Senior Proposals & Contracts Manager - Bloemfontein at IQVIA

Position Summary

• The Senior Proposals & Contracts Manager is primarily responsible for leading end‑to‑end proposal development activities for assigned customers, including complex and strategic bids. The role plays a critical part in shaping high‑quality, competitive proposals that support business growth and customer success.
• Contract‑related activities are part of the role but are secondary and primarily linked to proposal and bid processes. Acting as a regional subject‑matter expert for proposals, this position partners closely with Sales and cross‑functional teams to ensure consistency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across all proposal activities.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Development & Bid Management

• Lead, coordinate, and manage end‑to‑end proposal development for complex, strategic, and high‑value customer opportunities.
• Develop proposal strategies, timelines, and response structures in collaboration with Sales and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross‑functional inputs (Finance, Operations, Legal, Medical, etc.) to deliver accurate, compliant, and competitive proposals.
• Support pricing, costing, and budget development aligned with proposal strategy and customer requirements.
• Participate in bid defenses, customer presentations, and negotiations as required.

Contract Support & Review

• Support the review and negotiation of contracts, including Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and amendments, as part of proposal and bid activities.
• Ensure contractual documentation aligns with approved proposal assumptions, internal policies, and governance requirements.
• Liaise with Legal and other stakeholders to escalate and resolve complex contractual topics when needed.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary internal point of contact for proposal‑related activities for assigned customers.
• Build and maintain strong, trust‑based relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a regional subject‑matter expert for proposal processes, ensuring consistency in approach, metrics, and documentation standards.

Process Improvement & Strategic Contribution

• Identify risks, gaps, and inefficiencies in proposal processes and proactively drive improvements.
• Contribute to the development and continuous enhancement of proposal tools, templates, and best practices.
• Provide strategic input on proposal‑related initiatives with minimal supervision.

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Provide guidance, coaching, and technical support to colleagues within the proposals function.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Finance, Legal, Operations, and other internal teams to support successful bid outcomes.

Compliance & Knowledge Expertise

• Maintain strong knowledge of proposal systems, processes, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure proposal and associated contract activities comply with internal procedures and applicable regulations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in proposal development, bid management, or a closely related commercial role, preferably within the CRO industry.
• Contract experience is considered an advantage but is not required as a primary area of specialization.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong experience leading complex proposals and coordinating cross‑functional bid teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, including costing and pricing models.
• Ability to interpret customer requirements, clinical protocols, budgets, and financial assumptions.
• Strong commercial and analytical mindset.

Key Competencies

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex proposals simultaneously under tight timelines.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.