Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a proposal manager and how to become one
A proposal manager leads the creation of business proposals in response to requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for information (RFIs), and other bid solicitations. They manage a team of subject matter experts, writers, and editors to ensure thorough, compliant, and compelling proposals. Proposal managers also work to develop win strategies, conduct competitive analysis, and meet requirements. They work with sales teams, project managers, and executives to develop proposals for potential clients and win new business.
What's a day at work look like for a proposal manager?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
Program Director & Assistant Professor, Maryville University
Avg. Salary $88,678
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%
Asian 8.65%
Black or African American 7.71%
Hispanic or Latino 12.93%
Unknown 4.71%
White 65.35%
Genderfemale 49.55%
male 50.45%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a proposal manager?
Pros
High earning potential
Opportunity for professional growth
Opportunity to improve communication and interpersonal skills
Involved in shaping business strategy
Opportunity to work on high-profile projects
Cons
Long hours and potentially working outside of regular business hours
Risk of burnout due to the demanding nature of the role
Competitive industry with high standards for quality proposals
Risk of losing bids, which can negatively impact job security and morale
Potential for conflict or tension with team members over proposal direction or strategy
Proposal manager career paths
Key steps to become a proposal manager
Explore proposal manager education requirements
Start to develop specific proposal manager skills
Skills Percentages RFP 7.95% Proposal Management 6.83% PowerPoint 6.63% Business Development 5.94% Subject Matter Experts 4.79% Research proposal manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage proposal response from receipt of qualify leads, RFIs, RFQs or RFPs through to final product ;.
- Manage development of responses to request for proposals (RFPs) and requests for information (RFIs).
- Lead color team reviews of proposal strategies, storyboards, win themes and content according to Shipley proposal process.
- Implement Salesforce for division and manage pipeline and post-award contract documentation.
Prepare your proposal manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your proposal manager resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a proposal manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable proposal manager resume templates
Build a professional proposal manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your proposal manager resume.
Apply for proposal manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a proposal manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first proposal manager job
Are you a proposal manager?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average proposal manager salary
The average proposal manager salary in the United States is $88,678 per year or $43 per hour. Proposal manager salaries range between $60,000 and $130,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do proposal managers rate their job?
Proposal manager reviews
Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.
I am detail oriented with respect to all the requirements of the RFP, from initial "scrubbing" to compliance and review. I have managed writer submissions, tracking against established timeline and ensuring changes through final in-house review to include editing, proofing, and submission of the bid. I am also interested in editing/proofing nonscientific publications
Team contributors who miss deadlines or fail to address the specific requirements that in turn affect the process.
How clean and user friend the information was, very direct and to the point
Maybe more job details needed
Updated January 8, 2025
