Proposals Manager

Bilfinger is an international industrial services provider with a vision to be the No. 1 for its customers in enhancing efficiency and sustainability within the process industry. Bilfinger’s comprehensive portfolio spans the entire value chain, from consulting & engineering to prefabrication & installation, access & insulation, and services that improve the asset performance of industrial plants. The company operates in three geography-based segments: Western Europe, Central Europe, and International, with primary activities in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Its process industry customers come from markets such as chemicals & petrochemicals, energy, oil & gas, and pharma & biopharma. With about 31,000 employees, Bilfinger upholds the highest standards of safety and quality, generating revenue of €5.4 billion in the financial year 2025. Position Overview The Proposals Manager will lead the development of proposals for various projects across our specialized sectors. This role is crucial in ensuring competitive, high-quality submissions that align with client expectations and company standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a strategic mindset, and an in-depth understanding of the industrial services landscape. Key Responsibilities Proposal Development: Oversee the end-to-end proposal process, from initial client inquiry to final submission, ensuring compliance with client requirements and company standards. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of proposal coordinators and writers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and efficiency. Client Engagement: Collaborate with stakeholders, including business development, project management, and technical teams, to gather necessary information and insights for proposal preparation. Market Analysis: Conduct research on industry trends, competitor offerings, and client needs to inform proposal strategies and enhance our competitive positioning. Quality Assurance: Ensure all proposals are reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with corporate branding and messaging standards. Budget Management: Develop and manage proposal budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness in the proposal process while maintaining quality. Continuous Improvement: Implement best practices for proposal development and seek opportunities for process improvements. Key Attributes Leadership: Strong ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Detail-Oriented: Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all proposal submissions. Strategic Thinker: Ability to align proposal strategies with broader business objectives and client needs. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate complex information clearly. Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities to assess market trends and client feedback. Expanded Responsibilities Proposal Strategy and Planning Strategic Input: Collaborate with senior leadership to align proposal efforts with the company’s strategic goals, identifying key opportunities in target markets. Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks associated with proposal submissions, recommending mitigation strategies. Relationship Management Client Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and ensuring that proposals address specific requirements. Internal Collaboration: Work closely with sales, engineering, and operations teams to gather insights and data that enhance proposals. Training and Development Mentorship: Provide coaching and professional development opportunities for team members, enhancing their skills in proposal writing and project management. Workshops: Organize training sessions on proposal best practices, industry standards, and effective communication techniques. Team Dynamics Interdepartmental Collaboration: The Proposals Manager will work closely with various departments, including Marketing, Sales, Engineering, and Legal to ensure all aspects of the proposal are covered and aligned with company values. Team Building: Foster a positive team culture that encourages open communication and feedback. Regular team meetings will help track progress on proposals and allow for brainstorming sessions. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Proposal Win Rate: The percentage of proposals submitted that result in successful contracts. Proposal Turnaround Time: The average time taken from the initial request to the submission of the proposal. Client Satisfaction: Feedback from clients regarding the clarity, quality, and responsiveness of the proposals. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). 5+ years of experience in proposal management or a related role within the industrial services sector. Proven track record of successfully leading complex proposal submissions. Familiarity with the chemical, petrochemical, energy, oil and gas, and consumer goods sectors. Proficient in proposal management software and tools. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with large industrial clients. Certification in Proposal Management or related fields (e.g., APMP certification). Bilfinger is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Bilfinger Berger SE