Job DescriptionJob Description
Proposal Manager
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio | Dayton, Ohio
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
At Miller Valentine, high performance and high values are at the core of what we do, creating a foundation where collaboration drives success and our core values guide every interaction. Honesty, accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and passion shape our culture as we build certainty for our clients, teams, and communities.
Our growth strategy focuses on market sectors where we excel and foster collaborative client relationships, including paper & packaging, consumer goods, logistics and warehouse, food & beverage, and advanced manufacturing. We are seeking a highly skilled individual to craft tailored, cohesive narratives, deliver exceptional proposals, and support pursuit efforts, including interview and presentation preparation, to elevate our success.
Purpose of the Role
The Proposal Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing Miller Valentine’s strategic goals by delivering exceptional proposals and pursuit efforts that emphasize our strengths and align with client priorities. This individual will lead the development of tailored, visually compelling proposals while collaborating across departments to ensure alignment with client needs and industry expectations. By leveraging technical writing, design expertise, and strategic thinking, the Proposal Manager will position Miller Valentine as a leader in key market sectors.
The Proposal Manager combines technical writing, pursuit strategy, and team coordination to deliver exceptional proposals and pursuit efforts that emphasize Miller Valentine’s strengths. This individual will collaborate across the Business Development, Preconstruction, Execution, and Shared Services Teams to ensure alignment with client priorities and industry expectations.
Key to this role is the ability to analyze Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), and Requests for Information (RFIs) to define scope and tailor customized responses. By leveraging Adobe Creative Suite tools, they will also design visually compelling materials while maintaining consistency in messaging and brand to reinforce MV’s market leadership. The ability to prepare for interviews and presentations and support collaborative post-pursuit efforts will also be an area of focus for the role.
Key Responsibilities
Proposal Development and Management
Analyze complex solicitations, including RFPs, RFQs, ITBs, and RFIs, to identify scope, critical requirements, and deliverables.Lead the creation of cohesive, client-focused proposals that highlight the Miller Valentine value proposition and align with project goals.Collaborate with internal contributors to gather input, transform data into polished narratives, and deliver compliant, compelling submissions.Tailor proposals to specific markets, including paper & packaging, consumer goods, logistics and warehouse, food & beverage, and advanced manufacturing, while preserving a consistent Miller Valentine approach.Ensure all narrative and technical components deliver clarity, accuracy, and persuasive messaging aligned with the client’s decision-making process.
Preconstruction and Pursuit Strategy Coordination
Work closely with the Preconstruction Team to integrate technical insights, feasibility analyses, and cost considerations into proposals.Assist with the creation of pursuit plans and understand how those plans should be incorporated into the proposalMaintain compliance with Miller Valentine’s pursuit process and ensure all materials meet applicable deadlines and quality standards.
Interview and Presentation Preparation
Assist in preparing for client interviews and project presentations, creating supporting materials that align with the client’s needs and Miller Valentine’s positioning.Provide strategic insights to tailor messaging and delivery, ensuring alignment with objectives and strengthening client confidence.Develop post-presentation follow-up materials to maintain momentum and engagement with prospective clients.
Content and Visual Design Expertise
Leverage expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, to design professional, visually cohesive proposal layouts and presentations.Maintain a library of templates, past submissions, and other resources to streamline the creation of future proposals and pursuits.Collaborate with marketing and technical teams to enhance visual storytelling and ensure materials meet brand and industry standards.
Information Management and Collaboration
Act as a centralized resource for collecting, managing, and synthesizing information from various departments to support proposal and pursuit efforts.Ensure that proposal and presentation client-facing materials reflect Miller Valentine’s expertise, and thorough understanding of industry-specific nuances.Coordinate with legal and leadership teams to ensure adherence to contract requirements and risk assessment protocols.
Core Competencies
Collaboration - Build strong partnerships with team members across departments to achieve shared outcomes and foster trust.Accountability - Take ownership of all deliverables, meeting or exceeding expectations with timeliness and attention to detail.Continuous Improvement - Analyze past performance to innovate and enhance proposal processes, pursuit strategies, and client engagement efforts.Results-Focus - Proactively ensure every submission, interview, and pursuit aligns with client priorities and results in impactful outcomes.
Qualifications and Experience
At least 7+ years of experience in proposal writing, pursuit management, or relevant roles within the Construction IndustryBachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Design, or a related field; construction-related experience or coursework preferred.Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe InDesign and Illustrator) with graphic design capabilities as a strong plus.Comprehensive understanding of construction preconstruction processes and industry-specific requirements (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, and ITBs).Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with expertise in crafting narratives tailored to specific markets and client decision-making processes.Proven ability to work under tight deadlines while managing multiple priorities and maintaining accuracy and quality.Demonstrated experience collaborating across departments to gather and present cohesive, client-focused materials.
Why Join Us?
At Miller Valentine, we prioritize our team’s growth and well-being as much as we focus on delivering exceptional outcomes. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and an enriching work culture designed to empower every team member.
If you are a skilled professional with a passion for crafting exceptional proposals, leading strategic pursuits, and building meaningful client partnerships, we would love to hear from you.
Reports To: Vice President of Business Development
Work Location: Flexible across office locations with occasional travel for project pursuits and client engagements.
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