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Proposal Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

JLL

Pursuit and Proposal Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Develop and adoptprocess improvements and best practices related to business development and proposal management * Mentor and coach other team members to continually improve team development ...

F.H. Paschen

Marketing Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

Join the marketing team at a growing national general contractor/construction management firm. F.H ... Our Chicago marketing team prepares proposals and marketing materials for all offices, and we work ...

ABB

Commercial Proposal Engineer

IL · Remote

Sales Support Manager __ Your role and responsibilities In this role, you will focus on the ... The successful candidate will be responsible for developing complex proposals by analyzing RFP ...

STV

Marketing Proposal Coordinator

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$68K - $77K/yr

Manage and prepare proposals, presentations, and qualification submissions for a variety of different types of opportunities * Review and analyze solicitation documents and RFPs * Lead walk throughs ...

Signode

Proposal Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Summary: This role is responsible for managing Automatic Equipment and Automation opportunities ... Provide support with proposals, pricing and equipment layouts (provide layout drawings, models ...

Signode

Proposal Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Summary: This role is responsible for managing Automatic Equipment and Automation opportunities ... Provide support with proposals, pricing and equipment layouts (provide layout drawings, models ...

Signode

Proposal Engineer

Roselle, IL

Summary: This role is responsible for managing Automatic Equipment and Automation opportunities ... Provide support with proposals, pricing and equipment layouts (provide layout drawings, models ...

Arcadis

Substation Electrical Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $162K/yr

Act as Project Manager, Proposal Manager, Program Manager, Account Manager and Technical Lead to support services and plan, develop, and grow power delivery clients goal and business growth for the ...

K&L Gates

Pitches & Proposals Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

... proposal content such as introduction, overview, project approach and cover letters. • Assist with content management of past and current proposals as well as standardized RFP responses. • ...

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All JobsProposal JobsProposal Manager JobsProposal Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Proposal Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$102.6K

$147.4K

How much do proposal manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for proposal manager in Chicago, IL is $102,570.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $121,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a proposal manager?

A Proposal Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the creation, development, and submission of business proposals, often in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) from clients or government agencies. They coordinate teams, manage timelines, ensure compliance with requirements, and assemble all necessary documentation to create compelling and competitive proposals. Their goal is to increase the organization’s chances of winning contracts by delivering clear, persuasive, and compliant proposals. Proposal Managers work closely with sales, technical experts, and other stakeholders throughout the proposal process.

What does a proposal manager do?

As a proposal manager, your primary responsibilities involve preparing company proposals and working to ensure you meet goals on time. Your duties require you to collaborate with marketing, operations, business development, and other departments to review information and assess the most efficient and effective plan. You write a draft, prepare a presentation, and bring your recommendations to clients. You manage the request for proposal (RFP) from start to finish and assist along the way. You maintain the resource materials, check that you are following proper procedures and standards, and communicate with outside vendors as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a proposal manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Proposal Manager, you need strong project management abilities, excellent writing and editing skills, and a background in business development or related fields, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with proposal management software (such as RFPIO or Qvidian), CRM systems, and knowledge of RFP processes are typically required. Outstanding attention to detail, collaboration, and time management help Proposal Managers excel under tight deadlines and coordinate input from various stakeholders. These skills ensure that proposals are compliant, compelling, and delivered on time, increasing win rates and supporting business growth.

What are some common challenges proposal managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams during the proposal process?

Proposal Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning schedules and priorities across diverse departments, ensuring timely contributions from subject matter experts, and maintaining consistent messaging throughout the proposal. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for navigating these hurdles. Additionally, Proposal Managers must be adept at managing tight deadlines and last-minute changes, all while fostering collaboration and keeping the team motivated.

What is the difference between Proposal Manager vs Proposal Coordinator?

AspectProposal ManagerProposal Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire proposal process, manages teams, develops strategiesSupports proposal preparation, coordinates document collection, assists with editing
Required SkillsProject management, leadership, proposal developmentOrganizational skills, communication, document management
Work EnvironmentLeads proposal teams, interacts with executivesSupports proposal teams, collaborates with proposal managers
CertificationsOften requires PMP or industry-specific certificationsLess likely to require certifications, more administrative

The Proposal Manager typically leads the entire proposal process, focusing on strategy and team management, while the Proposal Coordinator provides essential support in document preparation and coordination. Both roles are vital in the proposal development cycle, with Proposal Managers holding more responsibility for overall success.

Is a proposal manager a stressful job?

A proposal manager's role involves coordinating and preparing bids and proposals, often under tight deadlines and with high attention to detail, which can lead to stressful situations. The level of stress depends on workload, organizational support, and experience, but managing multiple proposals can be demanding. Strong organizational skills and experience with proposal software can help mitigate stress.
More about Proposal Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Proposal jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Proposal jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Proposal Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Proposal Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Proposal Manager job openings:

Proposal Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Proposal Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $102,490 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Exec Dir Enterprise Proposal Development & Events

w3r Consulting

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Purpose:
This position is responsible for leading the team that partners closely with our Sales and Account Management teams and develops and writes proposals, manages proposal content across various areas and Network information requests for the Enterprise, including Commercial, RX and Group Medicare (Blue and HealthSpring) along with providing support to Dearborn National on Blue branded quotes for certain membership thresholds; managing a separate team that supports Enterprise National Accounts Meetings that host internal and external guests based on business objectives; managing a team that supports Open Enrollment requests to support Enterprise National Accounts, Oklahoma, and Illinois/Texas local/mid markets.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Provide Enterprise support to sales and account management teams by responding to bid documents and unsolicited proposals; developing creative, value-added solutions to customers while quantifying and mitigating risks to client by relying on initiative, experience and judgment to plan and accomplish business strategies and objectives.
  • Develop processes, tools and resources for proposal staff to ensure consistency across the enterprise on bidding strategy, strategic and technical approach, performance, SME engagement, proposal timelines and deliverables.
  • Lead cross enterprise operational initiatives by driving process optimization and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and outcomes across stakeholders
  • Manage Open Enrollment role in staffing over 1,000 meetings annually in support of new business acquisition and in retaining existing customers.
  • Offer expertise and oversight of managing Enterprise meeting and event needs, which include hosting some of our largest customers, brokers, consultants, and external guests, as applicable.
  • Take a leadership role with partners such as BCBSA, Consortium Health Plans and external consultant needs to drive consistency across Enterprise operations and within the System; identify best practices, and critically evaluates the quality of content provided by these entities and directs revisions and enhancements to stay ahead of market trends.

Required Job Qualifications:
  • Bachelor Degree and 15 years' experience in progressive marketing/benefits administration, proposal development, or insurance operations OR
  • Bachelor Degree and 15 years' experience in managing proposal development professionals in a deadline-driven environment, preferably with employees in multiple locations including but not limited to professional writing, marketing, business development, etc.
  • 7 years' experience in leadership, communications, and management skills.
  • Self-starter able to develop and maintain focus on strategic marketing objectives.
  • Process minded, ability to think about people, process, and technology to gain efficiencies in the Proposal Management process, leveraging data and insights. Organized and detail oriented.
  • Knowledge of proposal development methodologies/trends,
  • Experience in balancing short term deadlines against long-term goals for self and staff.
  • Interpersonal, negotiation and engaging communication skills for all levels within the organization including senior leadership.
  • Overseeing the annual budget and allocating resources for various projects and operational needs.
  • Translating needs and initiatives into compelling business cases.
  • Conducting cost-benefit analyses to justify investments and ensure ROI.

Preferred Job Qualifications:
  • Bachelor Degree in Business, Marketing Communications, or English.
  • Leader in the proposal industry with proven best practices, including the value of AI and content management strategies
  • Knowledgeable of health care industry trends to incorporate messaging in all communications, meetings and events to ensure consistency in messaging.
  • Knowledge of client's product offerings, competitors' capabilities, and the BCBS System.
  • Demonstrated ability to design knowledge management practices and disciplines for development of the team, as well as stakeholders who engage in the process of RFP development.
  • Experience in managing teams to support onsite events for clients as well as meeting and planning support, preferably with employees and events in multiple locations.
  • Creative problem-solver, strategic critical thinker with operational discipline, team player with leadership qualities.
  • Proactive mindset looking at industry best practices around analytics/automation, ways to balance standardization with unique responses for critical growth opportunities.
  • Achievements within deadline driven environment and pressure related to these activities/roles within the organization.

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