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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