US Proposals Manager

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cleary Gottlieb is looking for a collaborative and commercially minded Proposals Manager to play a key role in shaping the Firm’s global pitches and proposals function. Working closely with the Global Proposals Senior Manager, this role will lead strategic pitch and panel opportunities, bringing structure, insight and persuasive messaging to high-profile client pursuits. The Proposals Manager will work with partners, lawyers, Global Proposals Team and Business Development colleagues to develop compelling, client-focused submissions that reflect the Firm’s strengths, respond directly to client needs and support us in securing high-value opportunities.

Requirements

At least five years’ experience managing strategic and panel pitches, with the ability to advise confidently on approach, positioning and strategy.
A strong track record of managing strategic and panel proposals end-to-end in a law firm or professional services environment.
Experience working with senior stakeholders, including the confidence to engage, influence and motivate partners and lawyers during high-pressure pitch processes.
Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to review complex documents carefully, identify inconsistencies and ensure final materials are accurate and persuasive.
Strong organisational, time and project management skills, with the ability to manage a varied portfolio of work and prioritise effectively under competing deadlines.
A collaborative mindset and the flexibility to work effectively across time zones, including outside regular business hours where needed.
Clear, confident communication skills, with the ability to provide practical recommendations that add value to each pitch proposition.
A proactive, enthusiastic and hands-on approach, with the confidence to take ownership and drive work forward.
The discretion and judgement to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing best practice or implementing new processes would be an advantage.
Knowledge of Foundation, or prior experience using similar pitch or experience management systems, would be helpful.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of strategic panel pitches and complex multi-jurisdictional / multi-practice proposals from start to finish, including running kick-off meetings, shaping strategy and messaging, drafting and reviewing content, and coaching teams of lawyers on what makes a winning proposal.
Assess incoming pitch opportunities with commercial objectivity, advising partners and the wider Business Development team on whether to pursue, how to position the Firm and what approach will give each opportunity the strongest chance of success.
Collaborate with colleagues across Business Development, Strategic Pricing, Risk and other relevant teams to create pitch content that is clear, compelling and centred on the client.
Ensure that final submissions are polished, accurate and fully aligned with the client’s requirements and instructions.
Develop client-centric pitch strategies and content in line with the Firm’s end-to-end pitching process, drawing on client research, sector insight, competitor analysis and market trends to tell a persuasive and tailored story.
Coordinate in-person pitch presentation rehearsals and provide practical coaching to senior lawyers on style, approach and messaging, supporting teams through the full pitch process from kick-off meeting to final presentation.
Work closely with Graphic Design and Word Processing colleagues to develop polished, visually engaging proposal formats that are creative, professional and consistent with the Firm’s brand guidelines.
Champion the Firm’s pitch best practices and processes, identifying opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency and quality across the Business Development team and the wider Firm.
Maintain high-quality pitch information, including pitch records, the Firm’s pre-written RFP answer bank, and client portal logins and access details, ensuring that teams can draw on accurate and current materials.
Help evolve the Firm’s approach to winning business by gathering feedback on submitted proposals, identifying themes from client feedback and recommending practical improvements to future pitches.
Work with the Global Proposals Senior Manager to prepare regular reports for Firm leadership on pitch performance, including win / loss rates and other insights that help inform priorities and improve future outcomes.