Proposals Manager

Bilfinger is an international industrial services provider with a vision to be the No. 1 for its customers in enhancing efficiency and sustainability within the process industry. Bilfinger’s comprehensive portfolio spans the entire value chain, from consulting & engineering to prefabrication & installation, access & insulation, and services that improve the asset performance of industrial plants.

 

The company operates in three geography-based segments: Western Europe, Central Europe, and International, with primary activities in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Its process industry customers come from markets such as chemicals & petrochemicals, energy, oil & gas, and pharma & biopharma. With about 31,000 employees, Bilfinger upholds the highest standards of safety and quality, generating revenue of €5.4 billion in the financial year 2025. To achieve its goals, Bilfinger has identified two strategic levers: Operational Excellence to continuously improve its own efficiency and performance, and Market Expansion to strengthen customer orientation and establish Bilfinger as the partner of choice.

 

Proposals Manager

Position Overview

The Proposals Manager will lead the development of proposals for various projects across our specialized sectors. This role is crucial in ensuring competitive, high-quality submissions that align with client expectations and company standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a strategic mindset, and an in-depth understanding of the industrial services landscape.

 

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Development: Oversee the end-to-end proposal process, from initial client inquiry to final submission, ensuring compliance with client requirements and company standards.
Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of proposal coordinators and writers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and efficiency.
Client Engagement: Collaborate with stakeholders, including business development, project management, and technical teams, to gather necessary information and insights for proposal preparation.
Market Analysis: Conduct research on industry trends, competitor offerings, and client needs to inform proposal strategies and enhance our competitive positioning.
Quality Assurance: Ensure all proposals are reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with corporate branding and messaging standards.
Budget Management: Develop and manage proposal budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness in the proposal process while maintaining quality.
Continuous Improvement: Implement best practices for proposal development and seek opportunities for process improvements.

Key Attributes

Leadership: Strong ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
Detail-Oriented: Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all proposal submissions.
Strategic Thinker: Ability to align proposal strategies with broader business objectives and client needs.

Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate complex information clearly.
Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities to assess market trends and client feedback.

 

Expanded Responsibilities

Proposal Strategy and Planning

Strategic Input: Collaborate with senior leadership to align proposal efforts with the company’s strategic goals, identifying key opportunities in target markets.
Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks associated with proposal submissions, recommending mitigation strategies.

Relationship Management

Client Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and ensuring that proposals address specific requirements.
Internal Collaboration: Work closely with sales, engineering, and operations teams to gather insights and data that enhance proposals.

Training and Development

Mentorship: Provide coaching and professional development opportunities for team members, enhancing their skills in proposal writing and project management.
Workshops: Organize training sessions on proposal best practices, industry standards, and effective communication techniques.

Team Dynamics

Interdepartmental Collaboration: The Proposals Manager w