Senior Proposal Manager

Overview

As a Senior Proposal Manager at Shimmick, you’ll play a key leadership role in advancing our pursuit strategy and proposal execution. You will shape proposal systems and processes across the company, supporting complex infrastructure pursuits, guiding cross-functional teams, and helping win high-profile work in water, transportation, energy, and other critical sectors.

Backed by over 100 years of expertise and driven by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, Shimmick is one of the most dynamic infrastructure builders in the industry. With market leadership in water resources, sustainable transportation, and complex electrical construction, we’re well-positioned to lead during a time of rapid change. As project delivery models, regulatory frameworks, supply chains, and technology continue to evolve, our ability to stay flexible and agile in our proposal approach is essential to our success.

Responsibilities

Proposal Management and Leadership

• Lead and manage proposal development from RFQ to final RFP, including shortlist and interview phases.
• Develop and manage detailed proposal workplans, outlines, compliance matrices, and schedules.
• Organize and facilitate proposal kickoff, status, and review meetings.
• Lead storyboarding and strategy alignment to ensure persuasive and client-focused proposals.
• Guide teams in developing compelling themes, value propositions, and win strategies.
• Ensure all proposal elements (written, visual, and contractual) are compliant, accurate, and aligned with brand standards.
• Oversee production and delivery of final proposal documents.
• Supervise and mentor proposal team members.

Content Strategy and Development

• Write and edit high-quality proposal sections such as executive summaries, project approaches, resumes, and team qualifications.
• Collaborate with operations leadership, technical staff, estimators, and subject matter experts to translate complex ideas into clear, client-centered content.
• Review and refine resumes, project descriptions, and other boilerplate content to maximize impact.
• Implement client-specific messaging to reflect values, goals, and evaluation criteria.
• Contribute to the development of pursuit tools, templates, and style guides.

Cross-Functional and Client Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between proposal, estimating, preconstruction, operations, and executive teams.
• Coordinate inputs from joint venture partners, subcontractors, and external stakeholders.
• Support internal and client-facing meetings related to pursuits, interviews, and debriefs.
• Present proposals and concepts to clients, internal leadership, and teaming partners as needed.

Process Improvement and Training

• Identify, develop, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and quality of proposals.
• Support strategic planning efforts related to proposal team operations, tools, and training.
• Mentor junior staff and share best practices in writing, positioning, and proposal strategy.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of proposal development experience in the AEC or infrastructure industry, including 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience managing large, complex, and multi-volume proposals.
• Proven ability to lead pursuit meetings with multiple joint venture and/or design team partners.
• Ability to travel for client meetings, interviews, proposal kickoffs, or team workshops as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in heavy civil construction and alternative delivery methods (., Progressive Design-Build, CMAR, CMGC, Design-Build).
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor content for technical and client audiences.
• Familiarity with RFP/RFQ analysis, contract compliance, and public procurement processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign, SharePoint, and CRM software such as Cosential.
• Experience collaborating with estimators, technical staff, executives, and external partners.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing and proposal production processes.
• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and perform professionally under pressure.
• Understanding of industry trends in public procurement and alternative delivery models.

Additional Information:

• This position is based in Irvine, CA; Suisun City, CA; Denver, CO; or a remote location within the United States, preferably on the West Coast.
• Flexible and hybrid work arrangements are available based on candidate location and team needs.
• Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
• This position does not include sponsorship for a United States work authorization.

The salary range for this position is between $160,000-$195,000 per year depending on experience and/or education,

Shimmick offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Employees can choose from multiple medical plans, including a $0 premium option, with dental, vision, and HSA options available. We provide 100% employer-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Our paid time off program includes paid holidays, and Volunteer Time Off in addition to PTO days. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts and voluntary coverages such as pet insurance, legal, and identity theft protection.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:Please note that Shimmick does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Shimmick will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Shimmick explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Shimmick.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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