Proposal Manager

Savvas Learning; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Savvas Learning Company is seeking a Proposal Manager in Northbrook, IL to own end-to-end proposal development, tailor responses to customer requirements, and help win business.

You will lead cross-functional teams, manage deadlines, and refine win themes while aligning with the company’s strategy. The role emphasizes collaboration, decisive action, and careful coordination of writers, SMEs, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive proposal experience.
• Track record of winning contracts.
• Ability to lead multi-staff teams under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with MS Office and Google apps.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end proposal development and reviews.
• Coordinate client Q&A and bid submissions.
• Guide writers and subcontractors; provide updates to management.
• Plan calendars, deadlines, and win themes.
• Work under a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.

Skills

Proposal leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Deadline-driven

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Produce complete, concise, and compelling proposals that are customized to the customer requirements and promote our products and services with the desired outcome of winning business for our company. You will be accountable for the entire proposal response which includes ensuring all RFP requirements are satisfied. The Proposal Manager will take end-to-end ownership and leadership of proposal development and related support processes, review of RFP to understand customer requirements, plan, organize, schedule and lead all proposal efforts and meetings, final proposal revisions leading to final proposal response, oral presentation assistance, and Best and Final Offer assistance.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working collaboratively with department writers, sales, solution experts, and other subject matter experts
• Must be responsive, decisive, and proactive in continuously applying our sound proposal processes. This includes proposal outlines, planning the calendar of deadlines and deliverables, writing assignments, win themes & discriminators, action items, and continuously communicating these to the team.
• Must have experience in managing and meeting established deadlines.
• The Proposal Manager must understand the overall proposal strategies, and ensure these themes are reflected throughout the final document.
• Provide the interface with the client to coordinate Q&A activities and other proposal-related tasks.
• The Proposal Manager will provide detailed guidance to proposal writers/contributors and any subcontractors and provide timely and reliable updates to management as required.
• Needs to exhibit critical thinking skills, sound business decision-making skills, and be an experienced problem solver.
• The Proposal Manager must also have an "add value everyday" mentality.
• He/she must possess the ability to plan, communicate and coordinate proposal production staff to produce high-quality documents and do so without drama.
• Must have the ability to work smart in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.
• Leadership and management skills required.
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail critical.
• Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams toward a common goal.
• Ability to identify, prioritize and manage multiple tasks necessary to satisfy all requirements.
• Identify and propose improvements to make proposals more effective, or the proposal process more efficient.
• Participate actively in pursuing approved improvements.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• A track record of winning contracts/business.
• A proactive approach and ability to direct and orchestrate large, multi-staff proposal team efforts with tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to conceptualize and manage the development of compelling, sales/marketing-oriented proposal narrative that concisely answers requirements.
• Competency with MS Office and Google business applications is a must.
• The successful candidate should expect to work in a fast-paced, team environment that might require additional time on short notice.
• That candidate must handle competition-sensitive information appropriately.

OTHER SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Strong business acumen and knowledge of the education marketplace.
• Strong collaborative and effective communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required.
• Ability to multi-task, work independently, and work under short timelines.
• Strong problem-solving skills necessary.
• Strong attention to details.
• Ability to conceptualize and think creatively.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with team and senior management.

Salary Range - $72,000.00 - $83,000.00

At Savvas, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We invest in our employees with a rewards package that combines compensation, exceptional benefits and wellness programs in addition to opportunities for professional growth. This role may also be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation. The posted hiring range reflects our good faith estimate at the time of posting and remains subject to modification. Compensation is determined by factors such as but not limited to skills, experience, budget, and internal equity.

Savvas Learning Company is a global education company that produces award-winning learning solutions that empower educators and engage students with the highest quality content.

Recognized as an industry leader, we serve millions of K-12 learners with innovative, student-centered educational programs that turn today's classrooms into active learning environments. By embracing technology, personalized learning, and immersive experiences delivered across multiple platforms, we design our learning solutions to be more accessible and relevant to each student.

Our comprehensive solutions for core curriculum, and supplemental and intervention programs - supported by an array of professional development services - allow teachers to use data to inform classroom practices and tailor instructions to an individual's abilities and learning styles. Savvas Learning Company is an Equal Opportunity and Aff

Savvas Learning Company is an Equal Opportunity and Aff

Please visit www.savvas.com for more information about us, or visit us at LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube.