Proposal Lead

The Architect's Newspaper; Toronto; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm in Toronto is seeking a Proposal Lead to join their Business Development team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in marketing communications and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include organizing competitive architectural bid submissions, coordinating with various teams, and ensuring high-quality proposal documents. The firm offers a collaborative environment focused on diversity and inclusion, along with professional development opportunities. Join a team that values creativity and strategic thinking.

Benefits

Daily free shuttle bus service

Underground bicycle parking and shower facilities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in communications or marketing within architecture/design.
• Ability to craft engaging narratives tailored to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in written and verbal English communication.

Responsibilities

• Organize bid submissions including RFQs and RFPs.
• Coordinate with Design Pursuit Teams to execute proposals.
• Maintain collateral databases for easy access to marketing content.

Skills

Writing skills

Editing skills

Strategic thinking

Detail-oriented

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing communications or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft 365 (Word and PowerPoint)

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign)

Mailchimp

WordPress

Job description

About us

For more than three decades, KPMB Architects has evolved in response to a changing world and worked to change it for the better. Guided by our purpose and anchored by our values, KPMB crafts design solutions that catalyze positive change.

As a full-service practice working across Canada and the United States, we provide expertise in building design, interior design, master planning, workplace strategy, project management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable design. KPMB has designed and delivered projects totaling more than 31 million square feet in a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, scientific research, arts and culture, government, corporate, hospitality, recreation, and mixed-use development.

With uncompromising rigor and close attention to the increasingly complex needs of the world around us, our diverse team devotes their expertise, passion, and creativity to solve today’s challenges and unlock new opportunities for our clients and the communities we serve.

The role / What are we looking for?

The Proposal Leadplays a critical role within the Business Development and Marketing team, responsible for organizing targeted competitive architectural bid submissions. This includes coordinating and producing RFQs, RFPs, competition bids, and interview presentations.

Working in close collaboration with Design Pursuit Teams, and colleagues within BD and Marketing, the Proposal Lead brings strong writing, editing and a strategic thinking to the execution of proposals. The role, reports into the Senior Director, Business Development & Marketing and requires a curious, creative, enthusiastic, and excellence-driven collaborator.

Select key responsibilities:

Coordination Strategy:

• Conduct and participate in pre-landing/RFQ/RFP/interview strategy sessions, including scheduling for tracking proposal elements, responsibilities, and timelines.
• Contribute to the development, content planning and coordinating execution, in collaboration with pursuit team.
• Coordinate efforts with marketing, communications, Graphics, and Business Development team and the Design Pursuit leaders to ensure alignment of messaging, visual identity, and project objectives that resonates with the client’s vision and expectations.
• Conduct debriefings of proposals, regardless of outcome, to identify strengths, and areas for improvement, so that future submissions are more competitive, aligned with client expectations, and continuously elevate the outcomes of business development efforts.

Content Development:

• Plan, manage, write, and deliver polished, visually compelling, and persuasive proposal documents, reflecting the firm’s voice and values so that each submission strengthens our competitive positioning and builds client confidence.
• Collaborate with the Design Pursuit Team to create proposals and oversee proposal production, ensuring delivery on time to the highest professional standards.
• Support the development of interview presentations and coordinate key personnel and materials to ensure a cohesive and compelling delivery. Organize and coordinate interviews, ensuring all the team is fully prepared and aligned on participants, materials, and logistics.
• Maintain collateral databases—including project profiles, CVs, narratives, and other marketing materials—so that pursuit teams have immediate access to accurate, high-quality content that supports efficient, consistent, and compelling proposal development.

Research and Analysis:

• Continuously research and identify proposal opportunities through online portals and other means, to ensure the firm remains aware of current and upcoming opportunities.
• Analyze pursuit requirements in detail, so that proposals are well-tailored to meet client expectations and comply with submission criteria.
• Assess competition and their tactics with a focus on ensuring our own outputs distinctly outlines our competitive advantages.
• Identify and coordinate teaming opportunities, including subconsultants and architectural partners.

Team Coordination & Execution:

• Coordinate a team comprising business development support staff, graphic designers, consultants, and assigned architect project leads, setting clear roles and responsibilities, and timelines for each pursuit effort.
• Ensure data accuracy across marketing databases and uphold rigorous quality standards for all submissions, while aligning approach with our project delivery protocols—including proper use of filing systems, adherence to architectural procedures, and compliance with documentation standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous growth and improvement within the business development team and provide regular feedback to the Senior Director, Business Development & Marketing.
• Participate in marketing and business development strategy brainstorming questions, with the goal of continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in marketing communications, or content creation in architecture
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working in communications, marketing, media relations, brand development, social media, and event marketing within architecture/design or related field
• Demonstrated understanding of brand and marketing strategy development and standards with an ability to craft engaging narratives, tailored to diverse audiences
• Familiarity with key topics, market drivers, and thought leaders and networks influencing the built environment today
• Proficiency in written and verbal English communication, showcasing quick, precise writing, and editing skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and effective task management and prioritization skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Technical expertise and working knowledge with Microsoft 365 (Word and PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign), Mailchimp, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and WordPress
• Experience with video editing software is considered an asset
• Described as a self-starter with the ability to manage projects and break down complex processes to execute work efficiently
• An interest and understanding of the architecture, design, interiors, and/or real estate development industry

Why work with us

Founded in 1987, KPMB Architects has evolved a diverse portfolio of architectural projects with a focus on building healthy, vibrant cities and communities. KPMB has grown to 100+ employees and is recognized for its highly collaborative, supportive staff with a wide variety of experience and education. Some of our team members have grown with the firm from the beginning of their careers to become leaders, while others have joined at various points in their career and bring new ideas and approaches. We provide a learning environment where teaching, mentoring, and collaboration is an essential part of our DNA. At KPMB, there are many opportunities to share your skills, get involved in firm activities outside of project work, and contribute to initiatives that give back.

KPMB is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve. KPMB Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status.

If you require any accommodation or assistance during the recruitment process, please let us know when you submit your application. KPMB is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.

Transportation and bike storage:

A daily free shuttle bus between Union Station and KPMB’s office is provided for all staff who use the subway system or GO transit, from Monday to Thursday. Underground bicycle parking and shower facilities are also available.