Proposal Manager

About Tantalus Systems (TSX: GRID)

Tantalus is a technology company dedicated to helping utilities modernize their distribution grids by harnessing the power of data across all their devices and systems deployed throughout the entire distribution grid – from the substation to the EV charger located behind the meter. We offer smart grid solutions across multiple levels: intelligent connected devices, communications networks, data management, enterprise applications and analytics. Learn more at http://www.tantalus.com/.

Come join us if you’re interested in being part of an entrepreneurial team, solving complex technical problems and delivering innovative solutions that will directly impact the electrification of everything and the decarbonization of our society.

We have operations throughout the United States and Canada with offices in Burnaby (British Columbia, Canada), Raleigh (North Carolina, USA), and Norwalk (Connecticut, USA).

This position offers a competitive salary plus variable compensation based on performance targets and business objectives. Tantalus also offers generous benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

The Opportunity:
Reporting to the Director, Business Development, the Proposal Manager will lead the full proposal lifecycle, coordinating, preparing, and delivering high-quality RFP responses and proposals. This role interfaces cross-functionally with sales, technical, product, and executive teams, driving the creation of compelling proposals that support our continued growth in the utility sector. This is a highly networked, player/coach role that requires an ability to work under pressure to meet challenging deadlines. There is considerable engagement with internal stakeholders, and a proven ability to build and influence cross-functional teams without formal reporting authority is essential for success. There will be a small component of travel from time to time depending on the needs of the function.

As Tantalus continues to expand, and in an effort to manage workload and refine expertise based on region and/or technology, you would become part of a proposal team that consists of a current Proposal Manager and virtual team members from Sales, Product Marketing, Contracting and Legal departments.

Location of Position:
This position will be based in our Raleigh, NC or Norwalk, CT office.

Specifically, the Proposal Manager will:

• Drive the Proposal Life Cycle which includes: kick-off meetings, the analysis of requirements & strategy development, risk assessment / mitigation, and the creation of high quality proposals showcasing Tantalus’s value proposition
• Coordinate, draft and review proposal input from a variety of stakeholders, typically involving contributions from sales, marketing, product development, customer operations, finance, and legal
• Collaborate with the capture management team to identify client priorities, craft win themes tied to the Tantalus messaging narrative and differentiators in order to propose effective solutions
• Translate subject matter experts’ knowledge into proposal requirements and externally facing material when not provided in customer-ready format including final format of work product
• Lead internal proposal team in preparing all aspects of RFPs and RFIs for Tantalus including leading the go / no-go decision process, drafting, reviewing and editing content for responses
• Leverage the Responsive proposal management tool to maintain database of Q&A pairs to drive efficiencies and scale within the organization
• Evaluate and implement industry best practices to improve our proposal process and quality of our responses
• Ensure timely submission of all proposals and support responses to client follow-ups or clarifications.
• Coach sales teams and subject matter experts in writing best practices

What you Bring:
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marketing, or related. Equivalent work experience will be considered in lieu of required education on a case by case basis
• 7 years of industry experience with a minimum of 3 years’ related experience in bids and proposals role with background in an Energy/Utility/Smart Grid space
• APMP certification is an asset
• Proven ability in planning, producing and delivering compliant proposals within a complex technical solution environment
• Experienced in scheduling and running proposal kick-off meetings, leading storyboarding sessions, facilitating key review meetings / final document review, coordinating proposal governance / sign off, document production and delivery of the completed proposal
• Experience with coordinating and updating a content management system
• Demonstrated track record of improving company win rates from RFP submissions
• Working knowledge and experience with preparation of budgets, schedules and cost estimates
• Experience with professional publishing and writing tools
• Excellent computer skills: MS Excel, Adobe Acrobat (not Reader), and proposal management software applications (preferably Responsive)

Personal Attributes:

• Persuasive and confident writer, comfortable interfacing with clients and executives; communicate and influence at a senior level
• Strong time management and prioritization skills
• Project management experience, especially working with geographically dispersed, virtual teammates
• Self-starter, self-motivated personality
• Ability to make decisions based on solid facts, organizational skills, and time management
• Excellent attention to detail and strong problem solver
• Able to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment (Engineering, Contracting, Marketing, Sales, etc.)
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, deadline oriented role

If you possess some of the key skills and experiences outlined in the job posting and are genuinely interested in the position, we invite you to take a chance and submit your application. We value diverse perspectives, unique skills, and believe in the power of potential over specific qualifications.

Tantalus is committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We welcome and encourage Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ and persons with disabilities to apply. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, simply email us at careers@tantalus.com.