Proposals Manager

Location: London, GB; Edinburgh, GB; Glasgow, GB

Department/Division: Clients & Markets

Duration: 12+ Month FTC

Other Locations: Any UK Office

Reports to: Head of Proposals & Opportunities UKIME

Type of Role: Hybrid / Remote

Reference no: 10183

Role: Working in the largest law firm in the world, the Proposals Manager will manage strategic and complex proposals, often covering multiple practices, many countries, and Dentons regions. They will advise on and implement measures to constantly improve Dentons’ proposal function. This role involves both hands‑on and strategic elements and will provide partners, lawyers, and other members of the firm with advice on best practice across the entire proposals process.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex panel and strategic proposal opportunities from qualification through to submission and presentation, coordinating partners, lawyers and subject matter experts across practices, sectors and jurisdictions to deliver high‑quality, competitive bids.
• Manage all project management relating to proposals, including leading and facilitating meetings and ensuring that all deadlines are met.
• Scope opportunities effectively, conduct client engagement, sector and competitor research, and encourage rigor around the firm’s go/no‑go procedure.
• Produce tailored win strategies, including unique sales propositions and persuasive added‑value propositions.
• Collaborate with specialist pricing teams to develop compelling and profitable pricing models.
• Create high‑quality, tailored pitch content and documentation.
• Provide pitch‑meeting coaching that genuinely challenges and improves the performance of pitch teams.
• Obtain insightful client feedback and act on it to constantly improve the pitch process.
• Deliver hands‑on proposal work that adds real value through energy, ideas, creativity and boldness, shaping strategically important bids.
• Apply Dentons’ proposals process best practice, including observing all required internal communication and opportunity data capture.
• Work with the Digital team and the wider Global Proposals Team to continually improve pitch management systems and ensure the efficient and timely production of proposals and reports.
• Review pitch templates, structures and content on an ongoing basis to ensure consistency and best practice.
• Keep up‑to‑date with market best practice and developments in relation to proposals.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Very strong proposals capability and experience within an international, preferably global professional services environment – ideally within the legal sector.
• Experience leading the management of complex, multi‑service line, multi‑jurisdictional proposal opportunities.
• Demonstrate creativity, project‑management skills and coaching experience.
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail.
• Significant experience of procurement‑led proposal processes – a major advantage.
• Strong experience producing profitable pricing models and added‑value propositions.
• Excellent people skills, including experience managing individuals who are not direct reports.
• CIM qualification or other marketing qualification desirable but not essential.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to building an inclusive culture where our people can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstance. As well as being the right thing to do, it makes good business sense. We welcome applications from everyone of any age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, neurotype, disability, or with parental or caring responsibilities. We are also “Happy to Talk Flexible Working” and welcome conversations about flexible working arrangements. Dentons is a Disability Confident employer. Candidates with a disability may choose to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme. We will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role, consistent with our approach for all candidates. During the application process, all applicants have the opportunity to tell us about any adjustments or support they require so they can perform at their best. Any information you share with us during the application process is treated in confidence.