Associate Proposal Manager

Zendesk, Inc.; Kraków; Hybrid; PLN 122,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Zendesk is seeking a motivated Proposal Manager to lead the end-to-end response process for RFxs, collaborating with Sales, Presales, Legal, and Security to build accurate, compelling proposals. You will manage timelines, maintain high-quality main response documents, and drive best-practice processes across the RFx Center of Excellence.

You will coach the sales team on procurement patterns and ensure responses meet global standards while reducing risk.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to craft clear, compelling proposal responses.
• Strong project management to handle multiple bid lifecycles.
• Excellent written communication with executive storytelling skills.
• Team player who drives cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Bid management and execution from smaller RFxs to end-to-end global responses.
• Coordinate with Solutions Consultants, Account Executives and SMEs for customer-focused content.
• Own the final Main RFP Response Document ensuring compliance and quality.
• Contribute to process refinement and global discipline in RFx Center of Excellence.
• Coach sales teams on procurement best practices to improve deal outcomes.

Skills

Technical writing

Project management

Strategic communication

Collaborative adaptability

Job description

Job Description

If you're ready to break into the AI, CX and Bid Proposal Space this is your opportunity! Zendesk is looking for a motivated individual to join our RFP Central team in the role of Proposal Manager.

The Proposal Manager is a key member of RFP Central, responsible for the overall management of all assigned proposals, timely completion, and submission of high-quality bid responses. As our Sales organization continues to grow, we are expanding our pre-sales organization to keep up with the demand for our compelling solutions. RFP Central provides deal intelligence that delivers expert, data-driven, winning proposals and procurement guidance, grounded in best practices, insights, and strategy, while driving a well-governed process so the account team can execute in full compliance and with reduced risk. This role also involves coaching the sales team on procurement best practices and winning patterns.

In this role, you will work collaboratively across Sales, Presales, and internal teams like Legal and Security to research and build clear, compelling, and accurate responses to a wide range of procurement needs. You will also help drive global discipline and refine existing processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Bid Management & Execution: Support and manage smaller-scale RFxs initially, progressing to leading the end-to-end response effort for global, high-stakes RFxs, including facilitating kickoff meetings, establishing schedules, and ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner with Solutions Consultants, Account Executives, and SMEs to craft compelling, customer-oriented responses to complex technical requirements.
• Documentation Ownership: Maintain full ownership of the final Main RFP Response Document, ensuring compliance, tone, and overall quality.
• Process Improvement: Provide feedback on and contribute to the refinement and enhancement of the engagement processes and help drive global discipline within the RFx Center of Excellence.
• Sales Enablement & Coaching: Coach the sales team on procurement best practices and winning patterns to improve deal outcomes.

KEY SKILLS

• Technical Writing Expertise: 1-2+ years of experience in proposal or technical writing, with the ability to convey sophisticated technical solutions in a readable format. Equivalent internship or project experience is welcome.
• Project Management: Strong process skills to prioritize multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and manage concurrent bid lifecycles.
• Strategic Communication: Excellent writing skills with a flair for storytelling, creating executive summaries, and aligning stakeholders.
• Collaborative Adaptability: Flexible, self-motivated team player with a passion for crafting winning proposals in a fast-paced environment.

The Poland annualized base salary range for this position is zł122,000.00-zł184,000.00. Please note that while the salary range represents the minimum and maximum base salary rate for this position, the actual compensation offered will be based on job related capabilities, applicable experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for bonus, benefits, or related incentives that will be communicated during the offer stage.

The intelligent heart of customer experience

Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love.

Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience. Our hybrid way of working, enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.

As part of our commitment to fairness and transparency, we inform all applicants that artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision systems may be used to screen or evaluate applications for this position, in accordance with Company guidelines and applicable law.

Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we're proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here .

Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-emp