Proposal Manager - Houston, TX

The Proposal Manager leads the development of responsive, compelling, compliant, and professionally executed proposals, presentations, prequalifications, and other related deliverables that position the company for success and reinforce a positive client experience. Responsible for leading assigned pursuits throughout the proposal lifecycle, the Proposal Manager works closely with the Senior Proposal Manager, Commercial, Operations, Engineering, Construction, and Executive Leadership teams to develop and implement win strategies, key messages, differentiators, and customer-focused solutions that align with client objectives and company capabilities.

The Proposal Manager directs proposal planning, compliance management, content development, reviews, production, submission, closeout activities, and lessons learned to ensure deliverables are compelling, responsive, and aligned with established proposal management processes and industry best practices.

The Proposal Manager contributes to the development and enhancement of proposal-related content, tools, templates, and knowledge resources while ensuring lessons learned, project information, and pursuit content are captured and maintained for future use.

The Proposal Manager collaborates with the Senior Proposal Manager to continuously improve proposal processes, tools, content management practices, and team capabilities.

ABOUT S&B

S&B is an exceptional full-service Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, proudly maintaining private ownership and operation for over five decades. With our extensive experience, we have successfully undertaken diverse projects across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Energy Transition, Power, and Pulp & Paper.  What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to safety, timely project completion, and cost-effective solutions. Our proven track record speaks for itself, as we consistently deliver outstanding results while adhering to the highest industry standards. Moreover, our company culture is unparalleled, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.  At S&B, we understand the value of our talented team, and we ensure they are rewarded accordingly. We offer a competitive compensation package, flexible and hybrid work schedules, and a comprehensive benefits program to attract and retain the best professionals in the field.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides day-to-day leadership, mentoring, and professional development support for Proposal Coordinators. May provide guidance to administrative support personnel and subject matter experts involved in proposal development. During proposal efforts, provides leadership and coordination for multidisciplinary pursuit teams, including commercial, engineering, construction, project management, operations, and executive stakeholders.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, Business, English, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred but not required. Comparable industry experience, proposal management experience, or demonstrated competency may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Ability to apply strategic thinking, customer-focused messaging, and win strategy concepts to the development of high-quality proposals, qualifications, and presentations. Demonstrated experience leading complex proposal, qualification, and presentation efforts is required.

Working knowledge of formal proposal management methodologies, strategic planning, win strategy development, proposal planning, compliance management, and proposal best practices is required. Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, manage multiple priorities, and perform successfully in deadline-driven environments.

Experience in the engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), industrial, energy, or related industries is preferred.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and in managing electronic content and document repositories.

Familiarity with APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) standards, methodologies, and industry best practices is strongly preferred. APMP certification is preferred but not required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads assigned proposal, prequalification, presentation, and interview efforts from opportunity identification through submission and closeout.
• Directs pursuit execution activities, including proposal planning, compliance management, schedule development, content development, reviews, production, submission, and lessons learned.
• Assists in bid/no-bid evaluations, pursuit planning activities, and proposal strategy development.
• Develops proposal schedules, outlines, compliance matrices, responsibility matrices, and production plans to support successful pursuit execution.
• Leads kickoff meetings, status meetings, reviews, and other pursuit-related activities.
• Collaborates with Commercial, Business Development, Operations, and technical leadership to develop win strategies, differentiators, key messages, and customer-focused solutions.
• Ensures proposal deliverables align with pursuit strategy, client requirements, and company capabilities.
• Develops, writes, edits, reviews, and quality-checks proposal content as required.
• Ensures proposals comply with client requirements, internal quality standards, and established proposal management practices.
• Maintains and enhances proposal content libraries, project profiles, resumes, templates, and other knowledge management resources.
• Identifies content gaps and coordinates development of reusable content to support future pursuits.
• Provides coaching, mentoring, and developmental support to Proposal Coordinators.
• Supports presentation planning, interview preparation, and executive review processes.
• Collaborates with stakeholders across the organization to gather information and develop compelling proposal responses.
• Conducts post-submission reviews and incorporates lessons learned into future proposal efforts.
• Identifies opportunities to improve proposal quality, efficiency, tools, and pursuit execution practices.
• Maintains awareness of market trends, client priorities, competitive positioning, and industry best practices.
• Supports proposal efforts across markets, sectors, clients, and opportunity types as business priorities require.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Exceptional written, verbal, editing, and presentation communication skills are required. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret client solicitations, contracts, technical documentation, and business correspondence. Ability to develop, write, edit, review, and tailor compelling proposal content, executive summaries, presentations, and qualification packages. Ability to communicate effectively with clients, executives, project managers, engineers, construction professionals, and other stakeholders. Ability to facilitate reviews, lead discussions, present recommendations, and communicate proposal strategies and requirements to multidisciplinary teams.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to analyze and interpret business, market, and proposal-related metrics. Ability to develop clear charts, graphs, and reports from numerical data. Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as percentages, ratios, averages, and trend analysis in practical business situations. Ability to support business decisions using quantitative data and performance metrics.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Occasionally will conduct or participate in field visits to operating facilities, construction sites, client offices, conferences, or industry events. This requires the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb, and balance. Lifting up to 25 pounds may occasionally be required. Clear close and distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus are required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Normal work environment will be a business office with moderate noise. Occasionally, will conduct or participate in a field trip to operating plants or construction sites. This may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, work near moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, construction equipment, vibration, fumes, chemicals and airborne particles.

#LI-Hybrid