Proposal Manager I

The Proposal Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating the end-to-end proposal development process for low to medium complexity opportunities, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and competitive proposals that align with client requirements and Fortrea's strategic objectives. Acting as a central point of coordination across cross-functional teams, this role partners with subject matter experts, operational stakeholders, finance, business development, and third-party vendors to develop compelling proposals, budgets, and responses to RFIs and RFPs.

The successful candidate will combine strong project management, communication, and analytical skills with a customer-focused mindset to drive proposal excellence, support business growth, and contribute to positive client experiences. This role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, work effectively across global teams and time zones, and ensure timely delivery of accurate, high-quality proposal deliverables while maintaining compliance with internal processes and industry standards.

Summary of Responsibilities: Owns all aspects of the appropriate proposal process (text, quote, budget, and/or response to Requests for Information [RFIs]) for assigned opportunities (inclusive of managing opportunities under general supervision, establishing clear timelines, meeting client requirement, and suggesting solutions for obstacles).

Responsible for managing opportunities of low to medium complexity.

Support integrated opportunities (i.e., spanning across multiple Business Units).

Reviews and analyzes RFI and/or Request for Proposal (RFP) documents to ensure adequate information for budget, proposal and/or response preparation is provided. Follows up with appropriate contact for additional information as required.

Identifies and resolves issues around client enquiry requirements and Fortrea capabilities with support.

Organizes and facilitates of strategic and operational calls related to the opportunity.

Work across the organization in matrix environment across multiple time-zones and locations to lead the process and complete deliverables.

Liaise with third party vendors/vendor managers for provision of quotations and/or information where required.

Prepares high quality and accurate documents in accordance with agreed strategy and Sponsor requirements and expectations under the pressure of changing timelines.

Supports facilitating internal and external opportunity management negotiations (i.e., pricing, process, resources, timelines, etc.) as needed.

Ensures timely delivery of assigned deliverables.

Is responsible for resolving issues/challenges and informing Manager; may seek Manager’s advice for complex issues/challenges.

Performs timely and accurate data entry into departmental and/or corporate databases/systems as appropriate.

Support client-facing and senior management-facing activities surrounding assigned opportunities as needed, including supporting preparation, attendance, or leading applicable preparation and meetings.

Maintains appropriate knowledge of the technical and regulatory environments.

Identifies and participates in ways to improve the efficiency and quality of processes and the resulting deliverables.

Contribute to assigned client relationship improvement activities and implementation.

Performs quality control activities per the appropriate process/requirements.

Support hosting sales-focused inbound client visits.

Responsible for coordinating on-boarding activities for new starters, including working directly with the management staff to ensure proper on-boarding.

Expected to contribute to content library by submitting new content or updates to existing content, using the official content submission process.

Completes other appropriate duties, as assigned by the manager, which require similar skills in accordance with business needs and common sense.

Qualifications (Minimum Required): Bachelor’s degree required in related field or equivalent work experience.

Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience in lieu of educational requirements.

Experience (Minimum Required): Minimum 4 years of experience in budget and/or text development, or an equivalent combination of education and CRO/pharma/other related experience to successfully perform the essential job duties.

Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail and ability to be persistent while maintaining tact.

Demonstrated computer skills – requires excellent MS Office experience (specifically Excel, Word, Outlook).

Knowledge of proposal management software applications (e.g., Salesforce.com, Qvidian, Proposal Automation applications) is preferred.

Demonstrated text editing and writing skills (based on business unit and/or team expectations).

Demonstrated ability to plan, multi-task and prioritize.

Demonstrated teamwork, communication (written and verbal), and organizational skills.

Proven ability to work independently.

Ability to work to deadlines.

Strong analytical skills.

Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with internal stakeholders, clients and Fortrea senior management.

Positive attitude and sense of urgency.

Possesses an ability and willingness to work across Business Units.

Ability to work irregular and/or extended hours as needed to meet the client’s proposal deadline.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: Flexibility to participate in meetings across various time zones outside core working hours.

Travel Required.

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