Proposal Manager | Commercial Construction Pursuit Strategist | ESOP

Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of our client, a 100% employee‑owned Southern California commercial general contractor with multiple offices statewide. They build high‑profile projects across education, healthcare, civic, entertainment, and hospitality, the kind of work that wins industry awards and shapes communities. This company has been building landmark projects for decades, and they need someone who can help them keep winning.

You’ll be embedded within a specific Center of Excellence (business unit), leading all marketing efforts for that group’s project pursuits. Think of it as running your own marketing function for a major book of business. You’ll report to marketing leadership and collaborate directly with business development, project executives, and operations teams who are in the field building the work you help win.

This is a hands‑on leadership role on a tight‑knit marketing team of 4 to 5 people. The team values creativity, speed, and high standards, not corporate red tape or endless approval chains. Your manager has 14+ years in the industry and prioritizes mentorship and professional development.

First, you’re a writer. You craft compelling stories about why this company is the best choice, describing past projects, explaining the team’s qualifications, their safety record, and their experience in each market sector. You’re selling the company’s strengths in a clear, persuasive way.

Second, you’re a designer. These proposals can’t just be boring walls of text. You’re using programs like InDesign to create eye‑catching layouts with photos, graphics, infographics, and site logistics plans. Think of it like creating a really impressive coffee table book, but it’s about construction projects.

Third, you’re a coach. When the company gets invited to the final interview for a project, you’re preparing the team. Building PowerPoint presentations, helping executives practice what to say, tailoring the content to what that specific client cares about. You’re helping them win the room, not just win on paper.

• Construction Industry Proposal Experience – You’ve led RFQ/RFP responses in the commercial construction space, including pre‑qualification packages, SOQs, and full proposals. You understand the AEC pursuit process and the difference between a $10M tenant improvement and a $75M ground‑up education project. Generic marketing experience won’t translate.
• Technical Writing + Visual Storytelling – You can write compelling narratives AND you care about design. Your proposals are visually engaging, not walls of text. You likely have a portfolio you’re proud to share. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) is required, not optional.
• Interview Coordination – You’ve prepared teams for client interviews by building presentations, coaching speakers, and tailoring content to the selection committee. You know how to win the room, not just the paper.

• 5+ years in construction marketing or proposal management
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft Suite – Experience developing marketing strategies for a specific business unit or market sector
• Comfortable mentoring junior team members
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field
• You’ve worked on pursuits ranging from $5M to $100M+ and can calibrate effort accordingly

• Candidates whose proposal experience is entirely outside construction/AEC
• Pure graphic designers without technical writing experience
• Candidates who need to be fully remote. This is primarily an on‑site role with flexibility earned over time.
• People looking for a large corporate marketing department. This is a small, high‑impact team where your work is visible and your wins are celebrated.

• Lead end‑to‑end proposal development for pre‑qualification documents, SOQs, and RFP responses
• Develop and execute marketing strategies aligned with your Center of Excellence’s goals
• Create case studies, presentations, promotional content, and thought‑leadership materials
• Coordinate and prepare interview presentations tailored to client…