Business Development & Proposal Manager

Job Overview GFT is seeking a Business Development & Proposal Manager to join our West Team in either NorCal, SoCal, Washington or Arizona. This role follows a hybrid work model requiring regular attendance at our closest office. The Strategic Growth Office fuels enterprise‑wide growth by developing compelling proposals that reflect core values and technical excellence. Responsibilities Supervisory May manage one or more assistant proposal specialists/proposal specialists on a day‑to‑day basis. Responsibilities include assignment of tasks to appropriate team members and review of work to ensure compliance with quality and department‑specified practices and procedures. May manage and/or assist Business Development Manager or Leader with proposal workload and resourcing for regional or global business development teams. May serve as timesheet approver, perform Performance Evaluation Reviews (PER), and recommend training for staff and provide input to the annual training plan for the department. Other duties as assigned. Proposals Manages proposals and ensures the capture strategy is defined and transitioned to the proposal strategy through the course of proposal development phases and final submittal/interviews, as required. Leads multiple large, long‑term, and complex pursuits concurrently. Responsible for leading interview development and working closely with the Manager for input and oversight. Provides strategic win‑theme development and messaging, and organizes resources to support the overall proposal effort (graphics, other proposal specialists, print production, operations, etc.) without direct oversight from the Manager to produce a quality proposal. Capture Planning Proactively identifies opportunities in the pipeline that should start capture and initiates with the business line, promotes, and leads Capture Planning support efforts for longer‑term, complex opportunities concurrently with no oversight required by the Manager. Proactively researches and drives the development of the opportunity with the Capture Manager. Works across multiple opportunities at any given time and establishes priorities per each opportunity in alignment with the Capture Manager. Able to flex within the framework of best practices. Keeps all CRM documentation updated. Uses capture management plans in accordance with company templates and standards. Coordinates with respective MARCOM staff to define needs and develop strategic plan recommendations for the business line for early opportunity pre‑positioning activities that will be led by MARCOM and overseen by the BD&P Manager. Client Management Supports the client manager by developing client and teaming relationships at the direction of the client or capture managers. Leads any Tier 1 and/or 2 client management plans for a single business line with no oversight from Manager required. Communicates/prioritizes BDM support efforts based on understanding of the business plan. Facilitates client management meetings and ensures documentation in CRM. Coordinates with respective MARCOM staff to define needs and develop strategic plan recommendations for the business line for early client pre‑positioning activities that will be led by MARCOM and overseen by the BD&P Manager. Qualifications What You Will Bring To Our Firm Normally a 4‑year degree required in English, marketing, journalism, communications, or an applicable field. Must have the requisite experience in California. What We Prefer You Bring Normally 10+ years of total combined experience in the full lifecycle of business development, with most of the experience focused in one or more of GFT's core business lines. Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience supporting, facilitating, and participating in capture planning support. Demonstrated success in taking opportunities successfully from capture support through and including all phases of proposal management responsibilities. Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated increasing responsibility in the business development lifecycle phases (marketing, communication, client, capture, proposal). At least 2 years of experience supervising staff (if applicable). Certification or training in business development, marketing, communications, or sales received through an industry professional organization is highly desirable. Compensation and Benefits Compensation The salary range for this role is $125,000 – $165,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations. Incentive compensation for eligible positions. Company Overview At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. Equal Opportunity Employer GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law. Application Information GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. Location: Irvine; Los Angeles; Sacramento; Seattle Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Employment Status: Full‑Time Applicants in the County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Applicants in the City of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Applicants in the State of California: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr GFT