Proposal Manager

Overview

In this role, you will lead the end‑to‑end proposal process for assigned opportunities, producing high‑quality proposals, budgets, quotes, and RFI/RFP responses. We are specifically looking for a strong proposal writer who can craft clear, persuasive, and accurate content aligned to client needs and internal strategy.

Hybrid role - Durham Office.

• Owns all aspects of the appropriate proposal process (text, quote, budget, and/or response to Requests for Information [RFIs]) for assigned opportunities (inclusive of managing opportunities under general supervision, establishing clear timelines, meeting client requirement, and suggesting solutions for obstacles).
• Responsible for managing opportunities of low to medium complexity.
• Support integrated opportunities (i.e., spanning across multiple Business Units).
• Reviews and analyzes RFI and/or Request for Proposal (RFP) documents to ensure adequate information for budget, proposal and/or response preparation is provided. Follows up with appropriate contact for additional information as required.
• Identifies and resolves issues around client enquiry requirements and Fortrea capabilities with support.
• Organizes and facilitates of strategic and operational calls related to the opportunity.
• Work across the organization in matrix environment across multiple time-zones and locations to lead the process and complete deliverables.
• Liaise with third party vendors/vendor managers for provision of quotations and/or information where required.
• Prepares high quality and accurate documents in accordance with agreed strategy and Sponsor requirements and expectations under the pressure of changing timelines.
• Supports facilitating internal and external opportunity management negotiations (i.e., pricing, process, resources, timelines, etc.) as needed.
• Ensures timely delivery of assigned deliverables.
• Is responsible for resolving issues/challenges and informing Manager; may seek Manager’s advice for complex issues/challenges.
• Performs timely and accurate data entry into departmental and/or corporate databases/systems as appropriate.
• Support client-facing and senior management-facing activities surrounding assigned opportunities as needed, including supporting preparation, attendance, or leading applicable preparation and meetings.
• Maintains appropriate knowledge of the technical and regulatory environments.
• Identifies and participates in ways to improve the efficiency and quality of processes and the resulting deliverables.
• Contribute to assigned client relationship improvement activities and implementation.
• Performs quality control activities per the appropriate process/requirements.
• Support hosting sales-focused inbound client visits.
• Responsible for coordinating on-boarding activities for new starters, including working directly with the management staff to ensure proper on-boarding.
• Expected to contribute to content library by submitting new content or updates to existing content, using the official content submission process.
• Completes other appropriate duties, as assigned by the manager, which require similar skills in accordance with business needs and common sense.

• Bachelor’s degree required in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience in lieu of educational requirements.

• Minimum 4 years of experience in budget and/or text development, or an equivalent combination of education and CRO/pharma/other related experience to successfully perform the essential job duties.
• Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail and ability to be persistent while maintaining tact.
• Demonstrated computer skills – requires excellent MS Office experience (specifically Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Knowledge of proposal management software applications (e.g., , Qvidian, Proposal Automation applications) is preferred.
• Demonstrated text editing and writing skills (based on business unit and/or team expectations).
• Demonstrated ability to plan, multi-task and prioritize.
• Demonstrated teamwork, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with internal stakeholders, clients and Fortrea senior management.
• Positive attitude and sense of urgency.
• Possesses an ability and willingness to work across Business Units.
• Ability to work irregular and/or extended hours as needed to meet the client’s proposal deadline.

• Flexibility to participate in meetings across various time zones outside core working hours.
• Travel Required.

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.