Proposal Manager

at  Valard Group of Companies

Valard, is Canada’s premier utility contractor, as well as head of the Valard Group of Companies AND part of the Quanta Group, the largest electrical power contractor in North America. Valard has full-service capabilities for transmission, distribution, substations, foundations, telecommunications and renewable energy.
The Proposal Manager reports to the Chief Commercial Officer and is responsible for the creation and oversight of the Proposal Department; inclusive of the full RFx[1] lifecycle for all external submissions that flow through the Proposal Department to ensure consistency of process, quality, and content across all RFx submissions.
RFx encompasses all response types; Request for Quotation, Request for Proposal, Request for Information, Request for Prequalification, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Management, Marketing, Communications or a combination of relevant previous Post-Secondary education and experience
• 5+ years of Proposal related experience
• 5-7 years of Management and Marketing/Sales experience
• Project Management experience and/or training is an asset
• Supply Chain Management experience and/or training an asset
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe applications
• Advanced knowledge of databases to create, and/or maintain information store in internal systems

KSA’S (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and confidentiality concerning proprietary information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Decision making skills.
• Effective verbal and listening skills.
• High attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Very effective organizational skills
• Effective written communication skills
• Very strong computer skills

The Proposal Manager must maintain strict confidentiality in performing his or her duties. He/she must also demonstrate the following personal attributes.

• Honesty and trustworthiness
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Ability to work on a flexible schedule.
• Sound work ethics.

KEY (CORE) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Department Management

• Maintain, and update as required, the Proposal Department procedures and processes to encompass Department flow-through from the identification of an opportunity to project award.
• Provide planning and leadership to the Proposal Department to ensure that all appropriate structures, systems, and competencies are followed to meet the objectives of the Proposal Department
• Strengthen relationships with other departments, offices, and sister organizations.
• Maintain all communications, information and/or reporting distributed by the Proposal Department.
• Develop and build effective working relationships with clients.
• Maintain the RFx status documentation.
• Review incoming requests and prepare the Daily Opportunities listing.
• Maintain and update bid portal memberships and update the search metrics for each portal as needed to ensure relevant search results for public opportunities.
• Develop, maintain and grow the Valard Bid Library; a virtual repository that retains key information, templates and information required for RFx responses.
• Continuously learn, improve, and build methods and procedures to enhance Valard’s chance of selection.
• Review information entered into Proposal Department databases.
• Provide innovative solutions for RFx issues.
• Support sister organizations and Quanta, as required.
• Participate in RFx strategy groups, as required/requested.

1. Response Management

• Manage and train all personnel in the Proposal Department, overseeing daily activities and assignments.
• Assign a Proposal Coordinator as lead for each RFx response, including self-assignment.
• Assist Proposal Coordinators with the creation of responses that promote the Valard brand.
• Act as the submission lead for major RFx responses.
• Act as client Liaison during all RFx stages.
• Review and/or create RFx response deliverables. Resolve escalated deliverable concerns and determine if further escalation is required.
• Coordinate internal, RFx kick-off and strategy meetings.
• Prepare and review RFx write-ups.
• Prepare department deliverables, including, but not limited to; company information, financial documentation, bid bonds and consent of surety, experience profiles, resumes, organizational charts, etc.
• Compile final bid packages, ensuring that compliance and quality requirements are adhered to.
• Obtain client feedback post-submission to incorporate into future proposals and maintain a record of the debrief.
• Use knowledge of the client, market, and competitors to identify and promote Valard’s unique talents and differentiators.

1. Project Awards

• Create and maintain the Project Numbering Guideline to ensure that all projects awarded are coded to the correct Division in JD Edwards (JDE); as well as updating all RFx databases with new Divisions.
• Act as liaison, when required, during the contract negotiation process.
• Generate Project Award Notifications to initiate project set-up in JDE and to inform key internal groups and individuals.
• Assist in the RFx Turnover process by providing the Project Team access to working, and submitted, bid documentation, including any relevant supporting documentation (emails, meeting notes, post-bid communications, etc.).

The Proposal Manager must maintain strict confidentiality in performing his or her duties. He/she must also demonstrate the following personal attributes.

• Honesty and trustworthiness
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Ability to work on a flexible schedule.
• Sound work ethics