Proposal (Marketing) Manager - Construction

Wharton Smith Inc•Sanford, FL

About The Position

At Wharton Smith, proposals are not support functions, they are a core business discipline. Our Proposal Manager is a subject-matter expert in construction pursuits, responsible for translating complex scopes, technical approaches, and operational strategies into clear, compliant, and compelling submissions that win work. This role is designed for an experienced construction proposal professional who understands how owners evaluate teams, how contractors differentiate themselves, and how disciplined proposal strategy directly impacts backlog and growth. The Proposal Marketing Manager leads the development of high-stakes construction proposals and interview presentations across commercial construction and water/wastewater infrastructure. You will own proposal strategy from Go/No-Go through submission and interview, serving as the connective tissue between business development, operations, estimating, and leadership. This role requires deep, hands-on expertise and oversight in construction proposal management. You will set the standard, mentor others, and continuously improve how Wharton Smith competes in the marketplace.

Requirements

8–10+ years of direct experience managing construction proposals in the commercial, infrastructure and/or water/wastewater sectors.
Demonstrated success leading complex, competitive pursuits from start to finish.
3+ years of experience mentoring or managing proposal professionals.
Expert-level proficiency in proposal writing, editing, storyboarding, and compliance management.
Deep understanding of construction delivery methods, procurement processes, and owner decision-making.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
Ability to work fluently with executives, project managers, superintendents, estimators, and engineers.
High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead through influence and credibility.
Comfortable operating in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments without sacrificing quality.
Proactive, disciplined, and detail-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, English, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Authorized to work in the United States.
Ability to travel up to 15%.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting design-build, CMAR, or alternative delivery pursuits strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end development of complex construction proposals, qualifications, and interview presentations.
Analyze RFPs, RFQs, and procurement documents to identify evaluation criteria, compliance requirements, and risk areas.
Develop pursuit strategies, win themes, key differentiators, and executive summaries grounded in project-specific construction realities.
Translate technical narratives from operations, estimating, and engineering into owner-focused messaging that demonstrates value, risk mitigation, and execution confidence.
Serve as the internal expert on construction proposal best practices, alternative delivery pursuits, and owner expectations.
Guide project teams through the proposal process, providing structure, clarity, and accountability.
Lead storyboarding sessions and content strategy workshops with pursuit teams.
Prepare and coach teams for shortlist interviews and formal presentations, including message discipline and delivery.
Direct and quality-control proposal content to ensure accuracy, compliance, clarity, and consistency.
Ensure all submissions meet client requirements, follow corporate brand standards, and reflect a unified voice.
Manage external consultants, designers, and photographers as needed to support proposal development.
Manage and mentor proposal staff, setting expectations for quality, deadlines, and professional growth.
Assign pursuits and manage team capacity in a deadline-driven environment.
Train team members in construction proposal strategy, persuasive writing, and presentation development.
Lead proposal debriefs and after-action reviews; translate feedback into actionable improvements.
Develop and refine proposal tools, templates, and processes to improve efficiency and win rates.
Maintain and evolve project, personnel, and pursuit content libraries.