The Bid Manager / Proposal Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end proposal development process for prospective CDMO clients, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, competitive, and compliant proposals that support business growth objectives. Acting as a central coordinator between Business Development, Technical Operations, Program Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Finance teams, the role ensures timely and accurate responses to client requests for information (RFIs), requests for proposals (RFPs), and requests for quotations (RFQs).

The successful candidate combines strong project management capabilities, commercial acumen, and a solid understanding of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing services to drive proposal excellence and maximize win rates.

Proposal and Bid Management

• Lead the preparation, coordination, and submission of RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs from prospective and existing clients.
• Manage the proposal process from opportunity qualification through final submission and contract handover.
• Develop proposal timelines, coordinate cross-functional inputs, and ensure adherence to deadlines.
• Ensure proposals are complete, accurate, commercially viable, and aligned with company capabilities and strategic objectives.
• Facilitate bid review meetings and manage internal approval processes.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Business Development teams to understand client requirements, project scope, and competitive positioning.
• Coordinate inputs from Technical Operations, Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Project Management, and Finance.
• Organize proposal kick-off meetings and ensure clear communication among stakeholders throughout the bid process.
• Resolve gaps, risks, and assumptions related to project scope, capacity, timelines, and pricing.

Commercial and Pricing Support

• Support the development of pricing models and commercial proposals in partnership with Finance and operational teams.
• Consolidate cost estimates, project assumptions, and delivery schedules into client-facing proposals.
• Ensure commercial terms and project deliverables are clearly defined and aligned with business objectives.

Proposal Content Development

• Prepare compelling and customized proposal documents, presentations, executive summaries, and capability statements.
• Maintain and continuously improve proposal templates, content libraries, and knowledge management systems.
• Ensure consistency of messaging, branding, and value proposition across all proposal materials.
• Review proposal documents for clarity, quality, compliance, and accuracy.

Risk Management and Continuous Improvement

• Identify proposal-related risks and escalation points early in the process.
• Track proposal performance metrics, including win rates, turnaround times, and lessons learned.
• Conduct post-bid reviews and implement process improvements to enhance proposal effectiveness and efficiency.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standard operating procedures for bid management.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Advanced degree (MSc, MBA, or equivalent) is considered an advantage.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in proposal management, bid management, project management, business development support, or commercial operations within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, CDMO, or related life sciences industry.
• Strong understanding of drug development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biologics, cell and gene therapy, or related CDMO services.
• Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary proposals involving technical, operational, and commercial stakeholders.
  Familiarity with GMP-regulated environments and pharmaceutical industry standards.

Key Competencies

• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership capabilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/proposal management tools.