Proposal Manager, Strategic Pursuits

Overview

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At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Summary Of The Role

Responsibilities

• Lead the full proposal lifecycle, from kickoff through final production and interview, owning all deliverables and driving a smooth, efficient process.
• Foster a self-directed, accountable team culture by delivering high-quality, review- and client-ready materials.
• Develop and manage pursuit organization tools, including schedules, compliance matrices, templates, and assignment dashboards, using collaborative online platforms. Capture meeting notes and action items, translate key themes and client priorities into a focused capture plan.
• Review and interpret RFPs to create clear, actionable compliance matrices that guide proposal development.
• Coordinate input from internal teams and external subconsultants, maintaining alignment and clear communication throughout.
• Track and communicate progress, manage deadlines, and adjust priorities to keep the team and deliverables on schedule.
• Support content development by preparing early drafts, capturing meeting notes, and distilling key themes and differentiators into a focused capture plan.
• Proactively communicate workload needs and availability.

Content Development & Quality

• Write, edit, and format non-technical proposal content to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Work closely with specialized experts to write and visualize technical approaches and project understanding information.
• Develop qualifications, bios, data, forms, and terms to be accurate and compliant.
• Support the creation of storyboarding, benefit statements, message development, project profiles, and additional data and materials to demonstrate aligned qualifications and differentiators.
• Research project background and tailor content accordingly.
• Author and review draft proposal text for consistency, brand voice, and grammar to remove errors and redundancy.
• Integrate risks/issues identified by the pursuit team and translate them into the PSOE (problem, solution, outcome, evidence) table. Work with graphic designers to produce visuals that represent this information in a reader-friendly format.
• Identify gaps in draft proposal text based on capture planning, PSOE exercises, RFP requirements and other resources.

Visual & Layout

• Format documents with reader-friendly graphic/layout skills; expect intermediate InDesign with potential to advance.
• Collaborate with marketing resources, data keepers, and layout artists; communicate progress with the Strategic Pursuit Leader.
• Develop draft presentation materials and work with graphic designers to transform technical content into clear visuals.
• Provide clear direction and timely communication to achieve high-quality deliverables.
• Develop materials such as interactive presentations and leave-behinds to communicate key messages.

Quality & Compliance

• Create schedules and time blocks to conduct appropriate reviews of content and graphics.
• Monitor progress to meet internal deadlines and quality processes.
• Coordinate with Strategic Pursuit leaders to meet expectations of quality-driven materials, including graphics and format.
• Perform or request technical editing and compliance reviews for grammatical accuracy and alignment with RFPs.
• Improve and evolve processes for producing high-quality materials.

Pre-positioning & Collateral

• Research project background and gather data to support differentiating sections of the proposal.
• Refine resumes, project information, histories, photographs, and other materials; develop brand-specific collateral.
• Coordinate with leadership on marketplace, client, and project-specific research; promote sector qualifications and marketing collateral in advance of RFP releases.

Continuous Process Improvement

• Adopt and teach AI tools and software to improve efficiency and quality.
• Support proposal quality by adhering to best practices and industry standards.
• Contribute to debriefs and HDR procedures, policies, and file management practices.

Interpersonal Skills & Technical Aptitude

• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple projects, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; attention to HDR brand guidelines.
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and able to work with diverse personalities; strong problem-solving and professional judgment.
• Interest in transportation industry terminology and ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and InDesign; familiarity with CRM tools (Salesforce, Oscar, Watson, PDM).

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated self-starter with a history of completing projects with limited oversight.
• Experience in sales and developing effective win strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign.

Compensation & Location

The position is full-time with a compensation range that varies by geography. Primary location: United States-Colorado-Denver. Other locations are listed in the job description.

EEO & Benefits

HDR is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories. We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, paid time away, parental leave, and more. Seniority level: Mid-Senior level. Employment type: Full-time. Industry: Marketing/Communications. Job Posting: Aug 29, 2025.

Our eight Employee Network Groups support belonging and engagement. We are committed to an inclusive environment where employees are empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

Primary and other location listings, as well as travel expectations, are included in the original posting.

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