Proposal Writer

CDW Corporation

The Proposal Specialist provides analysis, response, support, and processing of various types of proposals and bids for the applicable Sales Team. Such documents may include: request for proposal (RFP), request for information (RFI), and request for quotation (RFQ). These are referred to as "Proposal Documents." The Proposal Specialist maximizes company revenue and profit through wins and sales generated by responses to Proposal Documents.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Manages proposal process to respond to comprehensive Requests for Proposals.
• Delegate tasks among account managers, sales managers, systems engineers, field reps, vendors, service partners etc. throughout the proposal process.
• Analyze RFPs and document potential gains, liabilities, terms and conditions.
• Prepare a written response, articulating company capabilities, thoroughly addressing explicit and implicit customer needs.

Produce Proposal Document Responses:

• Prepare professionally written responses to Proposal Documents that specifically address customer requirements while positioning CDW for success; ensure win-theme is consistent and apparent.
• Assemble stakeholders (proposal project team) to identify roles, responsibilities and timelines. With project team, discern strategies and win themes and incorporate into capture plan.
• Manages proposal schedule to meet deadlines.
• Facilitates proposal process; uses department tools for meetings, storyboards, writing and reviews.
• Assembles and reviews final document before production.
• Research the customer to understand their environment, politics, limitations, hot points and other factors that will translate to a response that wins.

Communicate Effectively:

• Track and maintain communications among all team members (local and remote employees, and teammates), manage and distribute assignments provided via collaborative tools such as calendars, task lists, as necessary.
• Engages necessary resources such as services, logistics, credit, legal and other company departments; engages outside resources such as vendors, partners and customers.
• Coordinates all necessary documentation, including NDAs, Teaming Agreements and pricing letters.
• When indicated, provides templates and support to sales team in drafting proposals.
• Follows up and provides feedback to account managers, sales managers and directors regarding new and current Proposal Documents.

Provide Documentation:

• Reviews and flags Proposal Documents for opportunities, liabilities, terms and conditions.
• Reviews responses for compliance, accuracy, content and impact to business; participates in review sessions with teammates to ensure the integrity of all documents and solutions.
• Oversees completion of pricing and non-cost items in the cost proposal, such as representations and certifications.
• Assists in the development of a pricing strategy, as applicable, and accounts for other costs to maximize profit.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Ensures seamless transition from win to the post-award management team.
• Attend department-sponsored and other training programs as necessary.
  Complete projects assigned from time to time.
• When required, attend industry days or pre-proposal functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or experience equivalent (4 years writing experience)
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Other Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Must be able to communicate effectively and in a constructive manner with management, peers and other coworkers

Preferred Qualifications

• General IT product, contract and customer knowledge
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up
• Deadline focused and ability to work under time constraints
• Working knowledge of purchasing requirements

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