The Proposal Lead plays a key role in the Project Development Team, driving business growth and ensuring a steady pipeline of new project opportunities across the Southwest region. This role focuses on client research, development, marketing, proposal creation, communication strategy, and project procurement all central to expanding the company's footprint and maintaining consistent project flow.
Reporting to the Project Development Director, the Proposal Lead collaborates closely with leadership and marketing teams to create compelling, competitive, and client-specific responses to RFQs and RFPs. This position requires an individual who can blend creative presentation and writing skills with technical industry knowledge and organizational leadership to guide a team through multiple concurrent pursuits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the preparation of high-quality RFQ / RFP responses for design-build, CMAR, IPD, IFOA, and select hard-bid projects.
- Develop creative proposal strategies, themes, and messaging aligned with client goals and company positioning.
- Prepare, edit, and format proposal content, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards.
- Collaborate with project teams to prepare presentation materials and interview deliverables for client meetings.
- Manage proposal kickoff and capture-planning sessions to establish key pursuit themes, differentiators, and win strategies.
- Ensure proposals are graphically polished, technically sound, and effectively communicate project experience, qualifications, and value propositions.
- Coordinate with internal teams to collect project data, staff resumes, visuals, and technical narratives.
- Track, organize, and maintain proposal and project pursuit data in company databases.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to proposal coordinators, fostering professional development and role advancement.
- Represent the company with professionalism and consistency across all marketing activities, maintaining brand integrity at all times.
Position Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Business Administration, Architecture, Construction Management, or Engineering.5+ years of professional experience in the A / E / C industry, with at least 3 years in management.Proficient with Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems and project pursuit tracking tools.Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities.Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and proofreading.Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.Experience conducting market research and applying analytical insights to pursuit strategies.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) with strong layout and design skills.Knowledge of construction industry terminology and proposal procedures.Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) designation preferred.Compensation & Benefits
Compensation Range : $90,000 $130,000+ annually DOE and qualifications, with bonus and incentives available for candidates who bring an established book of business.Company Vehicle : Available for qualifying roles per company policy.Cell Phone Allowance : All salaried employees receive either a company phone or allowance.Annual Bonus : Performance-based eligibility for salaried roles.401(k) Retirement Plan : Employer-sponsored participation.Medical, Vision & Dental Insurance : Company-paid employee coverage; dependent plans available.Life Insurance & AD&D : Included.Long-Term Disability : Company-provided.Health Savings Account (HSA) and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) : Available to eligible employees.Paid Time Off (PTO) : Accrued from start of employment.Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) : Reviewed periodically based on location and market conditions.Why Work With Us
Since 1937, this employee-owned organization has been a recognized leader in delivering critical infrastructure solutions across the U.S. With decades of experience in aviation, government, and environmental projects, we continue to expand our reach through innovative proposal strategies, client partnerships, and pursuit excellence. Named one of ENRs Top General Contractors, our success is built on the values of Ownership, Integrity, and Diversity and on turning client visions into reality through collaboration, precision, and creativity.