Proposal Development Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Proposal Development Manager based in the United States. This role offers the opportunity to lead the development of high-quality proposals that support business growth across the clinical research and life sciences sector. You will translate complex RFP and RFI requirements into compelling, differentiated responses that address sponsor priorities and demonstrate value. Working closely with Business Development leaders and subject matter experts, you will shape operational strategies, budgets, timelines, and resourcing plans. The position combines proposal writing, pricing, project coordination, quality control, and stakeholder management. You will play an important role in ensuring proposals are accurate, commercially sound, compliant, and delivered on time. The role also provides an opportunity to improve proposal processes, leverage technology, and strengthen reusable knowledge and response libraries. It is well suited to an organized, detail-oriented professional who understands CRO operations and enjoys working across scientific, commercial, and operational teams. Review and interpret requests for proposals (RFPs) and requests for information (RFIs), developing comprehensive responses that address sponsor requirements and clearly differentiate the organization’s capabilities. Partner with Business Development leads and internal subject matter experts to develop operational strategies aligned with sponsor objectives and project requirements. Coordinate responses to sponsor-specific questions, concerns, and technical requirements by gathering accurate information from relevant SMEs. Collect project specifications, deliverables, resource requirements, timelines, and pricing inputs to develop clear and accurate proposal budgets. Build budgets that effectively communicate proposed deliverables, pricing, resourcing, and timelines while ensuring alignment with client requirements. Review, validate, and quality-control budgets prepared by others, identifying discrepancies, gaps, or inconsistencies before submission. Support proposal and pricing defenses with sponsors and internal stakeholders, providing clear rationale for proposed approaches and commercial assumptions. Manage assigned proposal deliverables throughout their lifecycle, ensuring priorities, deadlines, approvals, and quality standards are consistently maintained. Continuously improve proposal development and budgeting processes by identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, strengthen quality controls, improve communication, and incorporate appropriate technology. Maintain and enhance internal proposal, response, and knowledge libraries to improve efficiency and consistency across future submissions. Maintain accurate proposal and contract-related records within CRM and SharePoint systems, following established documentation, naming, filing, and retention requirements. Requirements 3–6 years of experience in the Contract Research Organization (CRO) industry, preferably in proposals, pricing, commercial operations, or a closely related function. Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, finance, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred. Advanced understanding of CRO operations, clinical and scientific data terminology, and the drug development process. Extensive experience authoring, coordinating, and managing complex proposals in the CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or broader life sciences environment. Demonstrated experience developing, reviewing, validating, and quality-controlling budgets and pricing information. Ability to translate budgets into client-specific formats and work with customer procurement systems such as Ariba or Workday. Strong experience organizing and maintaining proposal and contract records using CRM platforms, SharePoint, and similar document management systems. Strong und