Proposal Executive

Department
: Marketing and Business Development

Reports To:
Senior Proposals Manager (SPM)

At BCLP, we've built our firm on the foundations of thinking differently. Curious, inquisitive and unbound by tradition, we're building change within our sector and beyond.

Position Overview

As an important member of the firm's Marketing & Business Development Department, the Proposal Executive will play a key role in the development of client proposals and pitches, implementation of client development initiatives, and other projects related to the pursuit of new business. This includes the creation/aggregation of content for requests for formal proposal (RFP, RFI, RFQ, ITT, PSQ and other forms of Tender Offers for panel appointments). In addition, this role supports the global process for legal directory submissions, including Chambers, and Legal 500.

Responsibilities

Working with the SPM, the Proposal Executive will be responsible for:

• Working with team leadership (and independently) to prepare responses to client Requests for Proposals, Requests for Information and other formats of response to client requests, from the initial planning stage to final production and delivery

• Writing and proofreading specific sections of submissions to ensure that questions have been answered fully and coherently, and that the tender meets the required guidelines

• Responsible for providing training on the internal pitch process to new starters across the firm

• Analysing and assisting with solicitation requirements, preparing proposal plans to include required components (graphics, biographies, narrative, etc.), outlining tasks, schedules and responsibilities

• Networking with internal subject matter experts to adapt their content to support submissions

• Collaborating with the SPM, other members of the P&P team, BD teams and lawyers to develop pursuit win strategies, define and articulate value proposition, and produce professional proposals and related client materials

• Crafting new content, such as custom cover letters, executive summaries and capabilities statements on a case-by-case basis

• Coordinating with other Marketing team members as needed to produce required proposal deliverables

• Working with other firm departments as necessary to prepare responses

• Researching prospective clients and opportunities to effectively tailor proposal messaging and the related capture strategies with our CI/Research Analysts

• Ensuring the firm's production and quality control processes are followed for all proposal submittals

• Upholding the firm's brand standards to ensure a strong brand presence for all marketing deliverables

• Writing/editing stock marketing materials, including case descriptions and lawyer biographies

• Maintaining a bank of commonly used proposal content (Foundation) including periodic review and update of content

• Responsible for registering to and monitoring the proposal team log in details for external submission sites such as Ariba

• Updating Dynamics as necessary according to proposal and client pitch activity

• Other writing and client research duties as assigned

Essential Job Specifications/Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Professional services experience would be ideal but experience in a corporate environment will also be considered

• Excellent writing and organisational skills

• Ability to deal professionally with both internal and external clients on all levels

• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with lawyers, management, staff and clients through written correspondence, surveys, memos, etc.

• Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with BD colleagues and lawyers, and have a positive attitude, contributing to team effort

• Proven project management, organisational, and planning skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and projects and to meet deadlines

• Ability to work well under pressure with flexibility and adaptability to changing work priorities, work flow and work assignments

• Ability to work flexible schedule to accommodate projects with overtime as needed, up to ten (10) hours per week

• Ability to diplomatically provide answers, pushback or to question those in authority for greater clarity or more information, if needed

• Demonstrated knowledge and skill of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook

• Proven ability to think creatively, using good judgment and decision-making capabilities

• Proven ability to concentrate on the details of executing projects once the big picture has been identified by upper management

• Requires the ability to regularly report to work on the days and times scheduled; with a mandatory of three (3) working days of office attendance

• Experience with CRM systems is not essential but would be beneficial

Competencies

• Action-oriented

• Customer/client focus

• Effective communication

• Initiative

• Planning and organising

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This is largely a sedentary role.

Education/Experience/Certifications

· Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent work experience in marketing or business development

· Minimum two (2) years' experience in a professional services firm required, preferably in marketing

Travel

No travel is required for this position.

At Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner we understand the value of a diverse workforce and we believe people perform at their best when they can truly be themselves at work. We aim to create an inclusive environment where all our employees are valued, motivated and able to be themselves. In order to provide the best possible service to our diverse client base, we are committed to recruiting, retaining, rewarding and developing our people with regard to their abilities and contributions and without reference to their background, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnic origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, political belief, disability or any other protected characteristic.