Proposals Manager at Wabtec in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Job Description

Who will you be working with?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services. Whether it's freight rail, transit, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people - together - are accelerating the future of transportation.

Role: Proposals Manager

Location: Johannesburg

How will you make a difference?

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.

What will your typical day look like?

• 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.

What do we want to know about you?

• 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.

If you don’t have all the above criteria don’t worry, we would still like to hear from you as we live our values and always put people first, and strive to expand what is possible.

Apply today! #LI-PROMOTEDJOBS

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

*Please note that we do not accept agency candidate submissions without a formalised agreement with Wabtec Talent Acquisition. If you are an agency/third party Recruiter and have not been engaged by Wabtec for this search, we do not owe you a fee if you submit a candidate to the applicant tracking system that is ultimately hired.

Additional Information

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.