Proposals Manager at BDO South Africa

Job Description

• We’re looking for a creative, analytical, and driven individual who enjoys connecting strategy, client needs, and technical excellence to deliver high-impact proposals.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide training to the business on proposal templates and best practices.
• Attend sector meetings to identify needs for sector-specific credentials, templates, and value-add materials.
• Create and design credential documents and marketing collateral for sectors and service lines.
• Update and maintain standard proposal wording in line with legal and brand guidelines.
• Manage the full proposals and tender process.
• Log client and proposal activity in internal systems such as Core and the Proposals App.
• Liaise with marketing and design teams to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Lead kick-off meetings with partners and managers to:
• Gather necessary information.
• Set deadlines and coordinate inputs.
• Ensure submissions are compelling, compliant, and aligned to client needs.
• Conduct research on clients to advise on differentiators, design, and proposal positioning.
• Challenge internal stakeholders to improve proposal content and design for maximum impact.
• Prepare presentation materials for pitches and post-submission follow-ups.
• Ensure tender submissions meet all compliance and client requirements.
• Compile, edit, and review bid documents and related submissions.
• Monitor proposal and tender deadlines to ensure timely delivery.
• Track and follow up on submission outcomes, gather feedback, and share learnings with the business.
• Maintain a central electronic library of all proposals, tenders, and related documents.
• Collaborate with Brand, Marketing, and Communications to create compelling proposal documents.
• Uphold and promote the firm’s values and contribute positively to the internal culture.
• Engage in continuous professional development through learning platforms and courses.
• Manage junior staff on their development within BD.

Job Requirements
Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Management, or a related field. 
• Preferrable: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration

Experience 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in proposal, tender, or bid management, preferably in a professional services environment.
• Proven track record in managing complex proposal processes from initiation to delivery.
• Experience collaborating with senior stakeholders, partners, and creative teams.
• Familiarity with legal, compliance, and procurement documentation processes.

Requirements 

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of proposal management best practices.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint) and Adobe InDesign.
• Understanding of branding, marketing, and document design principles.
• Strong attention to detail and quality control.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to challenge content and design constructively to improve outputs.
• Knowledge of CRM systems and proposal tracking tools.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to meet proposal deadlines.

Competencies: Knowledge and Skills 

Job Skills and Competencies 

• Advanced proposal writing and editing skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to translate technical information into client-friendly, value-driven messaging.
• High proficiency in document formatting, design collaboration, and layout aesthetics.
• Strong research and analytical abilities.
• Consistent delivery of high-quality work under tight deadlines.

Behavioural Competencies 

• Collaboration: Works well with cross-functional teams, sharing information and supporting colleagues.
• Client-Centric Approach: Understands and prioritizes the needs of clients in all proposal submissions.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of the proposal process from start to finish.
• Innovation: Proactively identifies ways to improve the proposal process and enhance quality.
• Resilience: Performs effectively under pressure.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high standard of accuracy and professionalism.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to changing requirements and business needs.
• Integrity: Operates with honesty and transparency, upholding the firm’s values.
• Influence: Confidently challenges content and design for continuous improvement.
• Continuous Learning: Proactively seeks opportunities for growth and development.