Job Description
Are you looking for a new challenge with one of the most highly celebrated organizations in the A/E Industry of Chicago?
Recently voted as Firm of the Year by ACEC IL
SINGH is seeking a Proposal Manager to join our corporate team.
The Proposal Manager oversees the development and production of proposals and presentations, trains and manages proposal staff to ensure high-quality deliverables, and enhances processes to improve efficiency and performance of pursuit-related tasks. This role requires close coordination of proposal activities across market sectors while collaborating with client managers to understand and execute their client account plans and strategies.
DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES
Proposal + Pursuit Functions:
- Strategic Positions & Capture Planning: Collaborate with the pursuit team in pre-RFP/Q positioning by conducting competitor analysis, market research, and client needs assessments to refine win themes, identify qualifications, and develop compelling content.
- Opportunity Tracking : Proactively monitor solicitations, RFPs/RFQs, and upcoming opportunities to ensure timely and strategic responses.
- Pursuit Development Leadership : Lead key pursuit meetings within the Business Development Lifecycle, including capture planning, Go/No-Go decisions, storyboarding, kickoff sessions, and color reviews with technical staff, proposal teams, and graphic designers.
- Proposal Strategy & Content Development : Analyze RFP/RFQ requirements to determine scope, teaming strategies, and upselling opportunities while developing high-quality, tailored proposal responses and presentations.
- Teaming & Subconsultant Coordination : Manage, review, and/or prepare materials for subconsultant requests, ensuring alignment with pursuit strategies.
- Qualifications & Marketing Materials: Oversee the development of qualification packages, client brochures, and marketing collateral to support business development efforts.
- Proposal Content Management : Write, maintain, and enhance boilerplate content, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across proposals. This includes resumes and project sheet management.
- Interview & Presentation Preparation : Manage and oversee shortlist interview preparation, coaching presenters on content development and delivery to enhance effectiveness.
- Client Debriefs : Initiate and participate in client debriefs to capture insights and continuously improve future submissions.
Administrative + Management Functions:
- Process Development, Implementation & Execution: Establish, refine, and implement internal procedures, including the business development lifecycle, to enhance efficiency, accountability, and strategic alignment.
- Team Training & Development : Provide internal training and mentorship for marketing/proposal coordinators/assistants to strengthen skills and ensure consistency in pursuit efforts
- CRM Data Management : Oversee opportunity data entry, validations, and quality control within VantagePoint to maintain accurate and reliable records. Also, assist in developing and analyzing KPI reports to track proposal success and inform strategic decisions.
- Branding Standards : Maintain proposals and presentation templates, graphics, and brand standards to ensure high-quality, consistent deliverables.
- Digital Asset Management : Maintain and organize the firm’s image library, ensuring accessibility and adherence to branding guidelines.
- Prequalification Management : Prepare and submit agency prequalification applications to support firm eligibility for public-sector opportunities.
SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 7 years of AEC industry experience in proposal development and production capacity
- Software Proficiency: Required: Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Acrobat Pro), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) Preferred: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator,
- CRM Knowledge: Familiarity with Deltek VantagePoint or other CRM systems is a plus
- Goal-oriented, process-driven, and motivated to commit to growing professionally with the company
- Confidence to be a problem-solver. Willingness to tackle a problem to find solutions ask for assistance or input from the team when needed
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, willingness to share opinions and expertise with the team
- Strong organizational skills – Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines—both short- and long-term—while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Attention to detail in both review of deliverables and to identify gaps in process.
- Leadership & Delegation: Understanding of when and how to delegate tasks while providing oversight and mentorship to developing proposal staff
- Motivation to work independently and pride in working as a member of a collaborative team
This position is designated as hybrid (3 days a week in office) and can be located in one of the following locations: Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; or Columbus, OH. This role reports to the Chief Business Development Officer and manages the full lifecycle of SINGH’s proposal and pursuit process companywide.
Why Join SINGH?
- Join a woman-led organization.
- Great executive leadership team and colleagues at all levels.
- Great Benefits that include 5 comprehensive medical options, Dental, and Vision
- Fantastic 401K
- Paid time off
- Floating Holiday
- Monthly cell phone stipend
- Collaborative working environment
- And much more!!
SINGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, familial, marital or veteran status, disability, or other legally protected classes.
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Job Tags
Holiday work, Temporary work, 3 days per week,