Curriculum Vitae: Kevin Lowder - Bids and Proposal Manager

Name

Kevin David Lowder

Age

47

Address

Tyne & Wear

Marital status

Married

United Kingdom

Nationality

British

E-mail

acywgr@r.postjobfree.com

Tel. (UK Home)

+44 (0-191-*******

Tel. (Mobile UK)

+44 (0-786*-******

PERSONAL PROFILE:

A team spirited, performance and results driven manager with a blend of leadership, business, fabrication and manufacturing knowledge.

Customer focused, with over 20 years’ experience and achievement, Ability to keep a level head at all times, evaluate opportunities and risks and deliver innovative new solutions to challenges. Possessing excellent client facing and configuration skills and highly successful in helping define company direction, achieving goals and optimising business.

Successfully implemented governance process and championed continuous improvement throughout the pre and post contract development. Taking ownership of the Commercial, Bid and Estimation process, managing teams and departmental work output through all phases of the tender process.

Sound business acumen with excellent interpersonal skills and a pragmatic approach to analysing data, with the ability to identify risks and opportunities in projects, evaluate engineered options and alternatives, optimize results, to ascertain the most economical solutions, successfully increasing efficiency and productivity whilst reducing costs and inefficiencies.

Proven success record in leading teams in challenging environments and able to meet tight deadlines, with strong leadership, inter personal and management skills.

Multi-level communication skills from shop floor to Senior Management level.

Experienced in managing many different multicultural expatriate and local teams.

Currently looking for a suitable managerial position with an ambitious company.

COURSES ATTENDED

Shipley – Writing Winning Proposals,

Chamber of Commerce Letter of Credit Training,

PED Legislation Awareness Training,

ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1: Design & Fabrication of Pressure Vessels Training,

ATEX Hazardous Area Awareness

ASME approved Pressure Vessel training

Commercial Awareness & Contract Review training

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

NIGERDOCK NIGERIA PLC FZE, LAGOS Jan 2014 – Oct 2016

Manager Estimation, Bids & Proposals

West Africa’s Leading Industrial Corporation, focused on Oil & Gas fabrication & construction including EPC Offshore, fabrication of FPSO topside process modules, subsea hardware and SURF packages, offshore platforms, flares, bridges and Deepwater SPM buoys, Skid Packages, Pressure Vessels and General Fabrication Projects.

Key Achievements:

Introduced a new bid management process and procedure and responsible for rollout and implementation.

Developed and maintained a new bid library to assist in Pre-qualification questionnaires and bid responses.

Reviewed the estimation process and reduced the dollar / tonne rate by over 50% to make Nigerdock more competitive.

Developed and grew Nigerdock’s business areas in the Upstream Services and Greenfields, whilst assisting in strategies for emerging opportunities with the growth of a new business stream for Brownfield Asset Management Maintenance Support Service contracts both Onshore and Offshore.

Promoted Nigerdock’s Onshore and Offshore Fabrication potential in the Oil and Gas Industries, with major interface liaison of partners such as Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Total, Mobil Producing Nigeria, Shell Nigeria, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries and Daewoo E&P.

Implement benchmarking during Project execution, monitor the actual versus budget expenditure and automated processes where possible, additionally ensured that historical data could be recaptured and utilised for future estimates.

Main Responsibilities:

Directing commercial team, to ensure the smooth running of the post and pre contract department.

Mentored team members, to develop and enhance local Nigerian content.

Developed Manpower Estimates, Project Capex, Operational and Bid Costs. Build overall Project Costing / Pricing using company Estimation tools.

Built robust estimates based on Top Down and Bottom Up principles,

Reviewed and audited estimates prepared by Estimation team, to check all client requirements were captured and that growth and contingency had been captured in line with agreed estimation strategy.

Ensured the smooth running of the estimation process, within the correct time and financial parameters.

Managed the full bid life cycle, Business Development, qualification review, bid kick off meeting, gate reviews (Blue Team, Red Team and White Team Reviews), Bid Submissions and Post Bid Reviews.

Organised the initial Bid / No Bid Review with management, evaluating the project requirements, size, complexity, competitiveness etc.

Identified and assessed potential partners and external stakeholders, to build alliances and partnerships to strengthen winning propositions and engaged relevant stakeholders both internally and externally to support bids as required.

Developed and agreed bid and estimation strategy for each opportunity, including preparation, monitor and control of the estimation plan and defining bid deliverables.

managed and maintained strategic, focused relationships with the Client, including Technical presentation of bid solution and contractual / commercial negotiations, from bid outset through to final contract review meetings

Responsible for bid writing / authoring- development of bid material in support of customer ITT, including executive summary and project execution plans.

Developed and drove the Bid Plan and Bid Deliverables, whilst performing risk assessment in coordination with Finance, Legal teams and other departments, ensuring Client requirements were met, whilst mitigating risk to Nigerdock.

Established in detail the proposed format of the bid, to reflect the Client's requirements and implemented the bid strategy.

Assisted company finance teams in the formulation of forecasts and budgets.

Undertook staff performance reviews and the development of succession plans.

WEATHERFORD MIDDLE EAST, DUBAI October 2012 – November 2013

Senior Proposal Engineer

Reporting to the Product Line Director. Proposal submissions for Total Plant Solutions, Modules Projects, Early Production Facilities (EPF) and fast-track Production Systems, from concept studies through to plant start-up.

Key Achievements:

Formed a new proposal and estimation department within the business unit, directly responsible for the recruitment and hiring of a new proposal and estimation team.

Devised new estimation process to improve reliability and competitiveness of estimate, by introducing additional checklist and approvals.

Developed and maintained a bid library of historical and bespoke company information and literature including project experience, case studies and method statements

Main Responsibilities:

Lead an 8-person team Estimators and Designers in the assessment of Client requirements and, with assistance from engineering team, identified potential solutions to be offered by the company, assisting Client’s to create early cash flow with minimum cash outlay.

Produced CAPEX and OPEX reports to highlight the benefits of systems offered, dependant on Client requirements.

Developed and managed the Estimation and Proposal process, formats and mandates within bid budgets of consistently high quality winning bid documents, to achieve required quality standards and maximise performance.

Reviewed bids and estimates to ensure compliance with PQQ / RFP / ITT deliverables, pricing and formulated win themes and added value to Clients.

Working with the Senior Management Team to ensure the viability of potential service / activity delivery during the estimation process.

Proactively engaged in obtaining cost estimates and pricing from sub-vendors and internal Weatherford departments as required, compiled and prepared cost estimate / financial model for finalise pricing structure.

Tracked the company’s outstanding bids to allow accurate reporting of status to Senior Management.

Delivered services and products to specialised market sectors, by offering value added services and solutions to new and existing customers, based on assessment and continuous improvement innovations.

Maintained strong relationships with key contacts in existing accounts and develop new accounts.

Co-ordinated with the engineering team to develop essential equipment designs / specifications and with commercial and legal teams to ensure bids adequately covered the requirements of these departments.

Lead the bid win strategy, taking a holistic view in influencing the commercial and technical solution to maximise the probability of success.

Acting as focal point with the Client during bid, subsequent clarification meetings and other technical / commercial Client discussions, including final negotiations.

LAMPRELL ENERGY LTD, DUBAI Sept 2010 – Oct 2012

Proposal Manager

Working within the Commercial Department, accountable to the Group Proposals Manager.

Lamprell are one of the Middle East’s leading providers of fabrication, engineering and contracting services to the offshore and onshore oil & gas and renewable energy industries, for Jack up Rig refurbishment, Repair and New-build projects, Process Modules for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs) and Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), Tender Assist Drilling Barges, Mobile Offshore Production Units (MOPUs), Offshore Drilling Rig components and accessories, Living Quarters, Turrets and other Offshore fixed structures, together with Land Oilfield Rigs, Pressure Vessels, Process Modules including Early/Central Production Facilities and Land Camps

.Key Achievements:

Identified areas for improvement and revised existing processes / procedures to increase departmental efficiency and proposal output.

Increased Lamprell’s strike rate by 30% thorough improvement to estimating tools.

Main Responsibilities:

Managed teams; one comprising of an 11-man estimation team, in the preparation of accurate base cost estimates, in conjunction with managing and leading the 5-man Proposals team, to review ITT documents, understand, analysed and accurately assessed all ITT requirements both technically and commercially, whilst adhering to all compliance and auditing requirements for the conduct of ethical and transparent operations, including compliance to all internal policies, guidelines and procedures.

Prepared and presented conceptual estimate based on a preliminary program, using best practise, as well as a detailed estimate, using company estimating tools.

Evaluated documents for constructability and value engineering.

Prepared Work Breakdown Structure prior to commencement of Estimating.

Prepared estimation and proposal preparation schedule for the review of estimates and submission of proposals.

Lead the assigned proposal team for specific proposals, liaising with other internal departments such as engineering, procurement, construction, commercial and finance, whilst remaining the focal representative to Client during the proposal process.

Coordinated the timely provision of the proposal and associated deliverables.

Compiled and issued proposal clarification matrix to the Client and distributed Client feedback in terms of scope and additional information.

Attended client clarification meetings and built strong relationships with clients

Managed third party contractors, ensuring that Non-Disclosure Agreements were in place where required

Produced compliant and professional Proposal documents and Estimates for Company Proposals.

Participated in creating, maintaining and utilising management information, including direct client feedback and data collection inputting into relevant systems as appropriate

TYCO THERMAL CONTROLS LTD, WASHINGTON, UK June 2008 – Sept 2010

Senior European Strategic Proposals Engineer.

W Working within the Strategic Projects Proposals Group, accountable to the European Strategic Proposals Manager, who was based in Amstelveen, for a globally renowned market leader in HMS to the Process, Oil & Gas, Refinery, Cryogenic Storage, Petrochemical, Pre-Insulated Pipelines and associated sectors, providing bespoke solutions from concept design through to full EPC, manufacture, installation and commissioning within Clients' facilities worldwide.

Key Achievements:

Custodian of the cost model / estimation tool used by the NEMEA region, responsible for the improvement of the estimation methodology and systems. Simplified the process to make throughput of estimate process quicker.

Member of the Proposal Champions, tasked with redeveloping the Proposal documentation for both strategic and standard Proposals, to enhance the quality of Proposals and ensure submission of a compliant and attractive Proposal document.

Main Responsibilities:

Worked autonomously, organising Proposals and Estimates for opportunities from the UK office, but liaising and visiting Tyco offices in Europe, Nordics and Russia, as required during the bid process.

Facilitated Bid / No Bid decision in conjunction with management.

Secured new business by strategic development of business lines. Worked as a team with Sales and Marketing and other stakeholders in the effective development of business line, country and prospect business winning strategies.

Directed and mentored a team of estimators and designers in reviewing received ITTs both technically and commercially; to produce Proposals for Strategic Projects in a creative, professional manner and in accordance with Client requirements and internal procedures.

Controlled the master document and produced all drafts and final versions, to the Proposal time plan.

Developed historical information for Pre-Qualification database.

Conducted lessons learned activities with project and engineering teams.

Analysed Client provided data and specifications and developed technical, bespoke solutions; that convene Client requirements, whilst enhancing Company’s chances of securing a project.

Updated CRM database for follow up of proposal opportunities with Clients.

Produced risks assessments, exclusions & assumptions registers and extensive liaison with the Client throughout the proposal cycle.

Quantified and compared alternative solutions to be presented within Proposal submission to the Client.

Reviewed commercial terms & conditions of purchase / contract and requested amendment as applicable.

Managed the Pre-Qualification database.

Evolved close working relationships with Front End Sales and Business Development personnel.

Participated in Client meetings and negotiations; prepared responses to post-bid clarification from Client.

WHESSOE OIL & GAS LTD, DARLINGTON, UK May 2006 – June 2008

Bid Manager

An internationally recognised company with a reputation for engineering studies feasibility, FEED and major EPC programmes associated with the Oil & Gas sector.

Working within the Proposal & Estimating department, accountable to the Proposals & Estimating Manager, responsible for Bid management for all activities associated with the securing of new projects.

Main Responsibilities:

Worked alongside the Senior Estimator in the preparation of significant estimate documents

Developed the bid strategy and subsequent implementation.

Compilation pre-qualification questionnaires.

Reviewed received tenders both technically and commercially, conducted bid / no-bid and risk analyses and qualified each opportunity before proceeding.

Communicated closely with other Engineering disciplines, Construction and Sales Managers.

Proven skills in the development of complex commercial and technical Proposals, liaising with other department at various stages for all aspects of the Proposal preparation from the receipt of Client Tender documentation, facilitate the presentation of Estimates for management reviews and approvals, through to the final internal Tender review and submission to Client.

Fostered effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and the client during the bid phase of the project, balancing the needs and objectives of both the company and the client and resolved issues that arose during the bid cycle.

Attended and chaired bid clarification and Proposal meetings where required.

Maintained thorough records throughout the Proposal process, to ensure proper and efficient handover to project teams upon contract award.

PIPELINE ENGINEERING LTD, CATTERICK, UK May 2005 – May 2006

Proposals Engineer

Working within the Metal Products department, reporting to the General Manager.

Main Responsibilities:

Reviewed Client’s commercial and technical requirements, to clearly define the scope of work, then identified, acquired, and organized resources to accomplish requirements of Client RFQ.

Defined Client / Tender requirements of the various departments in order to ensure that they were aware of the workload expected and allocate resources to current schedules.

Accountable for the Estimation team.

Prepared cost estimates based on client requirements.

Responsible for preparing and issuing any necessary enquiries for sub-contract goods and services.

Prepared Tender estimates, pricing / costs for review and approval by other departments.

Provided Clients with a professional bid that was technically compliant and commercially competitive.

Represented as the liaison between company and Client, for the purpose of clarification of tenders / enquiries, ensuring all post Tender Clarifications were addressed.

Effectively liaised at all company levels.

Performed contract review, identified & implemented areas for cost reduction opportunities, alongside liaison with sub-suppliers, Client’s representatives, inspection agencies and production mills on a global scale.

PROCLAD INDUCTION BENDING LTD, SUNDERLAND, UK May 2000 – May 2005

Project / Proposal Engineer

Continued within the same organization after takeover by Proclad Group, but within a new role reporting directly to the Managing Director. Responsible for all aspects of UK and export projects for induction pipe manipulation.

Activities included the technical review of enquiry specifications / documents and production of MTOs for costing purposes. Preparation of quotation and tender documents, produced procedures & specifications documents, works scheduling, procurement of materials, quality assurance, Client liaison (both in-house and at Client’s premises), chairing pre-production meetings, project status reporting, Health & Safety issues, technical supervision of fabrication, testing, shipping - endeavouring to expedite projects to budget and within Clients’ delivery schedule for an ISO 9001-2000 approved supplier for the Offshore / Onshore Oil & Gas, Engineering and Subsea industries.

Clients included B.P., Shell. TotalFina Elf, Technip Offshore, Subsea7, Stolt Offshore and KBR.

INDUCTION BENDING LTD, SUNDERLAND May 1992 – May 2000

Maintenance Engineer

Responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of specialist plant and machinery. Activities included procurement and contract servicing, working out scheduled maintenance plans and fault finding in a hi-volume engineering workshop.

Induction Bending machine operator - the job role included knowledge of piping materials, transferring drawings, the marking off and cutting of bends and implementing quality controls.

JAMES SCOTS ELECTRICIANS, COUNTRYWIDE Nov 1991 – May 1992

Clerk of Works Coordinator

Monitoring and Q.A checking of projects involving the successful implementation of Client’s requirements and specifications including Client liaison, status reporting and feedback throughout projects.

EDWARD THOMPSON PAPER MILL LTD, SUNDERLAND June 1990 – Nov 1991

Installation / Maintenance Engineer

Responsible for day to day maintenance of modern day machinery. In a fast paced environment.

Activities including maintenance both mechanical and electrical, estimation and costing of repairs and in house training.

PORT OF SUNDERLAND AUTHORITY, SUNDERLAND Feb 1985 – June 1990

Apprentice Electrical Engineer

Learning a broad range of electrical and electronic engineering, maintenance and installation of electrical plant.

M.S.C TRAINING COURSE Sept 1984 – Feb 1985

Electrical / Electronic Engineering course.

Intensive training in electrical / electrical engineering and mechanical systems with additional experience being gained in both domestic and commercial properties

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Wearside college, Sunderland

September 1989 – September 1991

HNC: Electrical / Electronic Engineering

Distinction / Merit grades achieved. Programme including;

Mathematics in Engineering, Science for Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Materials selection, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Studies, Computer Aided Engineering, Instrumentation and Control, Q/A and CAD.

Wearside college, Sunderland

September 1985 –

June 1989

ONC: Electrical / Electronic Engineering

Distinction / Merit grades achieved. Programme including;

Mathematics in Engineering, Science for Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Law and Computers.

Wearside College Sunderland

September 1989 – September 1991

City and Guilds: Electrical Installation Level 3

Practical and theoretical, to JIB, all aspects of Electrical Installations.

Wearside College,

1985 – 1989

City and Guilds: Electrical Installation Level 1 and 2

Practical and theoretical aspects of electrical Installations.

Southmoor Comprehensive School, 1980 – 1985

GCE passes at grade ‘C’ and above

Mathematics, English Language, French, Physics, Biology, Technical studies and Tech Drawing

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

I am a flexible, proactive, and effective team player who is enthusiastic, dedicated, self-motivated, and always determined to succeed to a high standard, with proven leadership skills involving managing, developing and motivating teams to achieve their objectives with first-class analytical, design and problem solving skills.

I am equally comfortable leading or working on my own initiative or as part of a team, with an excellent balance of humour and discipline.

Fully computer literate and proficient in the use of Microsoft office 2003/2007/2010 - Word, Excel, Project, Access, CRM and AutoCAD 2004, with IT Knowledge.

Spare Time Activities:

Socialising with family and friends, reading, computers, digital photography and listening to music.

Contact this candidate