Technical Proposal Writer
Picture this: cutting-edge smart city tech, complex traffic systems, and connected devices all talking to each other – and you’re the one who turns that complexity into clear, sharp, and convincing words from a buzzing office in Bellville, Cape Town. This Technical Proposal Writer role sits right at the intersection of technology, public sector bids, and crisp communication, helping cutting-edge intelligent transport solutions make sense to everyone from engineers to government officials.
CORE FOCUS AREAS
This role splits between two key streams: product documentation and bid/proposal writing, all centred around smart mobility, IoT hardware, and SaaS platforms used by public agencies.
Product Documentation
- Create and maintain user guides, installation manuals, quick-start guides, cut sheets, and training materials for software, SaaS, and hardware solutions
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear, accurate content tailored to technicians, control room staff, and city or provincial officials
- Develop and update internal documentation, SOPs, and standard work instructions that support quality, training, and consistent delivery
- Spot documentation gaps and proactively create new content to close them
- Bid & Proposal Writing
- Support detailed responses to RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, and other public sector procurement opportunities
- Draft technical content, methodologies, executive summaries, and supporting documentation for smart mobility and traffic technology bids
- Pull together information from engineers, product owners, and subject matter experts to craft compliant, accurate, and compelling bid responses
- Proofread and fact-check content to ensure alignment with procurement requirements, technical specs, and brand standards
CONTENT LIBRARY & PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
- Beyond writing, there is a strong “systems and structure” angle to this role.
- Build and manage a structured bid response library to speed up and standardise future submissions
- Help shape AI-assisted proposal tools by organising and structuring the knowledge base behind them
- Maintain proposal templates, content repositories, and version control across platforms such as Google Drive
COLLABORATION & WORKING STYLE
- The environment is fast-moving, technical, and highly collaborative, with teams across multiple continents.
- Work closely with a Cape Town–based manager and collaborate daily with colleagues in the US and India
- Adjust working hours slightly later to overlap effectively with US time zones
- Engage proactively with subject matter experts to source, validate, and refine technical content
- Juggle multiple priorities and deadlines while keeping tone, structure, branding, and terminology consistent
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Backgrounds that tend to shine in this space include technical communication, journalism, science or medical writing, legal or policy writing, grant writing, and research-heavy roles.
- 3+ years of professional writing experience where accuracy, structure, and clarity are non-negotiable
- Excellent written English: clear, precise, and adaptable to different audiences and formats
- Strong research instincts and the confidence to dig until you understand a topic well enough to explain it simply
- Serious attention to detail, with strong organisational skills and comfort managing multiple projects
- Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; comfortable with collaborative document workflows
QUALIFICATIONS & NICE-TO-HAVES
- Degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Technical Communication, or similar – or a technical degree (Engineering, Computer Science, IT, etc.) paired with strong professional writing experience
- Experience with technical or product documentation for software, SaaS, or hardware
- Familiarity with government procurement, tenders, and RFP processes
- Experience with Adobe Acrobat, Canva, or similar for visual or formatted documentation
PRACTICAL DETAILS
- Based in Cape Town, or willing to relocate at own cost, with reliable transport to a Bellville office
- Fully in-office role in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Comfortable working adjusted (later) hours to sync with US colleagues
- Able to obtain a South African passport, with occasional travel to the United States