BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL MANAGER - CANTEEN CCS

Job Summary:

The Proposal Manager leads the development of complex, high-value sales and retention proposals for Compass Group. This senior role is responsible for the overall strategy, content direction, stakeholder coordination, and final delivery of competitive proposals. The Proposal Manager provides thought leadership, messaging strategy, and creative input to ensure responses align with client needs and Compass Group’s positioning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the entire sales and retention proposal process for high-value, complex bids from start to submission.
• Strategically analyze RFPs, ensuring responses align with client needs, business objectives, and company positioning.
• Provide strategic guidance and feedback on proposal responses, ensuring high-quality, competitive submissions.
• Develop tailored content and messaging for proposals, including writing and refining key sections as needed.
• Review and approve all final proposal documents to ensure compliance, quality, and strategic alignment.
• Serve as a proactive leader in meetings and sales presentations, influencing strategy and decision-making.
• Manage stakeholder relationships effectively, identifying key decision-makers and fostering collaboration.
• Train and mentor Proposal Coordinators, guiding them in process execution and best practices.
• Possess a general understanding of deal financials, including pro formas, margins, and overall cost structures.
• Obtain project management training and/or certification to enhance process efficiency and effectiveness.
• Be present on-site at critical sales presentations when needed to support the team.
• Support the proposal development process by pulling and organizing responses for Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Manage the proposal process for smaller or less complex bids, ensuring all deliverables are completed on time.
• Review and proofread proposals and other team projects to ensure accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment.
• Use process management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Teams) to track deliverables, assignments, and deadlines.
• Schedule and facilitate creative kick-off calls, coordinating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to align on project scope.
• Assign RFP questions to appropriate team members and ensure timely responses.
• Manage the clarification process by tracking questions and coordinating with clients as needed.
• Act as the primary liaison between the Sales team and the creative team, ensuring clear communication.
• Oversee deadlines, workflow, and submission logistics to ensure proposals meet all client requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including operations teams, SMEs, and leadership.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in proposal management, business development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder proposals from start to finish.
• Exceptional writing, messaging, and editing skills.
• Strong understanding of RFP compliance and business development strategy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Smartsheet, SharePoint, and Adobe tools preferred.
• Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.