Lingford Sefoka
Sales Proposal Engineer
Basildon,Essex
Summary
Perceptive Sale and Proposal Engineer offering 13 years of experience in developing and managing project estimates by coordinating with colleagues and clients. Successful in devising bid proposals in line with client specifications and objectives through clear communication and attention to detail. Driven to minimize costs by continually comparing project costs to estimates and coordinating with leaders on cost-cutting methods.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales and Proposal Engineer
WEG Group Africa (Pty) Ltd
Wadeville
5 2016 - 6 2024
- Receiving more than customer RFQs, BOMs, enquiries, T&Cs, and tenders, as well as collaborating with other departments such as engineering, technical, quality, health and safety, finance, and legal as needed
- Ensured alignment of tenders and quotations with company and customer commercial terms and conditions
- Provided expert technical support to both internal and external customers, resolving queries efficiently
- Conducted thorough site inspections as necessary during tender processes, ensuring comprehensive understanding of project requirements
- Compiled all requisite documentation and attachments for tender submissions, ensuring completeness and accuracy
- Support External Sales Teams with sales and tendering process by assisting with tender preparation
- Produced precise cost estimates by meticulously analyzing technical datasheets, schematic diagrams, electrical drawings, GA drawings, and consulting with engineering and technical teams to understand customer's requirements, clarifying with them as needed
- Follow-up on open tenders to assist external Sales Teams providing updates on tender and quotation statuses
- Facilitated seamless order submissions by collaborating closely with technical support and engineering teams
- Specialized in preparing quotations for range of electrical equipment, including miniature substations, transformers, medium and low-voltage switchgear for mining, industrial and commercial
- Developed and reviewed contract bids tailored to specific client project needs
- Coordinated seamless handover of purchased orders through meticulous work order creation and management.
- Maintained high level of professionalism when corresponding with potential clients during pre-award and post-award phases of proposal process.
- Enhanced proposal quality by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive proposals for optimal results.
- Led post-proposal debriefs with internal teams to identify areas of improvement for future efforts.
- Established strong relationships with key decision-makers at target organizations through targeted networking efforts.
- Developed customized solutions based on client requirements, maximizing value proposition while addressing specific pain points.
- Assisted in negotiation process with clients, leading to favorable contract terms and conditions.
- Prepared technical documentation by collaborating closely with engineering teams for accurate representation of product capabilities.
- Analyzed competitor offerings and strategized effective approaches to outperform them in bids.
- Reviewed completed proposals for accuracy, clarity, and compliance with customer requirements.
- Reduced turnaround time on proposals by implementing efficient document templates and reusable content libraries.
- Managed proposal submissions, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to strict guidelines.
- Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail when analyzing RFP documents, minimizing risk of non-compliance or disqualification from consideration.
- Conducted thorough research on client needs and industry trends, tailoring proposals accordingly.
- Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers to facilitate quality and timely delivery of materials.
- Developed persuasive content for proposals, resulting in increased win rates and overall success
TENDER ENGINEER / PRICE ESTIMATOR
Dimako Transformers
Johannesburg
02.2008 - 04.2016
- Successfully prepared tenders, proposals, and quotations, demonstrating proficiency in articulating project specifications and requirements
- Actively participated in clarification meetings with clients, ensuring clear communication and understanding of project objectives and expectations
- Took ownership of all associated handover documentation upon securing orders, ensuring smooth transition and comprehensive delivery of services
- Engaged collaboratively with sales teams to grasp customer needs, providing invaluable sales support and contributing to enhanced customer satisfaction
- Produced accurate cost estimates by meticulously analyzing blueprints, plans, and single line diagrams, consulting with experts and technical personnel to deliver precise assessments
- Identified opportunities for improvement by conducting thorough cost-benefit analyses of equipment and services, proposing innovative solutions to optimize efficiency and effectiveness
- Facilitated seamless order submissions by coordinating with technical support staff and incorporating engineering changes, ensuring timely and accurate processing
- Provided exemplary technical assistance and support to external customers, resolving queries effectively and reinforcing customer confidence in product knowledge and expertise
- Expertly prepared tenders and quotations for diverse range of products including Transformers, Underground Mini-Subs, Mining Mini-Subs, Power and Load-Centers, and Coal Bursters, showcasing versatility and adaptability in meeting varied customer demands.
- Improved tender response rates by tailoring proposals to client needs and requirements
- Strengthened relationships with clients through regular communication during tender process, fostering trust and confidence in our services
- Assisted with contract negotiations following successful bids, ensuring favorable terms for both parties involved
- Prepared action plans for problematic processes and assets
Education
Advanced Program in Supply Chain Management - Supply Chain Management
University of South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa 01.2014 - 05.2015
National Diploma in Electrical Engineering - Electrical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria South Africa 06.2004 - 11.2007
Skills
Bid Management
Contract Negotiation
Customer Relationship Management
Multitasking Abilities
Problem-solving abilities
Computer Skills
Teamwork and Collaboration
Technical Proposal Writing
Work Planning and Prioritization
Analytical Thinking
Time management abilities
Scheduling and Planning
Budget Planning
Problem-Solving
Reliability
Health
Excellent
Phonenumbers
- +44 7467 080 070
- +44 7741 421 607
Languages
English
References
- Tony Sidnell, General Manager at Dimako Transformers, TSidnell@dimakoind.com, +27 82 770 8253
- Annikie Thamaga, Sales Team Leader at Trafo Power Solutions, Annikie@Trafo.co.za, +27 83 390 3357
- Stuart Brown, Previous Proposals & Contracts Manager at WEG Group, +27 82 375 1414
Certification
Cross-Border best practice
Timeline
Advanced Program in Supply Chain Management - Supply Chain Management
University of South Africa
01.2014 - 05.2015
TENDER ENGINEER / PRICE ESTIMATOR
Dimako Transformers
02.2008 - 04.2016
National Diploma in Electrical Engineering - Electrical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
06.2004 - 11.2007
Sales and Proposal Engineer
WEG Group Africa (Pty) Ltd
5 2016 - 6 2024