Proposal Specialist

Grainger Businesses • Lake Forest, IL

2d • Remote

About The Position

The Proposal Specialist is an experienced individual contributor responsible for developing persuasive proposals and RFP/RFQ responses that clearly communicate Grainger’s Value Proposition and support profitable customer relationships. Operating with advanced knowledge of proposal processes and business concepts, this role collaborates with Sales, Customer Lifecycle Managers, and cross-functional teams to deliver accurate, customized, and compliant proposals.

You will report to the Manager, Contracts & Proposals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in business administration, sales, communications or related field.
• 3+ years experience in proposals, communications, Government segment or contracting.
• Experience articulating a company’s value proposition in written and verbal formats, tailoring messaging to diverse audiences and aligning with strategic objectives.
• Experience negotiating terms and conditions with internal stakeholders and external customers, ensuring compliance with company policies while achieving mutually beneficial outcomes
• Experience managing multiple priorities and competing timelines in a fast-paced environment, utilizing planning tools and organizational techniques to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI) software such as Copilot and ChatGPT.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Customer Life-cycle Manager and Sales owner to understand the strategy for the specific customer and lead the proposal kick-off process to ensure timely completion of responses.
• Draft proposal documents and responses to RFP/RFQs using Grainger’s standard language, customizing content to align with sales strategy and customer needs.
• Apply advanced knowledge of Grainger’s offerings to articulate strengths and value proposition in writing, ensuring clarity and persuasiveness.
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks by reviewing customer requests, suggesting alternatives, and consulting legal or subject matter experts when necessary.
• Maintain and update the clause library and proposal archives to ensure accuracy, compliance, and accessibility for future use.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop standard and non-standard responses to common proposal issues and support negotiations during contract discussions.
• Provide training and cross-training for team members on policies, procedures, and best practices; offer backup support for critical activities as needed.
• Participate in and manage special projects related to proposals and contracting to improve processes and outcomes.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees