Proposal Manager II

As a Proposal Manager II within Fortrea's Enterprise Client Solutions team, you'll play a pivotal role in driving the proposal process for opportunities, including RFIs and RFPs. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and enjoys collaborating across global teams and business units to deliver high-quality, client-focused proposals.

We're looking for individuals with experience managing end-to-end proposal development—someone who can confidently coordinate timelines, engage internal stakeholders and external vendors, and contribute to strategic pricing and content creation. Familiarity with proposal tools, content libraries, and compliance requirements is a plus, as is the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

Strong proposal writing skills are essential. We need professionals who can craft compelling narratives that clearly articulate Fortrea's value proposition, align with client needs, and differentiate our solutions. The ideal candidate will be a confident communicator, capable of translating complex information into persuasive, client-ready content.

Hybrid role - Durham

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Owns all aspects of the appropriate proposal process (text, quote, budget, and/or response to Requests for Information [RFIs]) for assigned/accountable opportunities (inclusive of managing opportunities autonomously, establishing clear timelines, meeting client requirement, and resolving obstacles with minimal support).

• Responsible for managing opportunities of medium to high complexity.

• Shadow and/or assist more senior colleagues on highly strategic opportunities.

• Responsible for managing deliverables for integrated opportunities (i.e., spanning across multiple Business Units).

• Assist or be accountable for assigned team workload management.

• Triage and assign new enquiries as needed.

• Perform line management of assigned team members under the supervision of a manager or above.

• Execute supervisory duties for assigned staff including work scheduling, performance evaluation activities, career development and preparation of training plans, where applicable with support of a manager or above.

• 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.

• Organizes and manages 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 where required.

• Prepares high quality and accurate documents; collaborates with the review team to ensure the responses and strategy meet the Sponsor requirements and expectations under the pressure of changing timelines; proactively works with the review team to craft the appropriate strategy.

• Is responsible for facilitating internal and external opportunity management negotiations (i.e., pricing, process, resources, timelines, etc.).

• Is accountable for timely delivery of assigned deliverables.

• Responsible for resolving issues/challenges and informing Manager.

• 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 drives ways to improve the efficiency and quality of processes and the resulting deliverables, influencing key stakeholders as applicable.

• Contribute to assigned client relationship improvement activities and implementation.

• Provides training and guidance to new or less experienced staff on all aspects of position requirements, including providing input into training materials.

• Performs quality control activities per the appropriate process/requirements.

• Lead sales-focused inbound client visits.

• Require scientific and/or technical knowledge to support client, lab, and/or operations questions/collaboration.

• Expected to contribute to content library by submitting new content or updates to existing content, using the official content submission process, and to suggest areas for streamlining/improving content and/or structure.

• Completes other appropriate duties, as assigned by the manager, which require similar skills in accordance with business needs and common sense.

• All other duties as needed or assigned.

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 6 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., , 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.

Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.