Senior Proposals Specialist

PCL Construction; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

PCL Constructors Canada Inc. in Ottawa seeks a Senior Proposals Specialist to lead the planning, development, and production of defence proposals for the DCG.

This role collaborates with district teams across Canada, leveraging strong proposal management and marketing communications expertise to deliver compelling, win-ready content. Ideal candidates bring deep knowledge of AEC procurement, APMP/CPSM awareness, and advanced skills in Office and Adobe tools.

Qualifications

• 7 years of progressive experience in a proposal or related role.
• 1-3 years experience in a supervisory role.
• Postsecondary degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or equivalent preferred.
• APMP or CPSM certification preferred.
• Knowledge of AEC procurement and Canadian federal procurement practices.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, and production of PCL’s mega-project defence pursuits under DCG.
• Advise other Canadian district defence pursuits to ensure best practices.
• Ensure proposals meet DCG objectives and client needs.
• Lead from win strategy to submission and debrief.
• Coordinate proposal team and external resources for winning responses.
• Contribute to process improvements and the adoption of technologies.
• Identify options for overall proposal strategy aligned with client requirements.
• Track and report proposal metrics.
• Supervise DCG proposal coordinator and/or student.

Skills

Proposal management

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Marketing/communications background

Project management

AI tools familiarity

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Communications/Journalism

Tools

Microsoft Word

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

PowerPoint

Job description

The future you want is within reach. Let's build it together.

At PCL Constructors Canada Inc., part of the PCL Family of Companies (PCL), we don't just build projects -- we build opportunities, careers and communities. We are 100% employee-owned, every employee has a stake in our success, and that shared commitment drives how we work, grow and lead in the construction industry.

We're a team of builders who care deeply about what we create and who we build with. That includes you. We are not only shaping the future of construction, we are also committed to shaping the future of your career.

The Senior Proposal Specialist for the Defence Construction Group (DCG) will ideally but not exclusively be based in Ottawa and, under proposal manager oversight, will lead the planning, development, and production of proposals that are the responsibility of PCL’s DCG. Proposals that are the purview of the DCG are significant in terms of scale, value and complexity of the opportunity; therefore the senior proposal specialist is expected to have demonstrated depth of expertise and capability in this capacity. This professional will also provide expert guidance, support, and assistance to Canadian Buildings district proposal teams across Canada as they undertake all selected proposals for their defence-related opportunities.

This proposal professional ideally brings knowledge and/or experience in the AEC procurement sector, deep familiarity with Canadian federal procurement practices, preferences, and protocols, and a passion for storytelling, brand building, and delivering impactful proposals that support the business priorities of the DCG.

Why Choose PCL?

Choose a Career With Rewards That Matter. PCL's Total Rewards Are Designed To Support Your Growth, Well-being And Future Success -- Because When You Succeed, We All Do. Our Offerings Could Include

• Employee ownership opportunities that build long-term value
• Annual discretionary performance bonuses
• RRSP, TFSA, Pension Contribution Options
• Flexible medical, dental and vision benefits
• Prescription drug coverage and virtual care services
• Life, AD&D and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave and family care support
• Health and lifestyle spending account options
• Mental health and wellness support, including Employee Assistance Programs
• Career growth pathways, leadership development and mentorship programs
• Access to world-class training through PCL's College of Construction and professional development courses
• Ongoing opportunities to learn new skills, explore different roles and grow your career across sectors and regions

Responsibilities

Here’s how a Senior Proposal Specialist for our DCG, and who also collaborates closely with other district proposal teams, contributes to PCL:

• Leads the planning, development, and production of PCL’s mega-project defence pursuits that are the responsibility of the DCG.
• Supports/advises/assists other Canadian district defence pursuits to ensure PCL best practices for technical proposals on defence-related opportunities are maximized.
• Ensures the final proposal product achieves DCG’s strategic pursuit objectives and is fully responsive to DND-DCC or other defence client needs.
• Adopts and leads defence sector pursuits through PCL’s proposal process; from win strategy development to kick-off and content development, through timely reviews, submission, interview readiness, closeout, and debrief.
• Completes layout and production of a clear, compelling and customized proposal that supports the win strategy.
• Ensures coordination and collaboration of the DCG proposal team and partner/consultant proposal members/resources to ensure a top-quality competitive and winning response to comprehensive DND-DCC RFPs and related documents.
• Contributes to defence-related proposal process improvements (adoption of technologies, lean methods, innovations, operating procedures, etc.), win strategy development, and other specialized aspects of proposal development.
• Identifies options for overall technical proposal strategy and vision, ensuring the selected approach is applied to the proposal in a manner that is compliant with client requirements and consistent with corporate objectives/policies/goals.
• Tracks, analyzes, and reports on proposal metrics. Shares best practices and lessons learned.
• Supervises DCG proposal coordinator and/or student.

Qualifications

• 7 years of progressive experience in a proposal or related role (communications, marketing, visual communications, etc.).
• 1-3 years experience in a supervisory role.
• High school diploma or equivalent required, postsecondary degree or diploma in marketing, communications, journalism, or equivalent preferred.
• Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) professional certification, Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) certification or equivalent is preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience in the AEC procurement sector, with an ability to understand owner, consultant, contractor, and partner perspectives in complex pursuit environments.
• Deep familiarity with Canadian federal procurement practices, preferences, protocols, and submission requirements, particularly as they relate to defence-sector opportunities.
• Expert knowledge and capability with Microsoft Office programs, including notably Word, and strong competency with Adobe Suite programs, including InDesign, Illustrator, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of AI tools and how to effectively leverage them in order to optimize proposal processes, enhance content quality, support collaboration, and strengthen pursuit outcomes.
• Ability to strategically collaborate on and facilitate a team to a positive result, both in person and via virtual means.
• Superior interpersonal skills with an ability to manage and collaborate with a diverse group sensitively, tactfully, and diplomatically.
• Superior project management, organizational, and time management skills to effectively establish the priority and scheduling of multiple concurrent work tasks.
• Creative and strategic thinker with superior attention to detail, good judgement, and ability to solve complex problems.
• Superior verbal, written, and visual communication skills. Ability to strategically customize technical, written content with a customer focus.
• Must be able to achieve a PSPC Level II (secret) security clearance shortly after hiring.

The estimated salary range for this role is $95,000 - $125,000, based on your experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be confirmed as part of a personalized offer.

Your Work Has Purpose Here

PCL projects are where life happens, where communities connect, careers begin, and progress is made. Regardless of the type of project, we are building something bigger: a future that’s inclusive, resilient and full of opportunity.

At PCL Constructors Canada Inc., we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. We value the diverse experiences, identities and perspectives our employees bring. Employment decisions are based on merit, potential and the drive to make a difference, regardless of race, gender, age, ability or background.

We know everyone’s needs are different, if you require accommodation during the application process, please contact [e-mail] and include the position and location of interest.

This recruitment process does not involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

Company: PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

Primary Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Job Title: Senior Proposals Specialist

Requisition ID: 14465