HDR
Proposal Manager Team Lead, Strategic Pursuits
Join to apply for the
Proposal Manager Team Lead, Strategic Pursuits
role at
HDR . HDR is an employee-owned company that values inclusion, authenticity, and collaboration. This role reports to the Strategic Pursuits Team Lead and will have direct reports. The successful candidate partners with Transportation Business Group Strategic Pursuit Leaders to ensure the proposal management team delivers winning, professional, and timely proposals for high-visibility opportunities. Summary HDR is seeking a highly motivated individual to partner with our Transportation Business Group Strategic Pursuit Leaders (SPL). This role reports to the Strategic Pursuits Team Lead and will have a number of direct reports. The individual is an important partner to the SPLs managing workload assignments so that the entire proposal manager team is producing winning, professional, competitive proposals on our highly visible, complex and game changing opportunities. Responsibilities Work with all TBG Strategic Pursuit Leaders on a consistent basis to know and understand needs and levels of support to carry out appropriate tasks during pre-positioning and proposal production phases. Oversee the efficient execution and workload management of the proposal managers across all strategic pursuits, including determining whether travel is necessary. Understand active pursuit and proposal schedules to adjust work assignments and ensure coverage of all activities across the operation. Manage proposal managers to coordinate and complete parts of a pursuit or proposal phase deliverables, including adding staff when deliverables are voluminous, complex, or under tight deadlines. Mentor proposal managers on improving proposal execution processes, production tools, and interpersonal skills, time management, and conflict management. Conduct routine performance appraisals for team members. Serve as a Proposal Manager where and when appropriate.
Proposal Management & Coordination
Foster a self-directed, accountable team culture with high-quality, client-ready materials. Lead the full proposal lifecycle from kickoff through final production and interview, owning all deliverables. Develop and manage pursuit organization tools (schedules, compliance matrices, templates, dashboards) and capture key themes and client priorities into a focused capture plan. Review and interpret RFPs to create clear, actionable compliance matrices guiding proposal development. Coordinate input from internal teams and external subconsultants, maintaining alignment and clear communication. Track progress, manage deadlines, and adjust priorities to keep deliverables on schedule. Support content development by preparing early drafts and translating key themes into a focused capture plan. Proactively communicate workload needs and availability.
Content Development & Quality
Write, edit, and format non-technical proposal content for clarity and consistency. Collaborate with specialized experts to write and visualize technical approaches and project understanding information. Develop qualifications, bios, data, forms, and terms to ensure accuracy and compliance. Support storyboarding, benefit statements, messaging, and project profiles to demonstrate aligned qualifications and differentiators. Research project background and tailor content accordingly. Author and review draft proposal text for consistency, brand voice, and grammar. Incorporate risks/issues into PSOE (problem, solution, outcome, evidence) and coordinate with graphic designers for reader-friendly visuals. Identify gaps in draft text based on capture planning and RFP requirements.
Visual & Layout Skills
Format documents with strong reader-friendly graphics/layout; intermediate InDesign skills with potential for advancement. Coordinate with marketing, data keepers, and layout artists; communicate progress to the pursuit leader. Collaborate with technical leads to develop draft presentations and visuals. Provide clear direction and timely communication to achieve high-quality deliverables. Develop interactive presentations and brand-specific materials to convey key messages and differentiators.
Quality Control & Compliance
Schedule and conduct reviews of content and graphics during production. Monitor proposal progress to meet internal deadlines and quality standards. Work with Strategic Pursuit leaders to ensure quality-driven materials and proper graphics/formatting. Perform or coordinate technical editing and compliance reviews for accuracy and RFP alignment. Continuously improve processes for high-quality materials.
Pre-positioning, Collateral & Material Management
Research project background and organize data in collaborative platforms. Gather and refine resumes, project information, histories, and visuals to support differentiating sections. Develop materials such as interactive presentations and collateral to support messaging. Coordinate with leadership on marketplace, client, and project research. Partner with marketing to develop sector qualifications and collateral for positioning pre-RFP.
Continuous Process Improvements
Adopt and teach AI tools and software to improve efficiency and quality. Support proposal quality by aligning with best practices and standards. Contribute to internal/external debriefs and HDR procedures and best practices.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of 8 years relevant industry experience Self-starter with history of completing projects with limited oversight Experience in sales and developing effective win strategies Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe InDesign Deep knowledge of the A/E/C industrys standard approach to procurement of professional services Ability to motivate and inspire others Experience winning high-value contracts in the A/E/C industry Experience writing compelling content based on information from technical staff
What We Believe
HDR is our company. We build on each others life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, trust, and connection to clients and communities. Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all contribute to an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring authentic selves to work. HDR supports eight Employee Network Groups and provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time regular positions. Compensation will vary by location and experience. The posted ranges reflect HDRs commitment to competitive compensation. Primary location: United States-Colorado-Denver. Other locations listed include multiple U.S. cities. Locations
Primary: United States-Colorado-Denver Other Locations: United States multiple locations listed in the posting. Additional Information
Industry: Marketing/Communications. Schedule: Full-time. Employee Status: Regular. Business Class: Marketing and Admin. Job Posting: Aug 29, 2025. At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories. We are an Affirmative Action Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Join to apply for the
Proposal Manager Team Lead, Strategic Pursuits
role at
HDR . HDR is an employee-owned company that values inclusion, authenticity, and collaboration. This role reports to the Strategic Pursuits Team Lead and will have direct reports. The successful candidate partners with Transportation Business Group Strategic Pursuit Leaders to ensure the proposal management team delivers winning, professional, and timely proposals for high-visibility opportunities. Summary HDR is seeking a highly motivated individual to partner with our Transportation Business Group Strategic Pursuit Leaders (SPL). This role reports to the Strategic Pursuits Team Lead and will have a number of direct reports. The individual is an important partner to the SPLs managing workload assignments so that the entire proposal manager team is producing winning, professional, competitive proposals on our highly visible, complex and game changing opportunities. Responsibilities Work with all TBG Strategic Pursuit Leaders on a consistent basis to know and understand needs and levels of support to carry out appropriate tasks during pre-positioning and proposal production phases. Oversee the efficient execution and workload management of the proposal managers across all strategic pursuits, including determining whether travel is necessary. Understand active pursuit and proposal schedules to adjust work assignments and ensure coverage of all activities across the operation. Manage proposal managers to coordinate and complete parts of a pursuit or proposal phase deliverables, including adding staff when deliverables are voluminous, complex, or under tight deadlines. Mentor proposal managers on improving proposal execution processes, production tools, and interpersonal skills, time management, and conflict management. Conduct routine performance appraisals for team members. Serve as a Proposal Manager where and when appropriate.
Proposal Management & Coordination
Foster a self-directed, accountable team culture with high-quality, client-ready materials. Lead the full proposal lifecycle from kickoff through final production and interview, owning all deliverables. Develop and manage pursuit organization tools (schedules, compliance matrices, templates, dashboards) and capture key themes and client priorities into a focused capture plan. Review and interpret RFPs to create clear, actionable compliance matrices guiding proposal development. Coordinate input from internal teams and external subconsultants, maintaining alignment and clear communication. Track progress, manage deadlines, and adjust priorities to keep deliverables on schedule. Support content development by preparing early drafts and translating key themes into a focused capture plan. Proactively communicate workload needs and availability.
Content Development & Quality
Write, edit, and format non-technical proposal content for clarity and consistency. Collaborate with specialized experts to write and visualize technical approaches and project understanding information. Develop qualifications, bios, data, forms, and terms to ensure accuracy and compliance. Support storyboarding, benefit statements, messaging, and project profiles to demonstrate aligned qualifications and differentiators. Research project background and tailor content accordingly. Author and review draft proposal text for consistency, brand voice, and grammar. Incorporate risks/issues into PSOE (problem, solution, outcome, evidence) and coordinate with graphic designers for reader-friendly visuals. Identify gaps in draft text based on capture planning and RFP requirements.
Visual & Layout Skills
Format documents with strong reader-friendly graphics/layout; intermediate InDesign skills with potential for advancement. Coordinate with marketing, data keepers, and layout artists; communicate progress to the pursuit leader. Collaborate with technical leads to develop draft presentations and visuals. Provide clear direction and timely communication to achieve high-quality deliverables. Develop interactive presentations and brand-specific materials to convey key messages and differentiators.
Quality Control & Compliance
Schedule and conduct reviews of content and graphics during production. Monitor proposal progress to meet internal deadlines and quality standards. Work with Strategic Pursuit leaders to ensure quality-driven materials and proper graphics/formatting. Perform or coordinate technical editing and compliance reviews for accuracy and RFP alignment. Continuously improve processes for high-quality materials.
Pre-positioning, Collateral & Material Management
Research project background and organize data in collaborative platforms. Gather and refine resumes, project information, histories, and visuals to support differentiating sections. Develop materials such as interactive presentations and collateral to support messaging. Coordinate with leadership on marketplace, client, and project research. Partner with marketing to develop sector qualifications and collateral for positioning pre-RFP.
Continuous Process Improvements
Adopt and teach AI tools and software to improve efficiency and quality. Support proposal quality by aligning with best practices and standards. Contribute to internal/external debriefs and HDR procedures and best practices.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of 8 years relevant industry experience Self-starter with history of completing projects with limited oversight Experience in sales and developing effective win strategies Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe InDesign Deep knowledge of the A/E/C industrys standard approach to procurement of professional services Ability to motivate and inspire others Experience winning high-value contracts in the A/E/C industry Experience writing compelling content based on information from technical staff
What We Believe
HDR is our company. We build on each others life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, trust, and connection to clients and communities. Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all contribute to an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring authentic selves to work. HDR supports eight Employee Network Groups and provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time regular positions. Compensation will vary by location and experience. The posted ranges reflect HDRs commitment to competitive compensation. Primary location: United States-Colorado-Denver. Other locations listed include multiple U.S. cities. Locations
Primary: United States-Colorado-Denver Other Locations: United States multiple locations listed in the posting. Additional Information
Industry: Marketing/Communications. Schedule: Full-time. Employee Status: Regular. Business Class: Marketing and Admin. Job Posting: Aug 29, 2025. At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories. We are an Affirmative Action Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr