Business Development Proposals Manager

Clifford Chance•Houston, TX

11d

About The Position

The Business Development Proposals Manager supports the proposal strategy for Clifford Chance’s Project Development & Finance Global Product Group, helping maximise the Firm’s success on strategic opportunities. The role is part of the Global Proposals team and works closely with GPG partners, lawyers and Business Development colleagues to manage complex proposals and convert priority opportunities. It has a global remit, with a primary focus on proposals in the European market, and collaborates with colleagues across regions on cross-border opportunities. The role leads strategic, complex and multi-jurisdictional proposal processes from end to end. It provides advice, direction, coaching and support throughout the proposal lifecycle; develops tailored, client-centred pitch materials; and promotes effective proposal practices, tools and training. The position also works with a broad range of Firm professionals to build strong propositions, maintain proposal momentum and improve the effectiveness of proposal delivery.

Requirements

Extensive experience working on competitive proposals and pitches, ideally in professional services.
Extensive experience working across functions in international, regional and local contexts.
Experience working at a senior level in a partnership.
Proven ability to build strong working relationships with senior management.
Proven ability to lead staff at all levels and delegate effectively.
Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism and act discreetly when required.
Ability to build relationships quickly with senior stakeholders.
Excellent listening, oral and written communication skills.
High level of self-awareness and ability to adapt working style to different situations.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Highly developed analytical skills and a passion for problem solving.
Strong IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and exposure to web portals used to manage RFP processes.

Nice To Haves

Experience working on competitive proposals and pitches within the professional services market is ideal.

Responsibilities

Lead proposal activity aligned to the Project Development & Finance Global Product Group, supporting the BD team, partners and lawyers on strategic, complex and multi-jurisdictional opportunities.
Manage strategic proposal processes end to end and serve as the central point of contact.
Provide advice, challenge, direction, coaching and support to stakeholders throughout the proposal lifecycle.
Coach, oversee and support junior colleagues through pitch processes, taking account of their experience levels.
Draft, review and edit pitch documents to create compelling, client-centred propositions tailored to the practice offering.
Manage proposal submissions through online portals and advise on best practice for online reverse auctions.
Develop creative ways to communicate with clients during pitch processes and create compelling written content.
Promote effective use of the Firm’s marketing technologies and support processes for standard pitch content, pipeline reporting and capability statements.
Deliver proposal training to lawyers and Business Development teams.
Conduct win/loss debriefs for global proposals and pitches.
Work with partners and Business Development management to build and maintain momentum in winning new business.
Build relationships with Project Development & Finance partners, lawyers and BD colleagues and develop an understanding of the group’s priorities, clients and market propositions.
Collaborate with Business Professionals, including Commercial Pricing and Document Production, to support pitch processes.
Work with teams to develop strong propositions throughout all stages of the RFP process.
Support the development and sharing of proposal best practice and delivery standards.
Help equip the Firm and BD colleagues with tools, techniques and infrastructure for effective and efficient proposal development, including supporting proposal training course design.
Act as the Project Development & Finance liaison with Global Proposals for global panel pitches, proposal pipeline tracking, reporting and RFP outcome analysis.