What is the role of a Business Engineer?
The responsibilities of a Business Engineer are wide-ranging. Reporting to the Director of Studies and Projects, he takes part in responding to calls for tenders and then ensures the follow-up of awarded projects.
At the intersection of many departments, he works with architects, design office teams, factory staff, the sustainability department, as well as the construction, legal, real estate development, and renovation teams.
What are the responsibilities of a Business Engineer?
When a potential opportunity is identified, the Business Engineer draws up a detailed specification of the real estate needs. He defines the technical and financial framework of the future project, in compliance with current standards and regulations.
His goal? To propose the best possible offer in a highly competitive context, tailored to the client’s expectations. He then prepares all contractual documents, negotiates terms, and selects the main subcontractors.
Internally, the Business Engineer ensures the smooth handover of the project file to all relevant departments, finalizes and transmits the accounting structure, and organizes the project kickoff.
Responsible for quality at every stage of the project, the Business Engineer acts as the key interface with all stakeholders: internal departments, design, construction, support services, legal, purchasing, subcontractors, external partners, and the client, right through to project completion.
What are the skills and qualities of a Business Engineer?
A Business Engineer has solid technical, regulatory, and financial knowledge, especially in building design. Independent and detail-oriented, he has excellent interpersonal skills and works well with multidisciplinary teams.
How to become a Business Engineer at GA Smart Building, and what are the career prospects?
There are several training paths that lead to the role of Business Engineer, offering various opportunities for growth.
The most common path is a five-year engineering degree specializing in cost estimation for office buildings, hotels, industrial facilities, or healthcare buildings.
A Business Engineer can progress to Project Manager, and then to Project Director.
Émilie, Business Engineer at GA Smart Building
After completing a dual degree in architecture and engineering at INSA and ENSA Toulouse, I joined the Studies and Projects department at GA Smart Building. What I enjoy about being a Business Engineer is that it goes far beyond just project analysis. The diversity of my tasks and the wide range of projects make the role truly engaging. I enjoy being in contact with project stakeholders and leading the design teams.
A Day in the Life of Émilie, Business Engineer at GA Smart Building
Start of the day
Cost estimation for an office project that will be presented orally the following week. At this stage, the financial estimate is based on study sketches and technical details validated with the structural design office. Data entry in GA’s dedicated cost estimation software, including supplier quotes and other necessary services for proper project execution.
In parallel, I reply to emails and phone calls from clients and subcontractors.
10:00 AM
Meeting with the MEP team for another project—a medical center. We need to finalize the design and technical documentation for subcontractor consultation. Within a month, we must select a partner for this project.
11:30 AM
Check-in with a colleague from the structural design office about the elevator shaft for another ongoing office project. They need shaft dimensions to begin prefabrication.
2:00 PM
In preparation for the office project presentation, a video call is scheduled with the sales representative, architect, and sustainable construction engineer. The goal: finalize the financial proposal, review technical challenges, and update the latest plans to deliver the best possible offer.
End of the day
Back at my desk: reply to new emails, call elevator suppliers for the office building to negotiate prices and validate the scope of work. This data helps me analyze and choose the best offer for the elevator package.