Proposal Manager

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 and 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 is needed in both the review of deliverables and the identification of gaps in the 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.

E-Verify employer.Company Description

EXPERIENCE. RELIABILITY. INTEGRITY.

These are the most important qualities clients seek when looking for an engineering partner. They are also the hallmarks of SINGH + Associates. Since 1992, SINGH has been meeting and exceeding client expectations as a result of our team of dedicated professionals, established planning and execution processes, and state-of-the-art technologies. We live by values that emphasize integrity, gratitude and kindness. Most importantly, we won’t be satisfied with your projects unless you are.

WHY CHOOSE SINGH?

We’re experienced. Our team of professionals has extensive training and experience in a full spectrum of services including: Civil Transportation engineering, Electrical engineering ITS design, Lighting design, MEP FP engineering, Structural design, and CM services.

We’re reliable. SINGH uses industry leading systems and technologies to ensure that every detail of your project is managed effectively. We consistently deliver projects on time and within budget. We’re proud to put our reputation on the line for every project – not just when it is completed, but through the life of the design and construction.

We’re ethical. SINGH abides by the most rigorous standards for ethical professionalism. We want each client to depend on our integrity and recognize us as a trustworthy partner.

Full-time

Hybrid remote