Proposal Manager

About the role

The Proposal Manager will lead the development, preparation, and submittal of proposals for projects being pursued. This includes identifying proposal content requirements, collaborating with colleagues from various departments to develop winning strategies, managing proposal development and submittal, building relationships with clients and industry partners, and providing development and training opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety is Ames’ top value.
• Understand project delivery methods and propose best practices for proposal content based on the client’s delivery method.
• Conduct research on potential clients and competitors to tailor proposals to specific needs and preferences.
• Analyze RFP/RFQ documents, identifying key requirements, deadlines, and evaluation criteria.
• Gather and incorporate relevant industry data, statistics, and case studies into proposals.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, estimators, project controls, legal, risk and wellness, quality, environmental, graphic design, and other team members to gather project-specific information.
• Maintain and organize proposal content, develop compliance matrix, and ensure compliance with client requirements.
• Write, edit, and proofread proposal sections to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
• Create and maintain a proposal library of templates, boilerplate content, and graphics.
• Create visually appealing proposal elements, including charts, diagrams, and images.
• Conduct thorough quality checks on final proposal documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with all RFP requirements.
• Develop resumes of key personnel to be included in the proposal.
• Email, hand deliver, or upload final RFP documents to client’s web-based portal on or before the due date.
• Support pursuit group through the post-bid proposal clarification, BAFO, and negotiation process, including attending proposal review meetings, updating proposal contents, narratives, etc.
• Participate in hand-off meetings to clearly communicate proposal contents to preconstruction and construction teams.
• Develop and implement market strategies to increase the company's visibility and market share within the heavy civil and industrial construction industry.
• Conduct market research to identify industry trends, competitors, and potential opportunities.
• Create market collateral, including brochures, presentations, and case studies, highlighting the company's strengths and achievements.
• Organize and represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients and key stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for upselling and cross-selling services to current clients.
• Assist in identifying and targeting potential clients and strategic partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Communications, or a related field, with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in proposal development, marketing, or a related role within the construction or professional services industry.
• Strong proposal management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clarity and persuasiveness.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign.
• Working knowledge of the heavy civil and/or industrial construction industry preferred.
• Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to develop compelling content and messaging.
• Comfortable using cloud-based platforms and virtual collaboration tools in a fast-paced pursuit environment.
• Skilled in conducting interviews with technical professionals to extract key information, including asking clarifying and follow-up questions to develop strong proposal content.
• Demonstrated experience in persuasive writing and basic graphic design, including infographics, flowcharts, and organizational charts.
• Ability to independently lead Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) and pre-qualification submittals with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Comfortable coordinating with third-party consultants for writing, editing, and 2D/3D visualization support as needed.

Benefits

This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus. Ames offers generous retirement benefits, including Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) participation and a 401k match. The company provides a non-craft health benefits package designed to help team members flourish, with medical, dental, and vision coverage (all at one low premium), voluntary benefits, company holidays, and paid time off. Please see the Benefits section of our Careers page for more information.

Pay

$90,000 - $130,000 per year, which varies depending on many factors, including experience, skills, and knowledge.

Schedule

Office Environment – extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping, and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.