Job Title: Proposal Writer
Department: Proposal Team
Reports To: Director, Global Pricing
Location: Flexible on location – Hybrid/Onsite/WFH
Job Type: Full Time
Summary:
The Proposals Writer has a critical role in ensuring the successful and timely delivery of high quality, commercially competitive proposals, which are fully aligned with the company’s revenue and profitability goals, enabling the increase in conversion rate from proposal to signed contract, and ultimately increased market share for Sharp Clinical Services. The Proposals Writer will work closely with the Business Development (BD) teams in the preparation of proposals for new and ongoing business, interpreting client requirements for commercial projects, clinical study protocols or synopsis to draft proposals by working with the internal and external stakeholders
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage the complete RFP proposal process and timelines to exceed customer expectations and facilitate efficient, high quality and timely delivery of proposals that are fully aligned with Sharp’s commercial and financial objectives.
- Complete full project assessment, evaluating scope, objectives and client requirements to enable proposal generation. This may include determining alternative strategies for the client to consider.
- Manage and lead operational feasibility calls / discussions as required.
- Liaise with clients / BD regarding information for proposals as and when required in addition to any other internal / external stakeholder to enable proposal generation. Where applicable design a packaging strategy and investigate packaging options to provide best solutions for our customers.
- Calculate the unit costs for all aspects of proposal requirement using Sharp’s costing model and suppliers / service providers cost matrix or adhoc cost estimates obtained as applicable.
- Formally write up the proposal and manage the proposal approval process in accordance with Global Pricing Policy.
- Fully support the global pricing team to ensure all team goals and objectives are met
- Completion of internal systems and trackers as appropriate.
- Maintain compliance with Sharp’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
- Maintain compliance with all applicable departmental spreadsheets, filing and administration processes.
- Undertake specific tasks / projects as directed by the Global, Pricing Director.
- Assist with on-the-job training as and when required.
Skills
- Strategic and innovative thinker with a proactive approach
- Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills, approaching by focusing on workable solutions.
- Strong ability to effectively communicate at all levels throughout the organisation in a constructive and positive manner. Listens to and objectively considers ideas and suggestions from others
- Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize workload, be proactive and forward thinking and be comfortable challenging in a constructive manner.
- High level of attention to detail and commitment to producing high quality work.
Requirements
- Min 2+ Years relevant industry experience (Pharma / Biotech / CMO / CRO) in a pricing / proposal role, with demonstratable expertise in RFP (Request for Proposal) and RFQ (Request for Quotation) processes
- Strong understanding of cost structures, pricing strategies and profitability analysis
- Experience managing timelines and deliverables across different departments
- Knowledge of drug development stages (preclinical, clinical, commercial)
- Strong ability to liaise between clients, commercial and technical teams
- Strong initiative to learn and be part of a dynamic, skilled team
- Strong written and oral communication skills with an ability to present proposals, budgets, and project scope to leadership
- Excellent computer skills – highly efficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
Preferred requirements
- Familiarity with CDMO contract structures (Fee-for-Service, Milestone-Based, FTE-Based Pricing)
- Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA, MHRA)
- Familiarity with Salesforce
- Experience in developing clinical trial depot and freight strategies
General:
- This job description is not exhaustive. It may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the organization at any time after discussion with the post holder.
- There may be a requirement for occasional travel, sometimes outside of the UK
- All employees are required to be aware of their responsibilities towards health and safety and the dignity at work of their colleagues in the workplace.
Sharp is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
