Senior Proposal Specialist

Wharton-Smith Construction Group is seeking a candidate with 5 or more years of experience writing proposals, with preference for experience in the construction industry. The selected candidate will report to the Proposal Production Manager and will be located at our corporate headquarters in Sanford, FL.

About the role

As a Sr. Proposal Specialist, you will lead all phases of proposal preparation—from start to finish—including writing, production, and distribution of competitive marketing proposals and presentations for commercial construction and water treatment plant projects. This position manages and supports special projects and contributes to sales and marketing initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate to compile and track materials for proposals per deadlines, ensuring client requests for proposals are fully met and followed through the project’s complete lifecycle.
• Assemble proposal documents in various software formats and collaborate with others on proposal, presentation, and marketing documents.
• Write and edit project summaries, resumes of project personnel, and other supporting information.
• Ensure proposal material aligns with bid requirements, client expectations, and corporate branding rules and best practices.
• Proofread, edit, and standardize proposal text for grammar, spelling, comprehension, and style.
• Assist in updating and maintaining the project library at proposal, build, and post-construction stages.
• Attend project milestone events and client selection forums.
• Prepare and submit award submissions.
• Supervise the work product of Proposal Coordinators and Proposal Assistants as needed.
• Perform general marketing and communication tasks as assigned.
• Travel and overtime may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, English, or a related field.
• 5+ years of directly related experience in proposal management and development.
• Construction industry experience is highly desired.
• Experience leading large proposal/bid efforts ($40M+) and developing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience leading proposal efforts for cooperative agreements, joint ventures (JVs), and contracts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to interact with individuals of all technical levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including advocacy, negotiation, listening, and collaboration.
• Ability to write, proofread, and edit proposal and presentation content.
• Experience preparing and coaching teams for formal interviews and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and in a complex team environment while managing multiple tasks.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Must be eligible to work for a U.S. employer.
• Fluency in English required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience creating, writing, and editing proposals for a construction, engineering, or design firm.
• Graphic design experience is a plus.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge and experience in proposal, qualifications, and capture management.
• Advanced knowledge of the Engineering, Architectural, Construction, or Manufacturing industry.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Proven ability to perform under pressure with multiple deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Proven ability to work on a team to accomplish goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interface with clients, both external and internal.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership of wide-ranging responsibilities.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment with extreme multi-tasking and multiple deadlines.
• Proven ability to maintain effective working relationships with teammates, clients, and vendors.
• Attention to detail, including proofreading, grammar, and document formatting.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other applicable tools.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe InDesign.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with overtime as needed.