Description

Proposal managers oversee all of an organization’s proposals. They are typically involved in all aspects of the proposal process, although they may delegate some specific tasks and oversee the final product.Proposal managers spend a lot of their time reviewing requests for proposals. They make sure that they fully understand the client’s expectations; they then examine those expectations, as well as the budget and deadline, into consideration when determining whether or not to accept a proposal. Any questions or concerns are raised with the client before beginning the proposal process.Once they confirm with the client, proposal managers begin to develop the proposal plan. This plan documents all phases of a proposal, as well as their requirements and deadlines. Depending on the stages that the proposal goes through, the proposal manager begins to delegate certain tasks to employees, contractors, or consultants.During the proposal process, proposal managers must oversee the teams and ensure that progress is being made effectively and in accordance with the client’s requirements. When the first draft is completed, proposal managers must confirm that it is accurate and that it will meet the expectations of the client. If no adjustments are necessary, they forward the proposal to the client for review.If the client approves of the contract, the proposal manager meets with them in order to finalize the contract. If the client rejects the proposal, the proposal manager meets with the team in order to determine what went wrong and how they can improve.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Proposal Manager with 3-6 years of experience in the AE, your main responsibilities include:

  • Manage the end-to-end proposal process, from initial strategy and planning to final submission, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, engineering, and subject matter experts, to gather required information and develop compelling proposals.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of proposals to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with client requirements.
  • Coordinate and lead proposal meetings and debriefs, fostering effective communication and collaboration among team members.

Qualifications & Work Experience

The Proposal Manager is accountable for managing the entire process of submitting proposals starting with analyzing the client's needs, writing proposals, working with teams across functional areas, and finally making an official proposal. They collaborate with marketing, sales, and technical teams to create and communicate a successful proposal strategy. The Proposal Manager should have outstanding writing and editing abilities and have excellent skills in project management and be able to meet deadlines that are tight. They should be meticulous and have excellent communications skills and possess the ability to communicate complicated information in a clear and convincing manner.

Essential Skills For Proposal Manager

1

Strategic Foresight

2

Sense of Pitch

3

Pitching & Proposal

Skills That Affect Proposal Manager Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Contract Law

1%

Business Development

13%

Project Management

21%

Career Prospects

The role of a Proposal Manager is crucial in coordinating and managing the proposal process. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in the architecture and engineering industry, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are four options worth exploring:

  • Project Coordinator: A role that involves overseeing project schedules, coordinating project activities, and ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
  • Business Development Associate: A position focused on identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with clients, and assisting in the development of proposals.
  • Marketing Manager: A role that involves planning and executing marketing strategies, managing brand presence, and ensuring effective communication with clients.
  • Contracts Administrator: A position focused on reviewing and negotiating contracts, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and managing contract documentation.

How to Learn

The job role of Proposal Manager in the United Arab Emirates is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the last 10 years, there has been a consistent rise in demand for Proposal Managers, indicating a sustained upward trajectory. With the country's thriving economy and increasing investment in various industries, the demand for Proposal Managers is expected to continue growing in the coming years. This will lead to numerous employment opportunities in the future, making it a promising career path for individuals in the UAE.