Proposal Manager (Team Lead)

Who is design for? At hcma, we’re asking big questions about how we can help solve some of the world’s wicked challenges, through design. We create buildings, brands and shared experiences that connect people – all driven by a genuine spirit of curiosity and care.

We are interdisciplinary by intention. Architects, designers, researchers, strategists, and storytellers all working together to create the lasting change we want to see in our communities.

And that’s where (we hope!) you come in.

About the Role

We're looking for a Proposal Manager to lead and evolve our proposal efforts.

Great proposals do more than respond to opportunities - they're about building relationships, telling meaningful stories, and helping shape the future of our communities through design. In this role, you'll manage our proposal team, strengthen proposal systems and content, and help ensure every pursuit reflects the quality, creativity, and impact of hcma's work.

Working closely with Principals and senior leaders, you’ll also shape pursuit strategies, lead major submissions, and continuously improve how we pursue opportunities across the firm.

If you're equal parts strategist, storyteller, coach, and operations mastermind, we'd love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage the firm's proposal program, ensuring a strategic and streamlined process that leads to compelling and competitive submissions.
• Manage and develop a team of proposal professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Lead strategic pursuits while providing oversight, coaching, and quality assurance across proposals delivered by the team.
• Support Go/No-Go discussions through research into RFP requirements, client and competitor context, and firm’s relative competitiveness.
• Facilitate proposal kick-offs and strategy sessions that align teams around client needs, evaluation criteria, competition, and win themes.
• Continuously improve proposal systems, templates, workflows, and knowledge management to strengthen efficiency and proposal quality.
• Support interview and presentation preparation by helping teams develop compelling stories and coaching presenters.
• Oversee the firm's content library, ensuring resumes, project descriptions, case studies, and marketing content remain current and strategically aligned.
• Analyze pursuit outcomes and debriefs to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring

• 7+ years of experience in proposal management, business development, or pursuit management within architecture, engineering, construction, planning, or a related professional services industry.
• Deep understanding of public procurement process (RFPs, RFQs, etc.)
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and communication skills.
• Strong proposal strategy skills with the ability to identify client needs, shape compelling narratives, and position teams for success.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Experience improving systems, processes, templates, or knowledge management practices.
• Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills with confidence working alongside senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign); familiarity with proposal management systems or CRM platforms is an asset.
• A collaborative, curious, and proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000 annually

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer:

• Extended health and dental coverage
• Transportation allowance
• Professional development support
• Paid vacation + firm holidays
• A creative, collaborative and lively studio environment and culture
• Office and firm-wide social events

Why Join Us?

At hcma, you'll be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that's passionate about creating positive change through design. As Proposal Manager, you'll have the opportunity to shape how we pursue meaningful work, mentor a growing team, and build the systems and strategies that support our long-term success.

If you're excited by the opportunity to lead a talented team and help shape the future of our pursuit strategy, we'd love to hear from you. Please send us your resume and cover letter about what you’re passionate about and why hcma feels like the right next step for you, to careers@hcma.ca. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. We’ll be in touch with those selected for an interview.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodations or support to apply, please contact careers@hcma.ca or call 604.732.6620, we’re happy to help.