**Full-time remote work
Position Description
The Proposal Specialist creates proposals and RFP/RFQ responses that successfully sell the benefits of Grainger's Value Proposition to our customers while creating a profitable sales relationship for Grainger. The Proposal Specialist works closely with the sales team members and other members of the Sales Support team to determine the right solution for each customer and to customize language into an effective response document(s). The Proposal Specialist will also work closely with functional areas within the business to ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness of responses. The Proposal Specialist will be required to balance the requests of the customer with Grainger's differentiated capabilities and strengths in comparison to our competition.
Major Responsibilities
- Work with the Customer Lifecycle Project Manager and Sales owner to understand the strategy for the specific customer. Lead proposal draft review meeting(s) and related processes to complete responses on time, while meeting internal partner expectations.
- Draft proposal documents and responses to RFP/RFQ's utilizing Grainger's standard proposal language and craft into an effective, professional sales tool to both align with the sales strategy and meet customers' needs.
- Possess a working knowledge of the business and value proposition of each offering and be able to effectively, in writing, articulate Grainger's strengths in meeting customer requirements. Exhibit creative and persuasive writing skills where needed to customize response.
- Consistently meet individual and team goals for win rate, quality, cycle time, and company metrics
- Minimize company risk by agreeing to services which Grainger can support by identifying clauses or requests that do not fit current company capabilities or policy.
- Participate and/or lead conference calls with other members of the Sales and Sales Support team, as necessary, during the contract negotiation, ensuring that decisions made during the calls conform to Grainger's capabilities and standards. The Proposal Specialist will review, assess, and process any changes required to the draft documents, and provide them to team members as necessary.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree.
- At least 3-5 years' experience in proposals, marketing, communications, or contracting.
- Experience in writing, reviewing, and analyzing technical proposals.
- Strong creative and persuasive writing skills with the willingness to adapt and change writing styles, effectively marketing Grainger's strengths.
- Demonstrated skills to lead with influence during oversight and completion of proposal response.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills to articulate and sell the Grainger Value Proposition.
- Exceptional organizational skills, detail oriented, and the ability to handle multiple tasks within a short frame of time.
- Knowledge of business and legal concepts.
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated is a must.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, MS Excel, Access, MS Outlook, PDF, Visio.
- The self-confidence to successfully negotiate with a wide range of personality types.
- Discretion when handling confidential documents is a required attribute.
Desired Skills & Qualifications
- Second language, such as French and Spanish.
- Experience with other Corporate Accounts or Government experience.
Grainger strives to be an employer of choice, to attract and retain top diverse talent, and to provide a safe and positive work environment for all of its team members. As part of Grainger hiring process, pre-employment background checks will be required for all external candidates. Internal candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment background check when they move from a non-driving role to a driving role and/or a director role and above position.
In accordance with Performance Excellence guidelines, team members are encouraged to apply for positions closely matching their experience/background and that are aligned with their Individual Development Plan. Grainger is committed to the principles and practices of employment equity. We invite all qualified women and men, including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples to apply for our career opportunities. Accommodations are available on request for all persons with disabilities taking part in the selection process.