Lead Proposal Specialist

Meridia Recruitment Solutions, a KBRS Company; Toronto; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

McMillan LLP is seeking a Proposal Specialist to join its national Marketing and Business Development team. The role leads complex proposals, develops strategies, and tailors content to client needs, collaborating with Partners, Associates, and internal teams to deliver compelling materials.

The position requires strong writing, editing, and project management skills, with bilingual EN/FR considered an asset. Salary range is $85,000 - $115,000 CAD.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of proposals, marketing, communications, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, high-impact proposals independently from strategy to completion.
• Analyze RFPs/RFQs/RFIs and develop clear response strategies.
• Coordinate contributors, manage timelines and the proposal process.

Skills

Writing & editing

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Bilingual EN/FR helpful

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Meridia Recruitment Solutions has partnered with McMillan LLP, one of Canada’s leading business law firms, to recruit a Proposal Specialist to join its national Marketing and Business Development team.

Reporting to the Manager, Proposals, the Proposal Specialist will play a key role in developing strategic, client-focused proposals, pitches, and credential materials that support the firm’s continued growth. This role will independently lead complex, high-impact, and high-value proposals, working closely with Partners, Associates, Business Development professionals, and internal teams to develop compelling strategies, content, and value propositions tailored to client needs.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead complex, high-impact, and high-value proposals independently, including developing proposal strategies, key differentiators, and value propositions.
• Analyze RFP, RFQ, RFI, and other business development requirements and develop clear, focused response strategies.
• Lead proposal kick-off meetings, coordinate contributors, establish timelines, and manage the proposal process through to completion.
• Develop compelling proposal narratives, executive summaries, cover letters, and other client-facing materials.
• Serve as the lead editor, bringing together content from multiple contributors into clear, cohesive, and persuasive proposals.
• Work closely with Partners, Associates, Business Development, Research, Finance, Human Resources, and other internal teams to gather and develop relevant information.
• Customize proposals and pitch materials to effectively address client needs and communicate the firm’s key differentiators.
• Contribute to the development, editing, and ongoing maintenance of standard proposal content in collaboration with the Manager, Proposals.
• Manage the development and ongoing updates of proposal templates in collaboration with the Manager, Proposals.
• Maintain proposal content databases and completed proposals, ensuring materials are accurate, current, and appropriately sourced.
• Lead and/or contribute to the development and implementation of new or improved processes, initiatives, and tools to enhance the Proposal Management Team’s effectiveness and efficiency.
• Provide writing, editing, and proposal coaching and support to junior team members and other Business Development colleagues.

YOUR REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of experience in proposals, marketing, communications, business writing, sales, or a related field, preferably within a professional services environment.
• Experience developing and managing proposals from strategy through to completion.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and coordinating multiple contributors in a deadline-driven environment.
• Bilingual English/French capabilities are considered an asset.

KEY SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, and effectively without relying on jargon.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and deadlines.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to understand client needs, identify differentiators, and develop compelling value propositions.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization.
• Strategic, proactive, and hands‑on approach, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a national team.
• Demonstrated ability to provide coaching, guidance, and support to junior team members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage workload effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

This is a current vacancy; the salary range is $85,000 - $115,000.

For more information, please contact Adam Creaghan, Partner, at [e-mail] or 647-336-1416, or Lauren MacDonald, Recruitment Specialist, at [e-mail] or 902-407-1427.