC, HND, BEng or equivalent qualification in Electrical, Mechanical, Process or Chemical Engineering, or currently working towards a relevant engineering qualification.

• Alternatively, relevant practical or industry experience combined with a desire to develop a career within engineering proposals and estimating.

• An interest in engineering, technical problem-solving and developing commercially effective solutions.

• Some experience within an engineering, manufacturing, water, utilities or technical environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

• An ability to understand technical information, with a willingness to develop your knowledge of engineering drawings, P&IDs and specifications.

• Good numerical skills and attention to detail, with an interest in developing estimating and commercial knowledge.

• Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications.

• Good time management, with the ability to plan and organise day-to-day workloads and meet agreed deadlines.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to work with colleagues, suppliers and, as experience develops, clients.

• A proactive approach to learning and a willingness to ask questions and develop your technical knowledge.

• Full UK Driving Licence.

WES - Who Are We?

WES is one of the leading suppliers of specialist Chemical Dosing systems in the UK. Simply put, we do it all. Our service offering includes design, manufacture, and installation of innovative chemical dosing solutions for the UK water industry and industrial manufacturing markets. Our nationwide coverage means WES is well placed to offer integrated solutions and support services across the UK. Uniquely, chemical dosing is not a division of WES, it is WES. We believe this gives us cutting edge advantage in the marketplace, and our people are at the forefront of our innovation.

WES is part of the RSE group of companies, offering us a unique advantage in the marketplace. RSE is the leading partner of choice in the design, build & maintenance of water treatment & water recycling equipment. Delivering products and services to clients across the UK, RSE’s offering to the market focuses on innovation, efficiency, and excellence.

RSE – Who Are We?

Established in 1982, RSE has grown into one of the most prominent MEICA engineering businesses in the UK water industry. We have created a complete in-house and full-service capability from project inception through to design, fabrication, and delivery by means of installation and commissioning.

Our service offering presents industry-leading innovative solutions and our dedicated staff play a key role in delivering our sustainability and wider business goals. With over 2000 staff across our group of companies, our strategic ambition will see the business continue to grow as we expand our operations and diversify our products. One of RSE’s key focuses is driving servant leadership and giving our people the opportunity and responsibility to take an entrepreneurial approach in their career development.

What We Offer

To build successful teams and drive the level of quality that WES is renowned for, we know we need the best people in the industry. Not only do we require the relevant skillsets, but we also need people with the right attitude and mentality to thrive and grow in an innovative and fast-paced environment.

• Industry-leading salary based on your experience.

• A flexible career development path, with no restrictions on where your career can go.

• Holiday Allowance of 25 days + bank holidays.

Other Benefits

In a flourishing sector where there are vast career opportunities available, we believe by leading transformation in the industry our offering to the market means our people have the space to thrive.

If you’re interested in a career with a company that will harness your skills and provide you with the support to create your own future, please apply now