Proposal Program Lead

NWESI • Boise, ID

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Northwest Engineering Service, Inc. is seeking a talented Proposal Program Lead to manage and improve its proposal program. This role involves owning the entire proposal process, from opportunity identification to final submission and debrief. The Lead will act as a working manager, actively developing proposals while also overseeing program standards, coordinating teams, monitoring performance, and implementing efficiency improvements. The position collaborates with Business Development, Marketing, Technical Staff, and Executive Leadership to support the company's growth objectives. NWESI is an employee-owned company, and this role is eligible for participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The role is designed for long-term growth, with an expected shift towards more strategic responsibilities like marketing initiatives and AI-driven process improvements as proposal production becomes more automated.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications, Engineering, or related field (preferred but not required).
• 3-7 years of proposal management, business development, marketing, or related experience within the AEC, engineering, construction, or professional services industry.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent proposal pursuits with competing deadlines.
• Experience using CRM platforms, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and proposal or project management software.
• Demonstrated interest in technology, automation, process improvement, and continuous learning.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing background checks and drug screens
• Valid Driver's License with a good record

Nice To Haves

• Proposal program management
• Proposal writing, editing, and content development
• Proposal scheduling and resource coordination
• Strategic organization and prioritization
• Process improvement mindset
• Business analytics and KPI reporting
• Exceptional written communication
• Executive-level editing and proofreading
• Relationship building and collaboration
• Meeting facilitation
• Technology curiosity and adaptability (Specifically with AI, and AI workflow improvements)
• Workflow optimization
• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign preferred)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• CRM experience (HubSpot preferred)
• Document management best practices

Responsibilities

• Own the company's proposal program and its day-to-day operation.
• Manage the proposal process from bid monitoring through Go/No-Go, kickoff, proposal development, review, submission, interview preparation, and debrief.
• Ensure proposal processes remain organized, repeatable, scalable, and consistently followed.
• Maintain proposal templates, standards, workflows, and documentation.
• Coordinate proposal schedules, priorities, and deliverables across multiple concurrent pursuits.
• Continuously evaluate and improve proposal workflows to increase efficiency and proposal quality.
• Lead development of RFQs, RFPs, SOQs, interview presentations, and prequalification packages.
• Write, edit, and format proposal narratives, executive summaries, project descriptions, resumes, and marketing content.
• Coordinate technical content from engineers, project managers, and subject matter experts into cohesive client-focused proposals.
• Develop graphics, layouts, schedules, organizational charts, and other proposal materials.
• Perform quality assurance reviews to ensure proposals are complete, accurate, and compliant.
• Prepare and submit final proposal packages.
• Maintain proposal libraries, project sheets, resumes, and reusable proposal content.
• Develop and maintain proposal performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting.
• Track proposal workload, win rates, turnaround times, hit rates, and other key performance indicators.
• Prepare proposal performance reports and recommendations for leadership.
• Lead proposal debriefs and document lessons learned.
• Identify opportunities to improve proposal workflows, templates, and overall program effectiveness.
• Evaluate and implement technologies that improve proposal quality, consistency, and efficiency.
• Build strong working relationships with Business Development, Marketing, Technical Staff, Project Managers, and Executive Leadership.
• Coordinate communication across proposal teams to keep pursuits organized and on schedule.
• Develop relationships with teaming partners and client marketing contacts that support successful pursuits.
• Support conferences, interviews, networking events, and broader business development initiatives as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision coverage, with a $450 Cafe Contribution provided by the Company
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Reimbursement for educational and credentialing expenses related to professional development, and define pay raises or bonuses related to certifications
• 31 paid days off (including holidays and PTO)
• Profit sharing program and 401(k)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan with a minimum 3% annual company contribution to employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level