Proposal Manager

Proposal ManagerIn the role of Proposal Manager, you'll serve as the Marketing Proposal Champion for various pursuits, leading teams through the proposal process from kickoff through interview preparation and submittal. You'll partner closely with business development leaders, project managers and technical staff to develop winning strategies, create compelling client-focused messaging and drive pursuits that position HDR for success.This role goes beyond simply responding to requests for proposals. Proposal Managers at HDR help shape pursuit strategy, facilitate collaboration across teams and ensure our proposals clearly articulate why HDR is the best choice for our clients.ResponsibilitiesLead pursuit teams in developing and implementing effective win strategies and capture plansServe as the Marketing Proposal Champion for pursuits, providing leadership, ownership and accountability throughout the proposal lifecycleFacilitate kickoff meetings and guide teams toward alignment on strategy, messaging, responsibilities and schedulesDrive the development of compelling, client-focused proposals that go beyond "answering the mail" to clearly communicate HDR's value and differentiatorsDevelop and manage proposal schedules, milestones, reviews and deliverables to ensure successful and compliant submissionsMaintain a thorough understanding of procurement requirements, submittal instructions and evaluation criteria to ensure complete and compliant responsesDevelop persuasive win themes, discriminators and key messages that align with client needs and prioritiesPartner with pursuit teams to identify competitive advantages and articulate HDR's capabilities in a clear and compelling mannerFacilitate consensus among technical staff, project managers and business development leaders throughout the pursuit processEngage the appropriate resources across HDR to support proposal and interview development effortsLead proposal reviews and quality control efforts to ensure consistency, quality and strategic messagingFacilitate the development of interview presentations and coach teams to deliver compelling and effective presentationsSupport client positioning activities and market engagement efforts that strengthen relationships and improve competitivenessLead debriefs following pursuits to identify lessons learned and opportunities for continuous improvementDeconstruct, organize and archive proposal and presentation materials for future use and knowledge sharingTrain and mentor employees on proposal development, business development and marketing best practicesServe as a resource for questions related to HDR's proposal process, tools and best practicesDevelop and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, clients and teaming partnersMaintain awareness of market trends, procurement drivers and competitive activity impacting HDR's clients and pursuitsWhat Success Looks LikeThink strategically about winning, not simply submittingLead proposal response teams and influence decisions through credibility and collaborationGain consensus among diverse stakeholders and keep teams focused on client prioritiesClearly defining project and review deadlines and holding team accountable for meeting thoseTranslate technical information into persuasive, client-focused messagingAnticipate risks, identify gaps and proactively resolve issues before they impact a pursuitUnderstand client drivers, competitive positioning and relationship dynamicsBring ownership, urgency and accountability to every pursuitDrive continuous improvement in pursuit strategy, process and qualityThese characteristics align closely with HDR's expectations for strong Proposal Managers, including strategic thinking, leadership, business development acumen and executive presence.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Business or related fieldExperience leading major strategic pursuits and interview teamsExperience coaching technical staff and interview teamsDemonstrated success facilitating win strategy discussions and developing capture plansStrong understanding of market trends, client drivers and competitive positioning within the A/E industryActive participation in industry organizations and professional associationsRequired QualificationsA minimum of 5 years relevant industry experienceDemonstrated "self-starter" with a history of completing projects with limited oversightExperience in sales and developing effective win strategiesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsProficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPointProficient in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesignWhat We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. Our Commitment As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.