Manager - Proposals

Job Responsibilities and Requirements

Reporting to the Director of Marketing, the Proposal Manager has daily responsibility for leading a team that prepares and produces winning, professional, and effective proposals on behalf of Reliance Matrix and its affiliates for large-case opportunities across various lines of business. This individual is responsible for facilitating the entire proposal process, working closely with field sales, underwriting, and any or all other internal and/or affiliated resources.
 

The incumbent will serve as mentor, manager, and quality controller, ensuring timely, effective, and strategic proposals for large and national accounts for a variety of products and services. He/she will work closely with the Director of Marketing and Vice President, Marketing Communications to identify areas of opportunity for improvement, including training/development needs, process enhancements, technology needs, and performance risks. Th ratio of time spent in a management function (direct oversight; strategic sales consultation; vision, planning, and enhancement of work product) versus individual production is approximately 80% to 20%, accordingly.
 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operations of the proposal unit/function, including ensuring appropriate technology, information, and staffing.

• Knowledge and ability to articulate the Reliance Matrix Value Proposition.

• Desire and ability to keep pace with the ever-evolving areas of:

  • Platform Integration

  • Leave of Absence (federal and state level programs)

  • Workforce Accommodations

  • Unique, Value-Added Reliance Matrix Services
     

• Anticipate on a proactive basis the prospective volume and nature of RFP opportunities, and propose resource adjustments/enhancements to senior management, to ensure all effectiveness metrics and standards are met on a consistent basis.

• Mentor all unit staff to ensure appropriate product, process, and market knowledge, as well as garner superior relationships with internal/cross-functional department customers.

• Own execution, evolution, and communication of the proposal quality management (QM) process.

• Take a lead role in proposal content development and evolution based on product, process, and market data.

• Proactively manage vendor relationship(s) with technology and service providers relative to proposal database, response, and delivery.

• Support through guidance, tools, work product, and other assistance as required, the national account presale process. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Case-level pitch strategies

  • Finalist presentations and other materials

  • Broker/Consultant outreach

  • Client-level cross-sell, up-sell and renewal activities

• Report on a regular basis to senior management on the volume, quality and service metrics of the Proposal Unit, as well as other information relevant to successful large case prospecting and sales.

• Manages a team of approximately 5 team members

• Accountable for performance of team; engages team members in talent management and development opportunities, and builds a positive and respectful work environment.

• Makes personnel decisions on hiring, firing, discipline, transfer, advancement and promotion in accordance with Company policies and procedures.

• Models and drives company values in the department.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and/or Related Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, emphasis, and proven skills in communications, journalism, business, insurance, marketing, or related field required. 

• Minimum of five (5) years directly related group employee benefits experience (with a minimum of three (3) years prior managerial/supervisory experience, ideally from a major large case carrier).

• Must have experience in the area of proposal development, strategy, and resource coordination and must be able to translate insurance and group employee benefit product and market knowledge into a compelling large case sales story. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects, often with conflicting or overlapping deadlines.

• Excellent presentation and written/verbal communication skills.

• Experience in using Microsoft Office software platform required. Experience with Qvidian proposal platform is highly desirable.

• Strong ability to deal with tight deadlines and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize workloads, and multi-task.

• Experience in field-based situations presenting and defending renewal positions or stewardships is highly desirable

• Account Management background or mindset preferred.

• Excellent negotiation skills.

• Previous management experience preferred.

Ability to Travel: Up to 10%

The expected hiring range for this position is $87,640.00 - $116,990.00 annually for work performed in the primary location (Philadelphia, PA). This expected hiring range covers only base pay and excludes any other compensation components such as commissions or incentive awards. The successful candidate’s starting base pay will be based on several factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.

Work location may be flexible if approved by the Company.

What We Offer

At Reliance Matrix, we believe that creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture allows us to realize more of our potential. And we can’t do this without our most important asset—you.

That is why we offer a competitive pay package and a range of benefits to help team members thrive in their financial, physical, and mental wellbeing.  

Our Benefits:

• An annual performance bonus for all team members
• Generous 401(k) company match that is immediately vested
• A choice of three medical plans (that include prescription drug coverage) to suit your unique needs.  For High Deductible Health Plan enrollees, a company contribution to your Health Savings Account
• Multiple options for dental and vision coverage
• Company provided Life & Disability Insurance to ensure financial protection when you need it most
• Family friendly benefits including Paid Parental Leave & Adoption Assistance 
• Hybrid work arrangements for eligible roles
• Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Professional Education
• Paid Time Off, volunteer days, community partnerships, and Employee Assistance Program
• Ability to connect with colleagues around the country through our Employee Resource Group program and our Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council

Our Values:

• Integrity
• Empowerment
• Compassion
• Collaboration
• Fun

EEO Statement

Reliance Matrix is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age or disability, or any other classification or characteristic protected by federal or state law or regulation. We assure you that your opportunity for employment depends solely on your qualifications.

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