Proposal Manager - job 1 of 5

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is actively searching for a an experienced proposal leader to work within our DoD proposal team as a Proposal Manager. 

In this role, you will be responsible for leading key proposals and presentations, providing support and guidance from pre-RFP positioning through to interview stage, as required. Subject matter may include studies and planning, architecture and engineering design, construction, environmental, program management, and other professional services.

The ideal candidate will bring experience with US Federal proposal writing, strong leadership, a sharp compliance focus, strong pre-positioning and proposal writing skills, and creative design ideas.

This will be a hybrid work schedule position including a combination of both remote and in-office, that can be based in, but not be limited to: Arlington, VA

Job responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Lead large, complex, priority must-win pursuits from capture through to interview stage, as required, which may include multiple disciplines/geographies.  
• Participate actively in Go/No-Go, capture strategy development, and drives compliance with delegation of authority guidelines, capture planning and positioning activities, providing leadership and direction, where required.  
• Develop a plan for managing assigned proposals, working with the capture manager to assign roles and responsibilities for capture and proposal team, develop schedules, and track progress. In addition, review and translate solicitation documents (RFPs) and amendment requirements into a compliance matrix, proposal outline, and content plans. Actively use AI tools, including large language models, to prepare initial drafts and content, including those listed here.  
• Schedule and lead proposal kick-off meetings, lead storyboarding, competitor analyses, key messaging development sessions, etc., and facilitate review meetings. 
• Lead and contribute to the content planning and writing of proposal sections such as cover letters, executive summaries, past performance sections, management approaches, and resumes/staffing sections. Also provide detailed writing guidance for the development of technical and pricing narrative sections. 
• Be responsible for compliance on assigned proposals and, where assigned, serve as an independent compliance reviewer or color team reviewer (pink and red reviews) on proposals led by others.  
• Support debriefs and gathering of client feedback on proposals to ensure and demonstrate continuous improvements. Analyze debriefs and apply lessons learned to add value to strategy and reviews.  
• Oversee proposal and project filing on the secure server and CRM. Knows where to go for all recent submittals and project descriptions. Is familiar with the top IDIQs and top IDIQ managers and project managers.  
• Lead or participate in special projects involving diverse teams, as directed, particularly related to knowledge management, such as developing guidance and standard operating procedures, training materials, or support for process improvement.  
• Contribute to internal training and mentoring on topics related to core processes, tools, practices or other special topics.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

• BA/BS + 8 years of relevant proposal experience, ideally within the US Federal and/or DoD client sectors or a demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Working knowledge of and interest in the A/E industry, including AECOM’s Federal clients, projects, people, credentials, and competitors. 
• Evidence of successful leadership of multi-disciplinary or multi-geography proposals valued >$20 million. 
• A thorough understanding of effective proposal and presentation best practices and tools, including how to convey messages, themes, discriminators, and responses to evaluation criteria clearly and effectively.  
• Demonstrated experience applying industry best practices and procedures to support positioning, client or business development processes. 
• Strong proposal writing and editing skills, including grammar and style.  
• A strong working knowledge of desktop publishing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), graphics programs (e.g., InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop), word processing programs (e.g., Microsoft Word), spreadsheet management (Excel), and presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint). 
• A working knowledge of collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, etc.  
• An understanding of CRM. Salesforce experience is a plus.  
• Initiative, skill, and personal commitment to manage multiple projects and details concurrently, follow up, and bring tasks and projects to full completion. 
• Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to exercise discretion with confidential/sensitive issues. 
• Ability to work independently and with others. 
• Diplomacy with peers and internal clients in handling challenging situations. 
• Resourceful problem solver. 

• Relocation assistance and/or per diem is not offered for this position.
• This position does not include sponsorship for United States work authorization, now or in the future

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.