Proposal Specialist

McMillan LLP; Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

McMillan LLP, Canada's leading and progressive Business Law firm, is seeking an experienced Proposal Specialist to join our Marketing and Business Development team and support growth through strategic, client-centric proposals.

You will lead RFP responses, coordinate contributors, edit for a single voice, and ensure on-time delivery while upholding the McMillan brand. Bilingual optional; strong writing and project management required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of proposal, marketing, communication, and business writing experience.
• Superior English and French writing skills.
• Excellent editing and proofreading abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Responsibilities

• Analyze RFP requirements and craft strategy and value proposition.
• Lead the RFP response, ensure timelines are met.
• Coordinate kickoff meetings and gather contributions.
• Customize content to address client needs and firm differentiators.
• Lead development of compelling proposals including narrative and visuals.
• Edit proposals to ensure a single voice and McMillan branding.
• Manage delivery and collaborate with BD, Finance, HR and others.
• Maintain proposal content databases and completed proposals.
• Provide writing/editing coaching to colleagues.
• Lead process-improvement projects for proposals.

Skills

Proposal experience

English writing

French writing

Project management

Editorial/editing

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Would you like to be a part of Canada's leading and progressive Business Law firm?

McMillan LLP is seeking an experienced Proposal Specialist (bilingual optional) to join our Marketing and Business Development team and support the firm’s continued growth and our commitment to delivering exceptional client service through strategic, proactive business development.

Utilizing their superior writing/editing, project management and interview/consulting skills, the Proposal Specialist works closely with Partners, Associates, Business Development colleagues, and other business units to develop winning proposals. If you’re passionate about client-focused thinking, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and value creativity and collaboration, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Under the direction of the Manager, Proposals, the Proposal Specialist (bilingual optional) will be part of a national team responsible for developing and delivering client-centric pitch, proposals and credential material in response to RFP, RFQ, RFI and other new business requests, as well as requests related to client development.

What You'll Do

• Analyze/interpret RFP requirements, participate in the development of a clear and focused strategy and value proposition
• Act as proposal team lead on the completion of the RFP response, ensure RFP process is followed and timelines are defined and adhered to
• Participate/lead in the proposal kick-off meeting and work with contributors, as required
• Understand the context of the opportunity and/or client situation, customize content accordingly to clearly address client needs and articulate the firm’s distinguishing features
• Lead the development of a compelling proposal, including strategy, content and presentation of materials
• Write proposal narratives, executive summaries and cover letters, ensuring the McMillan brand and messaging is consistent
• Serve as the lead editor of proposals to convert contributors’ content into a cohesive document with a clear, single voice
• Manage delivery throughout the proposal process, work closely with Business Development colleagues, and other business groups as required, including Research, Finance, Human Resources, to gather information as needed
• Assist in maintaining proposal content database and completed proposals; ensure proposal materials are properly sourced and maintained
• Serve as a writing editor and coach to other Business Development colleagues
• Participate/lead various Proposal Management Team projects to improve process and efficiencies

What You Bring

• You have 3+ years of proposal, marketing, communication, business writing, sales experience, preferably within a professional services firm
• You have superior English and French writing skills: ability to communicate clearly, persuasively and effectively in the current business environment (no marketing-speak/jargon)
• You have exceptional attention to detail, research, editing and proofreading skills
• You are proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• You bring outstanding interpersonal skills: demonstrated ability to interact and collaborate with individuals at all levels within the organization with tact and diplomacy
• You bring business acumen: marketing, business development, selling, communication, planning skills, strategic thinker
• You demonstrate emotional intelligence, change agency and coaching skills
• You have excellent time and project management skills: ability to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment
• You work well both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• You take a can-do, hands-on approach and have a positive attitude
• You are flexible as position, workload and expectations shift
• You can work overtime when required

Growth

Mentorship and Support

Training as Software Evolves

Commensurate Compensation and Benefits Package

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 annually

At the heart of our commitment to being a first-mover on important issues, McMillan believes that equity, diversity and inclusion are catalysts for success. By embracing our differences, we create an inclusive culture that enriches our collective knowledge, broadens our perspectives, and propels us forward. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their whole selves to work, knowing it is through our individual experiences that we can all come together to truly make a positive impact in our firm, for our clients, within our communities, and beyond.

At McMillan, we know we will achieve the most success by attracting and retaining the best talent, and by representing and supporting communities from which we draw our members, the communities in which we live and work and the communities to which we provide legal services.

We are a law firm that prides itself in sustained quality and excellence in service while fostering a positive and collegial work environment which nurtures mentoring inspires enthusiasm and professional excellence. We commit to putting our best efforts forward in achieving our goals, and the goals of our clients. You can help us in that journey!

Need another reason to consider McMillan? Let’s work together to help you achieve your professional goals and career development.

If this position is you, and you reside in or around the Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa area we look forward to hearing from you.

McMillan is committed to providing accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please email us or contact us at 1.888.662.4624 to submit your accommodation request.

McMillan LLP is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity. We respect and embrace the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of individuals at all levels of the firm.

At McMillan, we embrace innovation and make strategic and thoughtful use of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI). However, our recruitment process remains deeply human-centric. We do not use AI to screen resumes or select candidates. Every application is carefully reviewed by a member of our recruitment team, and hiring decisions are made through collaborative evaluation and interviews.