Job details

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa. We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and pursuit leadership

• Plan, develop, and manage proposals and pursuits for the Africa market.
• Analyse Requests for Proposals (RFPs), tenders, and client requests to fully understand client needs, submission requirements, and evaluation criteria, and brief relevant technical leads accordingly.
• Research project opportunities, clients, competitors, and market context across various sectors and geographies.
• Actively participate in strategic go / no-go decision-making.
• Lead the development, brainstorming, and implementation of win strategies aligned with client drivers and Zutari’s strategic positioning.

Proposal development and content management

• Coordinate, manage, edit, integrate, and format inputs from subject matter experts across multiple disciplines.
• Create and customise CVs and project case studies tailored to specific client and opportunity requirements.
• Source, write, and tailor non-technical and generic content to align with the opportunity strategy and client priorities.
• Develop well-branded, compelling proposal documents and graphics, ensuring an effective balance between written content and visual storytelling in line with Zutari’s brand standards.

Compliance, governance, and submission

• Ensure bids are fully compliant with client requirements and evaluation criteria, including conducting internal quality and compliance reviews prior to submission.
• Contribute to the development of commercial offers in collaboration with commercial and technical teams.
• Ensure Zutari’s governance processes are followed throughout the proposal and pursuit development process.
• Manage the end-to-end submission process, including pre-submission reviews, and ensure proposals are submitted accurately and on time.

Post-submission and continuous improvement

• Participate in post-submission reviews and capture lessons learned to support continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the sharing of proposal best practices across Zutari, including developing and maintaining content within the team library.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the business on all matters related to proposals and pursuits.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Degree or diploma in communications, marketing, design, humanities or related discipline.
• At least 10 years’ experience in proposals and pursuits management, preferably within a professional services environment (engineering, consulting, finance, legal or construction)
• Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) certification advantageous.

SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS
 

• Proven experience with Development Finance Institution (DFI) and donor-funded bids (essential).
• Exceptional Microsoft Word and PowerPoint skills.
• Excellent writing and editing skills; exposure to technical writing is beneficial.
• Strong experience in document design, layout, and visual presentation.
• Sound understanding of corporate governance principles and due diligence processes.
• Tactful and collaborative, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to perform effectively under pressure and manage significant responsibility.
• Strong analytical capability with exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage conflicting priorities and tight deadlines.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with strong quality control discipline.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Innovative, creative, and solutions-oriented.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and accountable.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.
  
  We believe that a diverse work force is key to our business success.  We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications and experience.  We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.  In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups within South Africa.