Proposal Manager

Grimshaw is a global architecture and design studio of ideas and invention, driven by a desire to connect people to each other and the world around us. We recognize the urgency of the challenges that face our planet, and our duty to deliver architecture and design best suited for a flourishing future. Our studios are founded on analysis and exploration. We relish the challenges inherent across a wide range of work, engaging our expertise and agility to deliver lasting, meaningful design that brings value and joy to clients and users. At Grimshaw, we encourage creativity, collaboration and innovation. We want our staff to be fulfilled by their time with us as we know the key to our continuing success is working with and engaging the most talented people we can find.

The New York studio is seeking an experienced Proposal Manager to lead the end-to-end management of competitive proposals and client submissions. This role partners closely with Grimshaw leadership, manages a dedicated bids team, and ensures the highest quality in all pitch materials and client-facing communications.

What You Will Do

• Partner with Grimshaw leadership to oversee all bid submissions, including drafting, coordinating, and executing high-quality pitch materials.
• Manage the full lifecycle of pre-qualifications, tenders, and proposals (including EOIs, RFIs, PQQs, ITTs, OJEUs, and other procurement processes). Support Los Angeles studio submissions as needed.
• Edit and prepare project sheets, resumes, and other collateral; select imagery; develop bid-specific content; and proofread final submissions.
• Coordinate proposal teams, including internal architectural leads, graphic design and sub-consultants. Collect and collate information and images from other Grimshaw offices.
• Review and refine draft bid documentation to ensure accuracy, alignment with strategy and inclusion of strategic themes. Draft original text as required.
• Serve as administrator of collected information and completed work profiles.
• Conduct research and analysis on clients, prospects, markets, competitors, and industry trends to inform targeted business development strategies.
• Prepare and deliver regular updates to Grimshaw leaders and sector leads. Coordinate closely with regional and global business development teams across the practice.
• Maintain a proposal tracker including medium- and long-term leads.
• Proactively monitor bid portals and public notifications to identify and qualify new opportunities.
• Support client engagement by liaising with potential clients and partners, facilitating introductions to firm leadership, and articulating Grimshaw’s services, values, and expertise with confidence and clarity.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in business development, bids or proposals.
• Established knowledge of the architecture and design industry.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop team members, fostering accountability and high performance.
• Strong foresight and proactive communication, with the ability to anticipate needs, mitigate risks, and propose solutions. Ability to make and implement process improvement recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to write, edit, and proofread at a professional level with meticulous attention to detail.
• Skilled at managing up with leadership, aligning priorities, and ensuring clarity of direction.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to work independently, balancing multiple priorities under tight deadlines. A successful candidate must be proactive, organized and resourceful.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach collaborators and influence outcomes.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) for layout, editing, and publication-ready document production.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, ranging from $100,000 - $120,000, excluding profit share and other benefits. This is a good faith estimate based on the expectations as laid out in the job description. Grimshaw offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision and life insurance), safe harbor 401(k) plan, 15+ days paid time off, ARE support and yearly performance reviews.

Grimshaw is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our colleagues.