BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL MANAGER (REMOTE)

Compass Corporate Proposal Manager

Salary : $60,000 - $80,000 Location : This is a remote role but will work a Pacific Time Zone

As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service, and great results. If you've been hungry and away from home, chances are you've tasted Compass Group's delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today! Great people. Great services. Great results.

Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.

Job Summary

The Proposal Manager leads the development of complex, high-value sales and retention proposals for Compass Group. This senior role is responsible for the overall strategy, content direction, stakeholder coordination, and final delivery of competitive proposals. The Proposal Manager provides thought leadership, messaging strategy, and creative input to ensure responses align with client needs and Compass Group's positioning.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the entire sales and retention proposal process for high-value, complex bids from start to submission.

Strategically analyze RFPs, ensuring responses align with client needs, business objectives, and company positioning.

Provide strategic guidance and feedback on proposal responses, ensuring high-quality, competitive submissions.

Develop tailored content and messaging for proposals, including writing and refining key sections as needed.

Review and approve all final proposal documents to ensure compliance, quality, and strategic alignment.

Serve as a proactive leader in meetings and sales presentations, influencing strategy and decision-making.

Manage stakeholder relationships effectively, identifying key decision-makers and fostering collaboration.

Train and mentor Proposal Coordinators, guiding them in process execution and best practices.

Possess a general understanding of deal financials, including pro formas, margins, and overall cost structures.

Obtain project management training and / or certification to enhance process efficiency and effectiveness.

Be present on-site at critical sales presentations when needed to support the team.

Support the proposal development process by pulling and organizing responses for Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Manage the proposal process for smaller or less complex bids, ensuring all deliverables are completed on time.

Review and proofread proposals and other team projects to ensure accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment.

Use process management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Teams) to track deliverables, assignments, and deadlines.

Schedule and facilitate creative kick-off calls, coordinating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to align on project scope.

Assign RFP questions to appropriate team members and ensure timely responses.

Manage the clarification process by tracking questions and coordinating with clients as needed.

Act as the primary liaison between the Sales team and the creative team, ensuring clear communication.

Oversee deadlines, workflow, and submission logistics to ensure proposals meet all client requirements.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including operations teams, SMEs, and leadership.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of experience in proposal management, business development, or a related field.

Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder proposals from start to finish.

Exceptional writing, messaging, and editing skills.

Strong understanding of RFP compliance and business development strategy.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Smartsheet, SharePoint, and Adobe tools preferred.

Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all applicants and associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits. Medical, dental, vision, life insurance / AD, disability insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, paid parental leave, holiday time off (varies by site / state), personal leave, associate shopping program, health and wellness programs, discount marketplace, identity theft protection, pet insurance, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Associates may also be eligible for paid and / or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information.