Proposal Manager

Job Title: Proposal Manager

Location: Houston, TX (Hybrid)
Department: Business Development / Proposals
Reports To: Director of Business Development
Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Proposal Manager to lead the development of technical and commercial proposals for a growing industrial services firm. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with a strong background in proposal management, technical writing, and cross-functional collaboration. The Proposal Manager will play a critical role in securing new business by producing high-quality, compliant, and compelling proposals for clients in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and environmental services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proposal Strategy & Planning

  • Analyze RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs to determine proposal requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines.
  • Develop proposal plans, schedules, and compliance matrices to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
  • Facilitate proposal kickoff meetings and coordinate with internal stakeholders to align on strategy and deliverables.

• Content Development & Management

  • Write, edit, and format technical and commercial proposal content, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with client needs.
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), engineers, and project managers to gather and translate complex technical information into persuasive narratives.
  • Maintain and update a centralized content library, including boilerplate text, project case studies, resumes, and certifications.

• Team Coordination & Communication

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all proposal-related activities, ensuring effective communication across departments.
  • Assign writing and review responsibilities, track progress, and manage version control throughout the proposal lifecycle.
  • Lead internal review processes (e.g., pink, red, and gold team reviews) to ensure quality, compliance, and competitiveness.

• Compliance & Submission

  • Ensure all proposals meet client specifications, industry standards, and internal quality guidelines.
  • Coordinate final production and delivery of proposals, including digital and hard copy submissions.
  • Support post-submission activities such as debriefs, clarifications, and lessons learned.

• Process Improvement

  • Identify opportunities to streamline proposal development processes and implement best practices.
  • Contribute to the development of templates, tools, and training materials to enhance proposal efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in proposal management, preferably in engineering, construction, or industrial services.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex proposals simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Strong technical writing, editing, and formatting skills.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, OSHA, API).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, and proposal management tools (e.g., RFPIO, Loopio, SharePoint).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with clients in oil & gas, utilities, or environmental sectors.
• Knowledge of project lifecycle phases including FEED, EPCM, and asset integrity.
• APMP certification or equivalent is a plus.