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Proposal Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GFT.

Business Development & Proposal Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

GFT is seeking a Business Development & Proposal Manager to join our West Team in either NorCal, SoCal, Washington or Arizona ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at ...

Saalex

Business Development Manager

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Support proposal development to include proposal writing and color teams * Coordinate cross ... Maintain Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365), pipeline ...

Arete

Business Development Manager

Northridge, CA · On-site

Manage proposal development activities including compliance tracking, content coordination, color ... team reviews, and final production. * Partner with capture managers, pricing, contracts, technical ...

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All JobsProposal Development JobsProposal Development Manager JobsProposal Development Manager Jobs in California

Proposal Development Manager information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$91.1K

$126.8K

How much do proposal development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal development manager in California is $91,081.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Proposal Development Manager vs Proposal Coordinator?

AspectProposal Development ManagerProposal Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire proposal process, manages teams, develops strategiesSupports proposal preparation, coordinates document collection, assists with editing
Required SkillsProject management, leadership, proposal writingOrganizational skills, attention to detail, communication
ExperienceTypically 3+ years in proposal management or related fieldEntry to mid-level experience in proposal support roles
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, collaborative teams, client-facingOffice or remote, administrative support setting

The Proposal Development Manager focuses on leading and strategizing the entire proposal process, while the Proposal Coordinator provides essential support and coordination tasks. Both roles are vital in the proposal lifecycle but differ in scope and responsibility.

How does a Proposal Development Manager typically collaborate with subject matter experts during the proposal process?

A Proposal Development Manager works closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to gather technical content and ensure the proposal addresses all client requirements. This often involves organizing kickoff meetings, facilitating information flow, and coordinating review cycles to refine content. Effective communication and project management skills are essential to align contributions from various departments, maintain deadlines, and produce a cohesive, persuasive proposal. Building strong relationships with SMEs helps streamline content development and ensures proposals are both accurate and compelling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Proposal Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Proposal Development Manager, you need strong project management, writing, and analytical skills, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with proposal automation tools (like RFPIO or Qvidian), content management systems, and compliance standards is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, collaboration, and time management skills help you effectively lead cross-functional teams and meet tight deadlines. These abilities are crucial for producing persuasive, compliant proposals that increase win rates and support organizational growth.

What is a Proposal Development Manager?

A Proposal Development Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating the creation of business proposals in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) or bids. They work closely with sales, technical, and subject matter experts to ensure that proposals meet client requirements and are delivered on time. Their role includes managing timelines, ensuring compliance with client specifications, and improving the quality and competitiveness of proposals to increase the chances of winning contracts.
What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Proposal Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Proposal Development Manager jobs in California? For Proposal Development Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Proposal Development Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Proposal Development Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Proposal Development Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Proposal Development Manager job openings:
Proposal Development Manager jobs near you

Business Development & Proposal Manager

GFT.

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

GFT is seeking a Business Development & Proposal Manager to join our West Team in either NorCal, SoCal, Washington or Arizona! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our closest office.
At GFT, we're not just pursuing projects-we're strategically capturing opportunities that shape our communities. The Strategic Growth Office is the engine behind GFT's enterprise-wide growth. It fuels our most significant pursuits by aligning talent, insights, and strategy to win complex, high-impact projects. From vision through delivery, we partner across all Business Groups to develop compelling, competitive proposals that reflect our core values and technical excellence.
What you'll be challenged to do:
The BD & Proposal Manager is a senior position that supports either multiple regional business lines or one Global Business Line and contributes to meeting the goals in GFT's strategic plan by leading key business development support efforts. Working independently or through management of a team of resources for larger, more complex pursuits, the BD&P Manager is an internal BD support position that also works externally in support of (not in place of) the business lines' client and capture managers. The BD&P Manager is responsible for owning the cradle-to-grave internal support from client management phase through proposal development phase of the BD Lifecycle Program (BDLP), including managing respective proposal efforts and/or participating routinely in the writing and reviewing of the proposal.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
Supervisory
  • May manage one or more assistant proposal specialists/proposal specialists on a day-to-day basis. Responsibilities includes assignment of tasks to appropriate team member and review of work to ensure compliance with quality and department-specified practices and procedures
  • May manage and/or assist Business Development Manager or Leader with proposal workload and resourcing for regional or global business development team
  • May serve as timesheet approver, perform Performance Evaluation Reviews (PER), and recommend training for staff and provide input to annual training plan for department
  • Other duties as assigned

Proposals
  • Manages proposals and assures the capture strategy is defined and transitioned to the proposal strategy through the course of proposal development phases and final submittal/interviews, as required.
  • Leads multiple large, long-term and complex pursuits concurrently
  • Responsible for leading interview development and working closely with Manager for input and oversight
  • Provides by discussing and writing the key strategic win theme development and messaging and organizes resources to support overall proposal effort (graphics, other proposal specialists, print production, operations, etc.) and requires no direct oversight from Manager to produce a quality proposal

CAPTURE PLANNING
  • Proactively identifies opportunities in the pipeline that should start capture and then initiates with the business line, promotes, and leads Capture Planning support efforts for longer-term, complex opportunities concurrently with no oversight required by Manager
  • Proactively researches and drives the development of the opportunity with the Capture Manager
  • Concurrently works across multiple opportunities at any given time and establishes the priorities per each opportunity in alignment with the Capture Manager
  • Able to flex within the framework of best practices
  • Keeps all CRM documentation updated
  • Uses capture management plans in accordance with company templates and standards
  • Coordinates with respective MARCOM staff to define needs and develop strategic plan recommendations for the business line for early opportunity pre-positioning activities that will be led by MARCOM and overseen by the BD&P Manager

CLIENT MANAGEMENT
  • In support of the client manager, develops client and teaming relationships at the direction of the client or capture managers. The BD&P manager may develop understanding of the pursuit through industry activities, such as trade shows to develop relationships and develop opportunities in support of the business line
  • Leads any Tier 1 and/or 2 client management plans for a single business line with no oversight from Manager required
  • Communicates/prioritizes BDM support efforts based on understanding of business plan
  • Facilitates client management meetings and assures documentation in CRM
  • Coordinates with respective MARCOM staff to define needs and develop strategic plan recommendations for the business line for early client pre-positioning activities that will be led by MARCOM and overseen by the BD&P Manager

What you will bring to our firm:
  • Normally a 4-year degree required in English, marketing, journalism, communications, or applicable field is required
  • Must have the requisite experience in California

What we prefer you bring:
  • Normally 10+ years of total combined experience in the full lifecycle of business development (marketing, communications, client, capture, and proposal phases), with most of the experience focused in one or more of GFT's core business lines
  • Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience supporting, facilitating, and participating in capture planning support
  • Demonstrated success in taking opportunities successfully from capture support though and including successfully performing all phases of proposal management responsibilities
  • Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated increasing responsibility in the business development lifecycle phases (marketing, communication, client, capture, proposal)
  • At least 2 years of experience supervising staff (if applicable)
  • Certification or training in business development, marketing, communications, or sales received through an industry professional organization is highly desirable

Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $125,000 - $165,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
Featured Benefits:
• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
Location: Irvine ; Los Angeles ; Sacramento ; Seattle
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California-Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

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