Proposal Manager II

Role Summary

As a Proposal Manager II within Fortrea’s Enterprise Client Solutions team, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving the proposal process for opportunities, including RFIs and RFPs. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and enjoys collaborating across global teams and business units to deliver high-quality, client-focused proposals.

We’re looking for individuals with experience managing end-to-end proposal development—someone who can confidently coordinate timelines, engage internal stakeholders and external vendors, and contribute to strategic pricing and content creation. Familiarity with proposal tools, content libraries, and compliance requirements is a plus, as is the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

Strong proposal writing skills are essential. We need professionals who can craft compelling narratives that clearly articulate Fortrea’s value proposition, align with client needs, and differentiate our solutions. The ideal candidate will be a confident communicator, capable of translating complex information into persuasive, client-ready content.

Hybrid role - Durham

Responsibilities

• Owns all aspects of the appropriate proposal process (text, quote, budget, and/or response to RFIs) for assigned/accountable opportunities, including managing opportunities autonomously, establishing clear timelines, meeting client requirements, and resolving obstacles with minimal support.
• Responsible for managing opportunities of medium to high complexity.
• Shadow and/or assist more senior colleagues on highly strategic opportunities.
• Manage deliverables for integrated opportunities spanning multiple Business Units.
• Assist or be accountable for assigned team workload management.
• Triage and assign new enquiries as needed.
• Perform line management of assigned team members under supervision.
• Execute supervisory duties for assigned staff including work scheduling, performance evaluation, career development, and training plans where applicable.
• Review and analyze RFI/RFP documents to ensure adequate information for budget, proposal, and/or response preparation; follow up as required.
• Identify and resolve issues around client enquiry requirements and Fortrea capabilities.
• Organize and manage strategic and operational calls related to the opportunity.
• Work across the organization in a matrix environment across multiple time-zones and locations to lead the process and complete deliverables.
• Liaise with third party vendors/vendor managers for quotations as required.
• Prepare high quality and accurate documents; collaborate with the review team to ensure responses meet sponsor requirements and adapt strategy as timelines shift.
• Facilitate internal and external opportunity management negotiations (pricing, process, resources, timelines, etc.).
• Ensure timely delivery of assigned deliverables.
• Resolve issues/challenges and inform Manager.
• Enter data timely and accurately into departmental/corporate databases/systems.
• Support client-facing and senior management-facing activities, including preparation and meetings.
• Maintain knowledge of technical and regulatory environments.
• Identify and drive process efficiency and quality improvements, influencing stakeholders as applicable.
• Contribute to client relationship improvement activities and implementation.
• Provide training and guidance to new or less experienced staff, including input into training materials.
• Perform quality control activities per process requirements.
• Lead sales-focused inbound client visits.
• Require scientific and/or technical knowledge to support client, lab, and/or operations questions.
• Contribute content to the content library and suggest improvements to content/structure.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree required in a related field or equivalent work experience. Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience in lieu of educational requirements.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of experience in budget and/or text development, or an equivalent combination of education and CRO/pharma/related experience.
• Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and ability to be persistent while maintaining tact.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Knowledge of proposal management software (e.g., Salesforce.com, Qvidian) preferred.
• Demonstrated text editing and writing skills.
• Ability to plan, multi-task, and prioritize; strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate with internal stakeholders, clients, and Fortrea senior management.
• Positive attitude and urgency; willingness to work across Business Units.
• Ability to work irregular or extended hours to meet proposal deadlines.
  

Additional Requirements

• Flexibility to participate in meetings across various time zones outside core working hours.
• Travel required.