Bid & Sales Manager

CERTIFER is a global leader in today's railway sector. Founded in 1997, CERTIFER is an international company specialized in railway testing, inspection and certification (TIC Business Unit), as well as engineering, consultancy, and advisory services (Solutions Business Unit). With more than 350 employees and 25 locations worldwide, CERTIFER is continuously growing and has a presence throughout Europe, as well as in China, Turkey, Brazil, Australia, Canada, and the Middle East. What We Do: CERTIFER's operations in Belgium fall within the scope of the Test, Inspection and Certification (TIC) Business Unit. With its dynamic team, CERTIFER Belgium carries out certification, assessment, testing and validation projects for railway systems, including high-speed, urban, freight and autonomous railway operations. Our range of specialized services includes, among others, conformity assessment as a Notified Body (NoBo) and Designated Body (DeBo), safety assessment as an Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) and Assessment Body (AsBo), and audits of quality and safety management systems in the railway sector. In addition, CERTIFER Belgium is also active in organizing and coordinating tests on railway infrastructure (mainly in Belgium and neighbouring countries) and serves as the Group leader for these activities. Testing represents a crucial step in the certification and authorization of railway vehicles. As a specialist with over 20 years of experience, CERTIFER Belgium supports its clients throughout the testing process, from the preparatory phase to the delivery of test reports, for both rolling stock and (on-board and trackside) signalling systems (including electromagnetic compatibility measurements, power collection, dynamic behaviour, braking, acoustics, ETCS, and national systems). Our projects are carried out throughout Europe and sometimes beyond. Our expertise covers all railway technologies, with a focus on signalling, rolling stock, infrastructure, and operations and maintenance (O&M). With a commitment to excellence, we work with leading transport stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and risk mitigation across railway networks worldwide. Why Join Us? At CERTIFER Belgium, we believe in empowering our employees to innovate and grow. You will have the opportunity to work on projects with a significant societal impact, help shape the future of railway safety, and collaborate with industry leaders worldwide. Our team fosters a culture of continuous learning, where your professional development is supported and your ideas are valued. Join a company where a passion for engineering and railway safety meets technological innovation and become part of a dynamic community shaping the future of rail transport. Together, we make rail transport more interoperable, safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for everyone. Does this align with your experience and career ambitions? Don't hesitate to get in touch We are recruiting a Bid & Sales Manager based in Belgium Position Overview: For the role of Bid & Sales Manager, we are looking for an engineer with experience in the railway transport sector. The Bid & Sales Manager's mission is to manage the commercial development of CERTIFER Belgium by expanding the client network and preparing and delivering timely responses to calls for tenders. This position reports directly to the Managing Director of CERTIFER Belgium. This key role helps ensure the interoperability, safety, integrity, and performance of European railway systems across various projects. You will work with cutting-edge technologies while adhering to industry standards in a dynamic and innovative environment. Main Responsibilities As a Bid Manager, you will: - Be responsible for preparing responses to calls for tenders, including their content, in line with client requests, in collaboration with the International Sales Management of the CERTIFER Group, the Management of CERTIFER Belgium, and Department/Technical Managers. - Serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding bid-related activities. - Collaborate with other CERTIFER Group entities in the preparation of multi-country bids. As a Sales Manager, you will: - Ensure the commercial development of CERTIFER Belgium. - Implement locally the initiatives set at the CERTIFER Group level in terms of sales strategy and communication. Skills and Experience: - Experience and general knowledge of railway systems (Infrastructure, Energy, Rolling Stock, Control-Command and Signalling Systems) and of the market, including opportunities and risks. - Knowledge of basic principles of safety and interoperability standards, as well as the regulatory framework and/or the railway inspection and certification field. - Knowledge of the Belgian railway sector and its stakeholders. - Knowledge or experience in tender management and commercial negotiation techniques. - (Multilingual) negotiation skills, ability to defend bids and close contracts. - Ability to conduct market studies in the railway sector. - Proficiency in contract management and monitoring. - Excellent communication skills with clients. - Financial skills: margin calculation, development of pricing grids (price catalogues). - Proficiency with relevant software and applications (ERP, etc.). General Skills: - Ability to work independently, set priorities, and meet deadlines. - Teamwork skills. - Strong personal organization. - Excellent multilingual writing skills. - Accuracy and attention to detail. - Good communication and interpersonal skills. - Ability to coordinate internal teams. - Ability to work in a multicultural environment. - Analytical and synthesis skills. - Stress resistance. - Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning (technological and regulatory developments). Qualifications: - Master's degree (Engineering, Commercial Engineering, Finance, etc.). - At least 5 years of professional experience, including proven experience in responding to tenders (private or public contracts). - At least 2 years of experience in the railway sector. - Trilingual (French – Dutch – English, level B2/C1), or bilingual with willingness to learn/improve the third language to an intermediate level (B1/B2) in the medium term. Why Join Us?- Opportunity to work on innovative railway projects with a permanent contract and a competitive salary. - Be part of an entrepreneurial team in a diverse and inclusive environment with flexible working hours, offering a good work-life balance and a work-from-home policy. - Opportunities for career advancement and internal mobility in a dynamic and growing company. - Our office is located in the centre of Brussels, close to the Central Station, modern and accessible by all forms of public transport. If you are passionate about railway systems, thrive in a collaborative environment and have the experience to successfully complete cutting-edge railway technology projects, we want to hear from you Interested? Please send your CV to laurence.gerardy@certifer.eu and we will contact you shortly