Proposal Lead

ISL Engineering & Landservices • Edmonton, AB

3d • CA$85,000 - CA$105,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

ISL is seeking a Proposal Lead to strengthen their proposal pursuit, development, and delivery processes. This role involves leading a team of 4-5 members, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure high-quality proposal work. The Proposal Lead will collaborate with internal and external teams, manage proposal schedules, and ensure RFP compliance. The position emphasizes teamwork, responsiveness, collaboration, and ongoing development within a supportive culture. ISL is a company of over 600 employees specializing in various infrastructure projects across Western and Northern Canada, with expertise in sectors like Transportation, Municipal and Community, Bridges, Building and Structures, and Land and Environment.

Requirements

• 6+ years of proposal coordination or proposal leadership experience on multi-partner pursuits, preferably within a consulting engineering, architecture, or AEC environment.
• Strong, hands-on knowledge of the RFP process and full proposal lifecycle, including compliance, scheduling, reviews, and submission requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, mentoring, or directly managing proposal coordinators or other professional team members.
• Clear examples of the scope, complexity, and value of proposals you have led or coordinated.
• Strong writing, Microsoft Office, template, and workflow skills, with an interest in AI and emerging technologies that can improve proposal strategy, efficiency, and quality.
• Experience in a consulting engineering or architecture environment.
• Natural mentor with experience coaching and developing proposal coordinators or other related professionals across the full proposal lifecycle.
• Strategic thinking, process improvement focus, and interest in making proposal delivery sharper, smoother, and more efficient.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with competing deadlines, triage priorities calmly, and keep the team on track.
• Ability to build trust with Project Managers and technical teams, influence effectively, and adapt communication style.
• Strong attention to detail, RFP compliance awareness, and ability to translate complex technical information into clear, compelling, client-focused proposal content.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of municipal RFP processes is a definite asset.
• Experience in an AEC related industry would be an asset.
• Interest in AI and automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and prioritize a high-volume proposal workload across multiple concurrent pursuits, ensuring the team stays focused and on track.
• Guide proposal coordinators and technical contributors through the full proposal process, from planning and resourcing through to final submission.
• Maintain RFP compliance, proposal quality, documentation standards, and submission readiness on every pursuit.
• Build and manage pursuit schedules, track key deadlines, and hold contributors accountable for timely, high-quality inputs.
• Partner with Project Managers and technical leads to align pursuit strategy, resourcing, key messages, and client-focused content.
• Lead senior-level reviews, quality checks, and peer review processes to strengthen deliverables before submission.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, mentoring, and development support to proposal staff.
• Support team growth, process improvement, and a positive team culture through onboarding, better tools, templates, workflows, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Hybrid model of work
• Excellent mentorship
• Employer paid benefits including health, dental and extensive paramedical services
• Healthcare Spending and Lifestyle Option Accounts
• Group RRSP
• Annual bonus incentives
• Paid professional development opportunities and memberships
• 24/7/365 Employee Family Assistance program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed