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HDR

Proposal Manager Team Lead, Strategic Pursuits

HDR, Bozeman, Montana, us, 59772

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Proposal Manager Team Lead, Strategic Pursuits

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Proposal Manager Team Lead, Strategic Pursuits

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HDR . Overview

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 management 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. Direct and supervise the proposal managers across all strategic pursuits, including determining whether travel is necessary or not. Understand active pursuit and proposal schedules in order to make work assignment adjustments, offering proper coverage of all activities across the operation. Manage the proposal managers to coordinate and complete any and/or all parts of a pursuit or proposal phase deliverables, including adding staff when deliverables are voluminous, complex, and/or under very tight deadlines. Mentor proposal managers on improving proposal execution processes and procedures while enhancing the use of production tools and software. This mentoring includes interpersonal communication, personal time management, and conflict management strategies. Conduct routine performance appraisals for team members. Serve as a Proposal Manager where and when appropriate (see Proposal Manager position).

Proposal Management & Coordination

Foster a self-directed, accountable team culture by delivering high-quality, review- and client-ready materials. Lead the full proposal lifecycle, from kickoff through final production and interview, owning all deliverables and driving a smooth, efficient process. Develop and manage pursuit organization tools, including schedules, compliance matrices, templates, and assignment dashboards, using collaborative online platforms. Includes capturing meeting notes and action items, translating key themes and client priorities into a focused capture plan. Review and interpret RFPs to create clear, actionable compliance matrices that guide proposal development. Coordinate input from internal teams and external subconsultants, maintaining alignment and clear communication throughout. Track and communicate progress, manage deadlines, and adjust priorities to keep the team and deliverables on schedule. Support content development by preparing early drafts, capturing meeting notes, and distilling key themes and differentiators into a focused capture plan. Proactively communicate workload needs and availability.

Content Development & Quality

Write, edit, and format non-technical proposal content to ensure clarity and consistency. Work closely with specialized experts to write and visualize technical approaches and project understanding information. Work closely with staff to develop qualifications, bios, data, forms, and terms to be accurate and compliant. Support the creation of storyboarding, benefit statements, message development, project profiles, and additional data and materials to demonstrate our aligned qualifications and differentiators. Research project background and tailor content accordingly. Author and review draft proposal text for consistency, brand voice, and grammar to remove errors and redundancy. Integrate risks and issues identified by the pursuit team and translate them into the PSOE (problem, solution, outcome, evidence) table. Work with graphic designers to produce visuals that represent this technical information in a reader-friendly format. Identify gaps in draft proposal text that need to be addressed or written, based on capture planning, PSOE exercises, and RFP requirements.

Visual & Layout Skills

Compose and format documents with reader-friendly graphic/layout skills using InDesign. Maintain an intermediate level with an interest in training up to an advanced level of use. Engage marketing resources, including coordinating with graphic designers, market sector data keepers, and layout artists as needed. Communicate progress with the Strategic Pursuit Leader assigned to the pursuit. Collaborate with technical leads to develop draft presentation materials and work with graphic designers to transform complex technical content into clear, engaging visuals. Provide clear direction and timely communication to achieve high-quality deliverables. Develop materials, such as interactive presentations, leave-behinds, and other brand-specific deliverables to help communicate key messages and differentiators.

Quality Control & Compliance Checks

Create schedules and time blocks to conduct appropriate reviews of content and graphics throughout the production period. Monitor progress of the proposal process, with timely follow-up, to ensure internal proposal deadlines and quality processes are met. Work with Strategic Pursuit leaders to meet expectations of quality-driven materials, including graphics and format of proposal elements. Take the initiative to perform or request support for technical editing and compliance reviews to ensure grammatical accuracy and alignment with RFP requirements. Continuously improve and evolve efficient processes for producing high-quality materials.

Pre-positioning, Collateral & Material Management

Research project background, news articles, and board or council meeting information, and keep collected data organized in a collaborative online platform or tool. Gather and refine resumes, project information, histories, photographs, and other data so materials are current and effectively support key differentiating sections of the proposal. Develop materials such as interactive presentations, leave-behinds, and other brand-specific deliverables to help team members communicate key messages. Engage with leadership in the coordination and analysis of marketplace, client, and project-specific research. Partner with the marketing communications team to develop and promote sector qualifications and marketing collateral for positioning before an RFP release.

Continuous Process Improvements

Learn, use, and teach others current and effective AI tools and other software to improve efficiency and quality of deliverables. Support proposal quality by monitoring against best practices and industry standards. Contribute to continuous improvement through internal and external debriefs. Serve as a subject matter expert and actively follow HDR procedures, policies, protocols, and best practices, including standard file management and archiving procedures.

Interpersonal Skills

Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects. Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure. Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills. Strong attention to detail, including alignment with HDRs brand guidelines. Self-starter, team-oriented, and able to work with different personalities and professional styles. Active listening to gather and interpret team input, client needs, and leadership direction to inform proposal strategy and content. Adaptable to internal and external client needs; proactively communicate any concerns or improvement ideas. Interest in and understanding of the transportation business environment and industry terminology. Comfortable communicating with individuals at all levels and working both independently and in cross-functional teams. Highly articulate with sound problem solving, professional judgment, and demeanor. Builds and fosters strong working relationships to keep the team connected and deliver great proposals. Enthusiasm and dedication to developing a professional proposal management career.

Computer Skills

Advanced: Word, PowerPoint, Teams/SharePoint, OneNote. InDesign is Intermediate with an interest to train up to Advanced; other tools include Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator, and experience with CRM programs (Salesforce, Oscar, Watson, Proposal Development Marketing System). New and current collaborative tools, as they are released.

Additional items for the position

An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture is a must. Driven to join a high-caliber team and help propel its future growth and achievements. Positive contributor to our team culture, with a desire to be best in class. Anticipated travel for this position is approximately 10-20%. This position will report to the Strategic Pursuits Proposal Manager Team Lead.

Required Qualifications

A minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience. Demonstrated self-starter with a 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 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign. Deep knowledge of the A/E/C industry's standard approach to procurement of professional services. Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others. Demonstrated experience in winning high-value contracts in the A/E/C industry. Demonstrated experience in writing compelling content based on information from technical staff.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. California: $123,893 - $176,990; Colorado: $106,999 - $176,990; Connecticut: $123,893 - $176,990; Hawaii: $118,262 - $168,945; Illinois: $112,630 - $176,990; Maryland: $118,262 - $168,945; Minnesota: $101,367 - $168,945; Montana: $101,367 - $144,810; Nevada: $112,630 - $160,900; New Jersey: $129,525 - $201,125; New York: $112,630 - $201,125; Ohio: $112,630 - $160,900; Rhode Island: $118,262 - $168,945; Washington D.C.: $135,156 - $193,080; Washington State: $106,999 - $193,080. Primary Location

United States-Colorado-Denver Other Locations

United States-Texas-Round Rock, United States-North Carolina-Charlotte, United States-Florida-Doral, United States-Wyoming-Cheyenne, United States-California-Long Beach, United States-Alabama-Birmingham, United States-Minnesota-Saint Louis Park, United States-California-Santa Clara, United States-Florida-Fort Lauderdale, United States-Pennsylvania-Bethlehem, United States-Oregon-Salem, United States-Maryland-Baltimore, United States-Texas-Fort Worth, United States-Montana-Missoula, United States-District of Columbia-Washington DC, United States-Texas-Houston, United States-California-Irvine, United States-Wisconsin-Madison, United States-Florida-Tallahassee, United States-Mississippi-Jackson area, United States-Nevada-Reno, United States-Colorado-Fort Collins, United States-Iowa-Des Moines, United States-New York-Albany, United States-California-Berkeley, United States-California-Folsom, United States-Oregon-Portland, United States-Montana-Bozeman, United States-Texas-El Paso, United States-Colorado-Durango, United States-Texas-Corpus Christi, United States-Washington-Seattle, United States-Nevada-Las Vegas, United States-Montana-Billings, United States-Texas-Dallas, United States-Montana-Helena, United States-Washington-Spokane, United States-Virginia-Arlington, United States-Iowa-Cedar Rapids, United States-Colorado-Englewood, United States-Washington-Pasco, United States-Colorado-Grand Junction, United States-Texas-Austin, United States-Louisiana-Metairie, United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach, United States-California-Claremont, United States-Massachusetts-Boston, United States-Iowa-Ames, United States-Oregon-Bend, United States-Missouri-St Louis, United States-Arizona-Tucson, United States-Arkansas-Little Rock, United States-Pennsylvania-Mechanicsburg, United States-Washington-Olympia, United States-Washington-Vancouver, United States-Colorado-Colorado Springs, United States-Louisiana-Lafayette, United States-Hawaii-Honolulu, United States-Oklahoma-Tulsa, United States-Maryland-Fulton, United States-Arizona-Phoenix, United States-Kentucky-Louisville, United States-Georgia-Atlanta, United States-South Carolina-Greenville, United States-Illinois-Rosemont, United States-Pennsylvania-Plymouth Meeting, United States-California-Walnut Creek, United States-Oklahoma-Oklahoma City, United States-Tennessee-Memphis, United States-Montana-Kalispell, United States-Louisiana-Baton Rouge, United States-Missouri-Springfield, United States-Washington-Gig Harbor, United States-Rhode Island-Providence, United States-Ohio-Cleveland, United States-South Carolina-Fort Mill, United States-Florida-Tampa, United States-Florida-West Palm Beach, United States-Ohio-Columbus, United States-California-Ventura, United States-Tennessee-Chattanooga, United States-Kentucky-Lexington, United States-Ohio-Cincinnati, United States-Georgia-Pooler, United States-South Dakota-Rapid City, United States-Missouri-Forsyth, United States-Washington-Bellevue, United States-Missouri-Kansas City, United States-South Dakota-Sioux Falls, United States-Alabama-Mobile, United States-North Carolina-Wilmington, United States-Tennessee-Nashville, United States-Kentucky-Elizabethtown, United States-New Jersey-Newark, United States-Kentucky-Paducah, United States-Florida-Pensacola, United States-New Mexico-Albuquerque, United States-New York-White Plains, United States-Alabama-Montgomery, United States-Missouri-Columbia, United States-Texas-Tyler, United States-Arkansas-Bentonville, United States-California-San Francisco, United States-South Carolina-Charleston, United States-Virginia-Roanoke, United States-South Carolina-Columbia, United States-California-Elk Grove, United States-Minnesota-Thief River Falls, United States-Virginia-Vienna, United States-North Carolina-Asheville, United States-Florida-Orlando, United States-New Hampshire-Bedford, United States-Alaska-Anchorage, United States-Indiana-Indianapolis, United States-Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh, United States-Wyoming-Lander, United States-New York-Syracuse, United States-California-San Diego, United States-Michigan-Lansing, United States-Pennsylvania-Philadelphia, United States-Virginia-Glen Allen, United States-Iowa-Davenport, United States-California-Riverside, United States-Nebraska-Lincoln, United States-Montana-Butte, United States-Virginia-Newport News, United States-Nebraska-Omaha, United States-New Jersey-Pennington, United States-Illinois-Springfield, United States-California-Sacramento, United States-Connecticut-Rocky Hill, United States-New York-New York, United States-Oregon-Ashland, United States-Michigan-Ann Arbor, United States-Utah-Salt Lake City, United States-North Carolina-Winston-Salem, United States-North Dakota-Bismarck, United States-Washington-Everett, United States-Maine-Portland, United States-California-Oakland, United States-Idaho-Coeur d'Alene, United States-North Dakota-Fargo, United States-New Jersey-Woodcliff Lake, United States-Florida-Jacksonville, United States-Illinois-Chicago, United States-California-Los Angeles, United States-Wyoming-Gillette, United States-Idaho-Boise, United States-North Carolina-Raleigh, United States-Texas-San Antonio, United States-West Virginia-Charleston, United States-Texas-Spring Branch, United States-Florida-Crestview Industry

Marketing/Communications Schedule

Full-time Employee Status

Regular Business Class

Marketing and Admin Job Posting

Aug 29, 2025 Equal Opportunity

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records. Seniority level

Mid-Senior level Employment type

Full-time Job function

Other Industries

Advertising Services and Design Services

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