Proposal Specialist

Architecturally Trained Writer And Designer

Our client is a vertically integrated design-build firm of roughly 150 engineering and construction professionals, specializing in timber structures that incorporate steel, glass, concrete, and hybrid systems. Founded in the late 1990s, they serve as a single source of responsibility for both the design and construction of a building's structure, working on institutional, high-rise, office, residential, cultural, and civic projects across North America and internationally. Their work partners them with world-class developers, owners, and architects, often as the Structural Engineer of Record, and they sit at the leading edge of the mass timber movement.

Why Is This Role Open?

The Business Development team is expanding and needs an architecturally trained writer and designer to lead how the firm pursues and wins work. This person will own proposal production end to end, reporting to the Manager of Business Development and Preconstruction, and will play a central role in shaping how AI tools are used to scale the firm's pursuit workflows.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the production of proposals, qualifications packages, and presentations for structural engineering and construction pursuits across North America and abroad
• Interpret RFPs and RFQs, build compliance matrices, and manage pursuit timelines from kickoff through submission
• Write and edit technical proposal content, including firm narratives, project descriptions, approach statements, team qualifications, and executive summaries
• Design and produce client-facing deliverables in InDesign, maintaining brand consistency and a high visual standard
• Coordinate content contributions from engineers and sub-consultants
• Identify opportunities to use AI tools and automation to improve how proposals and BD materials are produced, building more efficient and repeatable workflows over time
• Maintain the content library, including project sheets, team resumes, firm profiles, and boilerplate
• Participate in go or no-go discussions, contributing perspective on design teams, delivery approach, and client priorities
• Support presentation preparation for shortlist interviews
• Contribute to broader BD activities as the role grows, including client outreach, market research, and conference preparation

Must-Haves:

• Architecture degree (B.Arch, M.Arch, or equivalent architecture or design credential). Registration is not required.
• Strong InDesign proficiency, with working knowledge of the broader Adobe Creative Cloud
• Working fluency with large language models (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, or similar) as a core production tool, not just as a chatbot
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu, PowerPoint, MS Word, and Canva
• A sharp eye for technical writing, grammar, proposal structure, and overall content quality
• Ability to digest RFPs into clear outlines and priorities, coordinate across contributors, and manage deadlines independently
• Strong verbal and written English, with the ability to communicate broad technical ideas concisely
• High sense of urgency, attention to detail, and comfort working directly with senior leadership

Nice-To-Haves:

• Prior experience in AEC business development, proposals, marketing, or sales, either in-house or agency side
• Familiarity with structural engineering concepts or construction methods
• Experience with CRM platforms (HubSpot) and content management tools (Notion)
• Experience building internal tools, automations, or workflows using AI coding assistants such as Claude Code, Codex, Cowork, or similar

Work style: Full-time in person preferred, with hybrid and remote options available. Role is based out of Abbotsford, BC; Vancouver, BC; Seattle, WA; or New York, NY. Know someone great? We offer a $500 referral bonus for successful hires. If you refer someone who's hired through Axis Recruitment, we'll send you a thank-you bonus after their first 3 months. Compensation Disclosure Compensation for all roles Axis recruits for is multi-faceted and based on a range of factors including experience, skills, location, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may include performance-based bonuses, incentives, and a comprehensive benefits offering, in accordance with applicable Employment Standards Act (ESA) requirements. Final compensation will be discussed during the interview process. We do not request or consider compensation history. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process.

At Axis, we consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, colour, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We don't post all of the open positions so you might be a fit for a different role!