Proposal Manager - Construction

Company: Wharton Smith Inc
Location: Sanford
Posted on: April 4, 2026

Job Description:

At Wharton-Smith, proposals are not support functions, they are a core business discipline. Our Proposal Manager is a subject-matter expert in construction pursuits, responsible for translating complex scopes, technical approaches, and operational strategies into clear, compliant, and compelling submissions that win work. This role is designed for an experienced construction proposal professional who understands how owners evaluate teams, how contractors differentiate themselves, and how disciplined proposal strategy directly impacts backlog and growth. The Proposal Marketing Manager leads the development of high-stakes construction proposals and interview presentations across commercial construction and water/wastewater infrastructure. You will own proposal strategy from Go/No-Go through submission and interview, serving as the connective tissue between business development, operations, estimating, and leadership. This role requires deep, hands-on expertise and oversight in construction proposal management. You will set the standard, mentor others, and continuously improve how Wharton Smith competes in the marketplace. Core Responsibilities Construction Proposal Strategy & Execution Lead end-to-end development of complex construction proposals, qualifications, and interview presentations. Analyze RFPs, RFQs, and procurement documents to identify evaluation criteria, compliance requirements, and risk areas. Develop pursuit strategies, win themes, key differentiators, and executive summaries grounded in project-specific construction realities. Translate technical narratives from operations, estimating, and engineering into owner-focused messaging that demonstrates value, risk mitigation, and execution confidence. Subject-Matter Leadership Serve as the internal expert on construction proposal best practices, alternative delivery pursuits, and owner expectations. Guide project teams through the proposal process, providing structure, clarity, and accountability. Lead storyboarding sessions and content strategy workshops with pursuit teams. Prepare and coach teams for shortlist interviews and formal presentations, including message discipline and delivery. Quality, Compliance & Brand Stewardship Direct and quality-control proposal content to ensure accuracy, compliance, clarity, and consistency. Ensure all submissions meet client requirements, follow corporate brand standards, and reflect a unified voice. Manage external consultants, designers, and photographers as needed to support proposal development. Team Leadership & Mentorship Manage and mentor proposal staff, setting expectations for quality, deadlines, and professional growth. Assign pursuits and manage team capacity in a deadline-driven environment. Train team members in construction proposal strategy, persuasive writing, and presentation development. Continuous Improvement Lead proposal debriefs and after-action reviews; translate feedback into actionable improvements. Develop and refine proposal tools, templates, and processes to improve efficiency and win rates. Maintain and evolve project, personnel, and pursuit content libraries. What Sets You Apart Required Experience 8–10 years of direct experience managing construction proposals in the commercial, infrastructure and/or water/wastewater sectors. Demonstrated success leading complex, competitive pursuits from start to finish. Experience supporting design-build, CMAR, or alternative delivery pursuits strongly preferred. 3 years of experience mentoring or managing proposal professionals. Technical & Professional Expertise Expert-level proficiency in proposal writing, editing, storyboarding, and compliance management. Deep understanding of construction delivery methods, procurement processes, and owner decision-making. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop). Ability to work fluently with executives, project managers, superintendents, estimators, and engineers. Leadership & Mindset High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead through influence and credibility. Comfortable operating in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments without sacrificing quality. Proactive, disciplined, and detail-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. Education & Other Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, English, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience). Authorized to work in the United States. Ability to travel up to 15%. Why Wharton Smith Proposals are valued as a strategic growth function, not a production line. You’ll work directly with seasoned professionals who respect preparation and expertise. Opportunity to shape proposal strategy, develop talent, and influence how the firm competes. A culture that rewards excellence, accountability, and collaboration. Company Benefits Employer-paid medical (HDHP) preventive care Dental, vision, Rx & FSA option Employer-paid life, AD&D, STD & LTD Voluntary supplemental insurance options Parental leave & EAP support Tuition reimbursement 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 10% and bi-annual bonuses Generous paid time off (holidays, PTO, bereavement, volunteer) Community sponsorships & involvement Employee appreciation events & celebrations Company-paid trainings & certifications Other Duties The above statements are intended to describe general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties required of those in this position. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability Wharton-Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings. (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc). Our recruiting process is centralized and is handled by our HR Department. If we are sent unsolicited resumes from recruiters, we will not pay any recruiting fees. Unsolicited resumes are any resumes sent to us by a recruiter who has not been pre-approved by HR, has not signed our contract, and has not been requested by our HR Department to search for a specific position.

Keywords: Wharton Smith Inc, Lakeland , Proposal Manager - Construction, Construction , Sanford, Florida