Proposal Manager

DesignAgency; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished multi-disciplinary design studio in Canada is seeking a Proposal Manager to join their team in Toronto. This role is crucial for managing proposal processes, coordinating business development strategies, and collaborating with creative teams to ensure successful project acquisitions. Ideal candidates should have over 7 years of relevant experience and a strong educational background in business or marketing, along with advanced proficiency in proposal writing tools.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in proposal writing, business development, marketing and promotion; preferably within the Design / Architecture field.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated.
• Proven experience in a client-facing role.

Responsibilities

• Writing proposals and coordinating content to successfully respond to RFPs.
• Managing the development of RFPs including vetting new business leads.
• Supporting the smooth transition from proposals to won projects.

Skills

Proposal Writing

Business Development

Marketing

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or related field

Job description

DesignAgency is one of the largest and most distinguished multi-disciplinary design studios in Canada, and our services are widely sought after, with clients in more than 26 cities and 9 countries worldwide. Our global success is based on our high level of excellence and our ability to create special environments through narratives developed with the client. Working for leading companies, developers, and hospitality groups, our clients work directly with one or more of our partners, reflecting our belief that great design requires leadership, focus, and commitment.

The Proposal Manager reports directly to the Global Business Development Manager and works directly with the Partners, VP of Finance and Operations, US Managing Director, Principals, Design Directors, and others as required, to perform their duties.

• Writing proposals, and coordinating content to successfully respond to all RFPs
• Collaborating with Executive Team to develop BD Strategy for new and existing clients, implement measurable relationship and marketing tactics
• Contributing to BD annual plan by setting goals, objectives for the year, and tracking YoY measurable growth
• Tracking company-wide BD including pipeline coordination with Partners, Operations, and Finance; maintaining the CRM
• Managing the development of RFPs including vetting new business leads and Go / NoGos, gathering project scope from Clients in coordination with the Operations Team, Design Directors, and Partners, coordinating client calls, writing effective proposals and drafting the fee matrix, compiling CV and portfolio pages, and delivering timely RFP submissions to Clients and following up for feedback
• Supporting the smooth transition from proposals to won projects, liaising with Partners and Operations during contract negotiations with the Client, drafting the contract and / or ensuring compliance with Client contracts, status tracking, and delivering all pertinent information for contract execution
• Managing and maintaining a library of proposals, pitches, case studies, staff resumes, and other marketing collateral to ensure it is standardized, organized, engaging, and aesthetically in line with BD directives / objectives
• Developing BD Collateral processes, timelines, and facilitating information sharing, best practices, and collaborating with Demand Team
• Collaborating and coordinating with Marketing Manager for Business Development Collateral
• Coordinating with the Creative Services Manager for branding / ID proposals
• Coordinating and participating in client meetings.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in proposal writing, business development, marketing and promotion; preferably within the Design / Architecture field
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word & Excel
• Knowledge of, and interest in, hotel and hospitality interior design, brand identity design
• Detail-orientated, organized, and self-motivated
• Hands-on team player with a proven track record of supporting and working with creative teams
• Excellent English language written, verbal and comprehension skills
• Self-motivated and able to work within tight timelines and manage multiple projects or deliverables
• Proven experience in a client-facing role