Junior / Graduate Proposal Engineer

About Helvar and the Role

Helvar, an established international company specializing in intelligent lighting technology, is seeking a commercially minded Junior or Graduate Proposal Engineer to join their Dartford office team. This role welcomes candidates ranging from recent graduates to experienced professionals eager to develop their careers within both technical and business contexts of lighting control systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Transform approved technical designs into detailed commercial tender packages including Bill of Materials, quotations, and system drawings with full accuracy.
• Ensure tender contents align with project budgets and optimize for commissioning efforts.
• Serve as the final review gate before a project is confirmed as an order, managing bid lifecycles including revisions and customer feedback until technical closure.
• Coordinate smooth transitions from proposal to post-sales and service teams to guarantee excellent customer experience from the outset.
• Prepare comprehensive system drawings and schematics using AutoCAD and employ AI-driven design and estimation software.
• Collaborate with Sales Managers, customers, and presales team members to meet and clarify customer requirements throughout the sales process.
• Manage multiple revision cycles efficiently and meet stringent tender submission deadlines.
• Support Helvar’s direct markets including the UK, Finland, Sweden, and Poland, and provide backup assistance for large or complex projects globally.
• Contribute to introduction and adoption of new products and solution features with partners.
• Prepare operational handover documents and coordinate maintenance or service contracts.
• Champion usage of CRM, CAD, and estimating tools internally, providing feedback on pricing and Bill of Materials trends to enhance future processes.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Technical Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Building Services, or related technical field.
• Strong technical knowledge of lighting control systems and components.
• Expertise in AutoCAD, CRM/ERP, and modern estimating software, including AI-enhanced tools.
• Ability to present technical clarifications to contractors or consultants; ~20% customer-facing role.
• Exceptional organizational capabilities with strong attention to commercial accuracy and adherence to deadlines.

Development and Career Growth

This position offers the chance to gain significant experience in transforming technical designs into commercially viable proposals while managing the full proposal lifecycle. Helvar fosters career growth through various online learning opportunities, internal mobility, and a culture encouraging autonomy and work-life balance.

Culture and Benefits

• Supportive environment emphasizing wellbeing with annual Wellbeing Day and weekly Empower Hour activities focused on health and learning.
• Stable, family-owned Finnish company with over a century of experience and a strong international presence.

Diversity and Inclusion

Helvar is committed to equality and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Accommodations during recruitment can be made upon request.

Additional Information

The role is full-time and based onsite in Dartford, England. Applicants will be considered continuously until the right candidate is found. Queries regarding the role can be directed to the Talent Acquisition & Development Manager.