Proposal Manager in Leeds, Yorkshire

We are seeking a Proposal Manager to lead the creation, coordination, and submission of high-quality proposals, tenders, and bids that maximise the organisation's chance of winning new business. This role ensures proposals are compelling, compliant, commercially sound, and aligned with organisational strategy. Acting as the central point of coordination, the Proposal Manager partners with Account Leads, Contracts, Pricing, and Operations to deliver well-structured, persuasive proposals under deadline pressure.

Key Responsibilities

• Proposal Planning & Coordination
  • Lead end-to-end proposal development for bids, RFPs, RFQs, and tenders.
  • Develop detailed proposal schedules, deliverables, and content plans.
  • Manage and maintain the opportunity pipeline, deadlines, and documentation in line with Aqua's Sales Process.
  • Manage client procurement portals and tender notification systems to ensure Aqua is up-to-date and prepared to respond to opportunities.
  • Facilitate kick-off meetings, daily stand-ups, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Coordinate input from Account Leads, Commercial, and Operational teams.
  • Set up and manage bid folders, templates, trackers, and governance documentation.
• Proposal Writing & Content Development
  • Write, edit, and structure proposal content that is clear, compelling, customer-focused, and, where possible, uses appropriate client or Aqua branding (including collaboration with Group Graphics & Marketing).
  • Transform technical or operational inputs into persuasive narrative.
  • Ensure consistent proposal tone, branding, and messaging across documents.
  • Maintain and enhance Aqua's knowledge & bids library of reusable proposal content and best practices.
• Governance, Compliance & Quality Control
  • Ensure all proposals adhere to organisational governance, pricing protocols, and approval workflows.
  • Conduct detailed compliance checks against customer requirements.
  • Ensure proposals meet legal, regulatory, and policy standards.
  • Manage version control and ensure high editorial quality.
• Commercial & Pricing Alignment
  • Work closely with Contract and Commercial teams to ensure proposals reflect accurate and approved commercial positions.
  • Support cost modelling, risk considerations, and value propositions.
  • Assist in developing commercial narratives that strengthen the customer offer.
• Stakeholder & Deadline Management
  • Manage timelines, mitigate delays, and escalate risks efficiently.
  • Communicate progress clearly with senior stakeholders and bid owners.
  • Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the proposal pipeline.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Review submitted proposals to capture lessons learned and drive ongoing quality improvements.
  • Enhance templates, style guides, content libraries, and processes.
  • Identify opportunities for automation or process optimisation.

Qualifications Skills & Experience Required

• Essential
  • Strong writing, editing, and document-production skills.
  • Experience coordinating complex proposals or tenders.
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
  • Strong organisational skills with high attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Desirable
  • Experience using proposal management tools or collaboration platforms.
  • Understanding of pricing, commercial constructs, or contract terms.
  • Experience in regulated or competitive bidding environments.
  • Knowledge of Power BI, Power Automate, or other workflow tools.
  • APMP certification or similar qualification.

Competencies

• Persuasive communication & writing
• Project coordination & planning
• Commercial & customer focus
• Collaboration & stakeholder engagement
• Governance & process discipline
• Adaptability & ability to work to tight deadlines

What we would like to offer you:

• Competitive salary
• Discretionary bonus
• Company pension
• 25 days annual leave
• Bank holidays
• Option to purchase additional leave.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme
• Company mobile phone and laptop provided.
• Training and career progression opportunities
• Professional Membership fees paid.
• Life Assurance Scheme 4 x annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme (with access to GP appointments, Physio appointments and Mental Health Support)
• Medicash cash plan (Money back on everyday healthcare costs such as dental, glasses, contact lenses)
• Refer a friend scheme.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay and leave

Why Aqua Consultants?

We are a fast-growing organisation with highly experienced staff at the heart of everything we do. We offer more than just a day job - Aqua offers very competitive salaries and a great working environment. You'll be able to input into the development and growth of our business whilst we help you progress in your career.

Additional Information

Adler and Allan are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.