Manager, Business Development & Proposal

Manager, Business Development & Proposal

The Manager, Business Development & Proposal plays a critical role in driving the growth and success of the organization by identifying new business opportunities and leading the development of compelling proposals. This position is responsible for managing the end-to-end proposal process, ensuring alignment with client needs and organizational capabilities to maximize win rates. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, technical experts, and finance to develop strategic approaches and competitive pricing models. The manager will also analyze market trends and competitor activities to inform business development strategies and maintain a robust pipeline of potential projects. Ultimately, this role ensures that the company presents high-quality, persuasive proposals that support sustainable business growth and long-term client relationships.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in business development, proposal management, or a related role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex proposal processes and winning competitive bids.
• Strong understanding of proposal development methodologies, compliance requirements, and contract terms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive and clear proposals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Experience in the industry relevant to the company's core business (e.g., technology, engineering, consulting).
• Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and proposal management tools.
• Project management certification such as PMP or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple proposals simultaneously.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the preparation, writing, and submission of business proposals in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and other solicitations.
• Develop and implement business development strategies to identify and pursue new market opportunities and client relationships.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather technical, financial, and operational information necessary for proposal development.
• Manage proposal schedules, resources, and compliance requirements to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
• Conduct competitive analysis and market research to inform proposal content and business development initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and industry contacts to support business growth.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to proposal team members and coordinate with external consultants as needed.
• Track and report on proposal outcomes and business development metrics to senior management.

Skills:

The required skills are utilized daily to analyze client requirements and translate them into winning proposal strategies, ensuring all submissions meet high standards of quality and compliance. Strong communication skills enable the manager to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and articulate value propositions clearly to clients. Strategic thinking and market analysis skills support the identification of new business opportunities and the development of competitive approaches. Leadership and organizational skills are essential for managing proposal timelines, resources, and team coordination under tight deadlines. Preferred skills such as CRM proficiency and project management enhance efficiency and enable the manager to track opportunities and streamline the proposal process effectively.