Manager, New Business

ZN001 Zeno US; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Be Kind to Your Mind program

Paid time off

Job summary

Zeno Group New Business Manager role in Chicago partners with agency leadership and U.S. teams to drive strategic growth through compelling proposals and efficient processes.

You will lead new business pursuits, shape capabilities and ensure proposals align with client objectives to showcase Zeno's integrated strengths. You will work closely with practice leaders, marketing, creative and business development to craft client-ready materials, manage RFIs/RFPs, and enhance cross-functional

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in business development, project management, agency operations, marketing or a related field within an agency or professional services environment.
• Experience managing new business processes, including RFIs, RFPs, proposals or integrated pitch development.
• Strong understanding of integrated communications, marketing and agency business models.
• Exceptional writing, editing and presentation skills, with experience developing client-ready proposals and business development materials.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience collaborating across cross-functional teams and building alignment among diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing business development systems, CRM platforms or proposal resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate new business pursuits, including RFIs, RFPs and proactive opportunities, helping develop proposals that align with client objectives and showcase Zeno's capabilities.
• Growth Operations & Process Management: Manage the day-to-day new business process, coordinating timelines, deliverables and cross-functional teams while ensuring opportunities move forward efficiently and on schedule.
• Agency Storytelling & Positioning: Develop compelling capabilities, case studies and proposal materials that communicate Zeno's expertise, integrated approach and differentiated value.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with agency leaders, practice teams and specialty groups across offices to align resources, share best practices and support integrated growth opportunities.
• Knowledge Management & Business Intelligence: Maintain new business systems, CRM data, case studies and other agency resources to improve visibility, reporting and institutional knowledge.
• Business Growth & Agency Development: Identify opportunities to strengthen new business processes, improve collaboration and support strategic initiatives that contribute to agency growth.

Skills

New business development

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Writing skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM platforms

Job description

Zeno Group is the fiercely independent and global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients across industries and sectors unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our "Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected," we push the boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Winner of the industry's most coveted awards including the 2024 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Large Agency of the Year, 2023 PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek Global Agency of the Year, 2022 PRovoke Best Large Agency to Work For in North America and a three-time winner of PRWeek's Best Places to Work. Zeno has also been previously recognized by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.

New Business Manager

Do you enjoy bringing people together to win new business? Are you energized by turning complex opportunities into compelling proposals, coordinating cross-functional teams and helping drive agency growth? As a New Business Manager at Zeno, you will partner with agency leadership and teams across the U.S. to support strategic growth initiatives. Working closely with practice leaders, marketing, creative and business development teams, you will help lead new business processes, develop compelling proposals and strengthen the systems and processes that power agency growth. This role is ideal for a collaborative business development professional who enjoys both strategic thinking and operational execution. You'll have the opportunity to shape high-impact pitches, improve agency processes and contribute to the continued growth of one of the industry's leading communications agencies.

About the Role

New Business Strategy & Proposal Management: Lead and coordinate new business pursuits, including RFIs, RFPs and proactive opportunities, helping develop proposals that align with client objectives and showcase Zeno's capabilities.

Growth Operations & Process Management: Manage the day-to-day new business process, coordinating timelines, deliverables and cross-functional teams while ensuring opportunities move forward efficiently and on schedule.

Agency Storytelling & Positioning: Develop compelling capabilities, case studies and proposal materials that communicate Zeno's expertise, integrated approach and differentiated value.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with agency leaders, practice teams and specialty groups across offices to align resources, share best practices and support integrated growth opportunities.

Knowledge Management & Business Intelligence: Maintain new business systems, CRM data, case studies and other agency resources to improve visibility, reporting and institutional knowledge.

Business Growth & Agency Development: Identify opportunities to strengthen new business processes, improve collaboration and support strategic initiatives that contribute to agency growth.

About You

5+ years of experience in business development, project management, agency operations, marketing or a related field within an agency or professional services environment.

Experience managing new business processes, including RFIs, RFPs, proposals or integrated pitch development.

Strong understanding of integrated communications, marketing and agency business models.

Exceptional writing, editing and presentation skills, with experience developing client-ready proposals and business development materials.

Strong project management and organizational skills with experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Experience collaborating across cross-functional teams and building alignment among diverse stakeholders.

Experience managing business development systems, CRM platforms or proposal resources.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across offices, disciplines and leadership levels.

Ability to organize complex information into clear, compelling narratives and actionable plans.

Collaborative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement, operational excellence and helping teams succeed.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting communications, marketing, advertising or professional services organizations.

Experience contributing to agency marketing, thought leadership or brand positioning initiatives.

Familiarity with CRM platforms, proposal management systems or knowledge management tools.

Experience supporting global or multi-office business development efforts.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $75,000 - $95,000 USD/yr. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.

Level 05 An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.

About Our Benefits

• Healthy, happy employees make Zeno better, so we have programs that support physical, mental and financial wellness.
• Our culture and benefits are designed to promote flexibility, celebrate diversity and support work/life balance.
• We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision insurance with prescription plans, as well as short and long-term disability.
• Our Be Kind to Your Mind program focuses on mental health, providing a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers and other services through a best-in-class employee assistance program.
• Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic self to Zeno and participate in our employee resource groups which build communities for sharing and support.
• And while we love our work, we believe in the restorative power of time off with generous vacation, paid holidays and self-care time.
• Employees are supported in their pursuit of financial wellness with a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and free access to a certified financial coach.
• And our unique ZenoFit program provides a monthly allowance to fund activities in your personal life that bring you joy and keep you healthy.
• These and other benefits are available to non-temporary employees in the US.

Zeno Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made on the basis of job-related criteria without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military, or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. We invite all applicants to voluntarily self-identify their race, ethnicity, and gender. Submission of the information on this form is strictly voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment. Information obtained will be retained in a confidential file and separate from personnel records. This information may only be used in accordance with the provision of applicable federal laws, executive orders, and regulations. If you want more information about any of the sections, please check with a company representative.

We are a rapidly-growing agency that provides opportunities to learn, develop skills and collaborate with colleagues at all levels across our global network. Ask us about Zeno's Day of Play, Zeno Gives Back (our global day of service), Fearless University, office happy hours and more. We are always looking for diverse talent who can bring great energy to our teams and our business. Zeno is the place where careers are built and lives are lived. A Fiercely Independent Agency Zeno is an award-winning, global integrated communications agency, born from PR, operating across North America, Europe and Asia. Zeno is – and always will be – for everyone. We are committed to fostering a global, diverse workforce where all employees feel valued, included and empowered. What sets Zeno apart is the people who comprise the agency – the unique perspectives, the varied worldviews and the impactful empathy – who are dedicated to driving positive change. To support our diverse workforce, we created safe-space communities to connect with others who share similar backgrounds, experiences, identities, etc. These resources include: Black Voices, Zin Miedo (Latinx), PRide at Zeno (LGBTQ+), Asian-cy (Asian and Pacific Islander), Zeno Village (working parents), Freshmen Homeroom (Intern, AAE, AE) and Healthy Minds (mental wellbeing). To reinforce our commitments to DE&I and take action against systemic racism, Zeno launched 'Act Together' in 2020. The initiative is reflective of our shared responsibility to undertake the hard work that brings about real, positive outcomes within Zeno and the broader communications industry. The strengthened infrastructure and resources we put in place ensures DE&I effectively informs everything we do. Act Together remains central to who we are and how we show up with the goal of lasting change. We will not waver in prioritizing this important work.