Senior Proposal Manager (Ireland)

WSP in the U.S.; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Supportive culture

Health and wellbeing programs

Training and mentoring

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Michigan seeks a Senior Proposals Manager to oversee high-value bid projects and manage strategic pursuits. This role requires a strong background in engineering and construction, with proficiency in bid governance and project management. Candidates should possess a degree level qualification and APMP Foundation, alongside excellent communication and teamwork skills. Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options, and a supportive culture are offered to promote work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in an appropriate subject.
• Experience in a similar role within engineering and construction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex, high-value strategic bids.
• Provide leadership to appointed bids, ensuring optimal quality solutions.
• Train and coach colleagues on the bid process.

Skills

Bid governance

Project management

Communication

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Education

Degree level qualification

APMP Foundation or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Suite

InDesign

Job description

At WSP Ireland, we are looking for a strategic and motivated Senior Proposals Manager to join our Transport and Infrastructure team. The role will manage high‑value bid projects across Ireland and the UK, lead the pursuit process, collaborate across teams, and ensure winning proposals are delivered on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex, high‑value strategic bids as bid manager or senior support role.
• Ensure appropriate bid governance and review processes are followed.
• Provide input to the strategic bid capture planning process.
• Work with the client and Opportunity Director to develop customised solutions that meet the client's specific needs.
• Assist in opportunity qualification throughout the process.
• Understand internal and external customer requirements and provide resource expertise, supporting the management and leadership of strategic bids.
• Challenge operational, technical, commercial and financial proposals to facilitate development of solutions that deliver customer benefit.
• Work with bid authors and solution architects to convert knowledge into winning proposals.
• Support lessons learnt from bids, analyzing customer feedback and sharing best practices.
• Train and coach colleagues on the bid process and associated skills.
• Collate market and competitor information useful for future bids.

Role Accountabilities

• Provide leadership to appointed bids, delivering optimal quality/price solutions and keeping the team well informed.
• Collaborate with Opportunity Directors, bid colleagues, operational managers and sector teams to develop tailored solutions.
• Understand client needs and advise on and develop solution quality and integration.
• Build relationships quickly to deliver efficient and effective work within new bid teams.
• Convert knowledge from operational and business development staff into winning proposals.
• Analyse each bid to identify and share best practices, supporting cross‑cutting initiatives and business objectives.
• Collate market and competitor information for future propositions.

Key Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in an appropriate subject.
• APMP Foundation or equivalent.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, InDesign (desired) and graphics skills.
• Previous experience in a similar role within engineering and construction.
• Expert experience of producing tenders in the Roads and Civil markets across the Republic and Northern Ireland.
• Demonstrable record of success as a senior bid manager.
• Strong understanding of bid governance, review processes, bid writing and commercial skills.
• Thorough understanding of public and private procurement processes in the UK and Ireland.
• Strong verbal and written communication, collaborative team player.
• Robust project management skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective time‑management and prioritisation.
• Pro‑active, initiative‑driven, responsible for own actions.
• Ability to assimilate large volumes of information and manage associated workflows.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with external clients and internal colleagues.
• Excellent people skills to lead, motivate and enthuse others.
• Passion for quality and continuous improvement with a focus on delivery.
• Confidence to delegate where required.
• Excellent oral and written English, capable of presenting complex ideas simply.
• Demonstrate behaviours and attitudes in line with WSP core values.
• Support and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy allowing two days a week from home and collaboration in office.

Inclusivity & belonging: supportive culture welcoming diverse backgrounds.

Health & wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package.

Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” for personal activities, part‑time and flexible arrangements, additional leave options.

Development: training, mentoring, Chartership support.

We are a Disability Confident leader and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you need workplace adjustments to support your application.