Proposal Team Leader

TransUnion • Chicago, IL

110d • $150,100 - $225,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Director of the Proposals Team, you'll step into a pivotal leadership role where your deep expertise in proposal management will shape the future of how we pursue and win business. You'll lead a high-performing team of talented professionals—mentoring, challenging, and inspiring them to deliver strategic, competitive, and brand-aligned proposals that drive measurable impact to the bottom line. You'll bring vision and discipline to our proposal operations, applying best practices and pioneering new approaches that elevate our team's performance and amplify our market presence. With a focus on quality, responsiveness, and innovation, you'll ensure our proposals stand out—distinctive, compelling, and fully aligned to customer needs. You'll also focus on developing and maintaining strong partnerships across TransUnion—working closely with Sales leadership, Solutions Consulting teams, and SMEs. You'll invest in understanding the needs of their businesses and collaborate to appropriately prioritize efforts, ensuring we deliver the best solutions and most compelling proposals to our customers. You'll champion a culture of excellence, where every team member is empowered to grow, contribute, and shine. Come be a part of our journey—leading with purpose, transforming how we compete, and unlocking new opportunities through the power of exceptional proposals.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in proposal management, including 3-5 years in a senior leadership role, with a proven ability to lead high-performing teams.
• Experience managing global or regional proposal operations, with a strong understanding of commercial, government, and/or global RFPs, depending on business focus.
• APMP certification (Foundation, Practitioner, or Professional) preferred.
• A track record of innovation, including successful implementation of technology solutions, and a forward-thinking approach to integrating tools like AI and data analytics into daily operations and strategic planning.
• Deep knowledge of proposal development best practices, tools, and compliance standards.
• Proficiency in proposal automation tools (e.g., Responsive), CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce), and collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, MS Teams, Confluence).
• Strong capabilities in coaching, mentoring, and developing talent across functions, with experience recruiting, retaining, and growing team members.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work both 1:1 and cross-functionally to guide quality proposal work and elevate team output.
• Experience designing and conducting training for proposal teams and matrixed business partners.
• A solid understanding of business administration, forecasting, and financial principles, with the ability to make strategic decisions that impact multiple departments or regions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including senior-level reporting on team metrics.
• Skilled in negotiation, persuasion, and relationship management at senior levels.
• Ability to analyze complex, ambiguous issues across departments and develop actionable solutions.
• Experience with risk assessment and mitigation in proposal strategy.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to building strong partnerships with Sales leadership, Solutions Consulting teams, and SMEs—understanding their business needs and aligning proposal efforts to deliver the best solutions for customers.

Responsibilities

• Set the vision and strategy for proposal development, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals and driving operational excellence.
• Oversee the full proposal lifecycle, enforce governance frameworks, and ensure compliance and efficiency through the use of advanced tools—including AI-powered solutions.
• Lead a team of talented professionals, with management authority over performance, budget, and strategic direction.
• Collaborate with Sales, Legal, Finance, Product, Solutions Consulting, SMEs, and Executive leadership to develop compelling, compliant, and winning proposals.
• Invest in developing strong partnerships across the business, understanding stakeholder needs, and prioritizing efforts to deliver the most impactful solutions to customers.
• Champion a culture of engagement, excellence, and innovation, lifting up your team and developing stellar professionals who deliver high-quality, competitive proposals that drive revenue and elevate TransUnion's market presence.

Benefits

• Flexible time off for exempt associates.
• Paid time off for non-exempt associates.
• Up to 12 paid holidays per year.
• Health benefits (including medical, dental, and vision plan options and health spending accounts).
• Mental health support.
• Disability benefits.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Adoption assistance.
• Fertility planning coverage.
• Legal benefits.
• Long-term care insurance.
• Commuter benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Charity gift matching.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• 401(k) retirement savings with employer match.
• Access to TransUnion's Employee Resource Groups.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Administrative and Support Services