What is your role at MWHT and what does it involve

Proposal’s Manager working within our Advance Plus framework with United Utilities

My role involves leading the development and submission of bid proposals to win new projects within the Advance Plus Framework, delivering the best whole-life solution within the client’s budget.

Can you describe a typical day?

I work with a team of subject matter experts to gather information, assess requirements, and create a proposal that meets the client’s needs. A typical day involves me:

• Preparing and managing the proposal process, including identifying the requirements, developing a strategy, creating a proposal plan, and ensuring that deadlines are met.
• Coordinating the work of the proposal team including design, construction, environmental, geotechnical and estimating.
• Developing and managing the proposal budget, including estimating costs, risks and opportunities, and ensuring that the proposal is within budget.
• Analysing and interpreting the proposal requirements, including the client’s needs, preferences, and evaluation criteria.
• Writing proposal content
• Reviewing and editing the proposal to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with the client’s requirements.
• Coordinating the delivery of the proposal to the client, including company and framework governance
• Formulation of contract documents
• Conducting post-proposal handover and debriefing on contract documents to the construction and design team.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

On International Women’s Day, I recognise and appreciate the remarkable contributions that women have made throughout history. As my contribution towards this cause, I aspire to be more selfless and commit to empowering and supporting other women in any way that I can.

What women inspire or have inspired you in your life?

My sisters continue to inspire and support me throughout my life. We share common experiences, challenges, and values that can create strong bonds and a sense of solidarity. They all have different qualities or achievements that I admire, such as their resilience, creativity, intelligence, and compassion. They have faced challenges and adversity and have overcome them with grace and determination. They continue to pursue their dreams and goals with passion and dedication, inspiring me to do the same.

It is wonderful to have three sisters who continue to strengthen our bond by expressing appreciation and admiration, and by being there for each other when needed.

How can we work toward embracing equity in our industry?

Embracing equity in the industry requires an effort from everyone, individuals, companies and stakeholders. We need to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, ensuring equal opportunities, providing mentorship and sponsorship programs, and creating safe and respectful workplaces free from discrimination and harassment.

What action has an ally taken that has made an impact on your development (personally or professionally)?

Over the past few years, both being a mentee and a mentor have played significant roles in my personal and professional development. Having allies provides a support system that helps both mentors and mentees succeed.

A former mentor made a significant impact on my career and self-development by recognising my potential and encouraging me to pursue opportunities that aligned with my interests and strengths. They provided guidance, support, and constructive feedback throughout the transition, and helped me develop new skills and perspectives that were crucial to my success.

They also served as a role model, demonstrating leadership qualities that I aspired to emulate. Mentorship helped me gain confidence and overcome self-doubt, and gave me the tools to become a more effective leader and team player. Overall, the support and encouragement were instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and I am grateful for the impact they had on my development.

Fellow RSK Group company Copper Consultancy asked both men and women across male-dominated industries such as infrastructure, energy and construction to tell them what equity meant to them. How does it differ from equality and how are people embracing equity in their roles, scheme, project and business?