Proposals Manager CPD & Advisory in City of London

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Arup is a multi–disciplinary firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s built environment.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a Proposal Manager to support our ‘Cities, Planning, and Design’ & ‘Advisory’ teams in winning work through strategic bid management and high‑quality submissions. This role has a broad portfolio remit with end‑to‑end pursuit management, requiring agility to work across multiple pursuits in both the capture and active bidding phases.

In the capture phase from triaging opportunities through pursuit planning and win‑strategy development you will play a substantial role, applying solid experience to shape how we compete and win. Working closely with client relationship teams, business leaders, and external partners, you’ll prioritize key pursuits, coordinate bid support, and work with internal teams to develop win strategies. This includes partnering discussions, competitor analysis and defining win themes.

In the active bidding phase, you will apply APMP principles and Arup’s 12‑Step process to ensure the win strategy is brought through into the final submission either through full coordination of a proposal submission or as a reviewer. The role includes supporting bid efforts across UKIMEA, engaging in work-winning networks, and enhancing professional growth within the Marketing, Communications & Business Development community.

Is the role right for you?

As Proposal Manager, you will play a central role in shaping winning strategies and delivering high‑quality submissions. Working closely with Bid Directors and Managers, you’ll shape bid strategies and ensure RFP deadlines are met while championing best practices in bidding. You’ll lead complex proposals and guide bid teams, managing the full process from answer planning and reviews to liaising with supply chain partners and overseeing documentation. Beyond proposal submission, you’ll review outcomes through lessons learnt sessions, refine strategies, and stay ahead of procurement trends to drive continuous improvement. This role also offers the opportunity to mentor and support colleagues, contributing to the growth and development of the wider team.

Requirements

• Strategic & results‑driven – Strong competitive drive, ability to set priorities, and focus on maximizing proposal effectiveness
• Experienced bid professional – Proven expertise in proposal management, writing, and leading bid teams under pressure
• Collaborative & adaptable – Works well with teams, fosters productive discussions, and navigates challenges diplomatically
• Effective communicator – Skilled in articulating ideas creatively and ensuring clear, compliant submissions

What We Offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Rhian Melaney at rhian.melaney@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.