Job Information
Pearson Senior Proposal Writer in Leeds, United Kingdom
Overview
Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 18,000+ employees in more than 80 countries helping people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives. We have a simple mission: to help people make more of their lives through learning.
Pearson provides a range of education products and services to institutions, governments and direct to individual learners that help people everywhere aim higher and fulfil their true potential.
Pearson VUE is a business within Pearson PLC and is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programmes around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management and delivers exams through the world’s most comprehensive and secure network of test centres in more than 175 countries.
The Pearson VUE UK-based proposal team supports the sales process in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Australia, and other countries. The atmosphere is fast-paced and high-stakes but also very collaborative and rewarding. Team members from across the business work together to craft innovative computer-based testing solutions; the Senior Proposal Analyst then is responsible for creating a compelling narrative to convey this solution to the customer.
Key responsibilities
Take responsibility for the entire proposal process from RFP receipt to high-quality proposal creation and delivery in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
Work closely with team members, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Business Development, and other key staff to develop and deliver high-quality, compelling proposals.
Responsible for project managing bid assignments, which includes facilitating bid kick-offs, managing the bid schedule, and performing related tasks.
Using exceptional writing and editing skills; project management skills; and the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, quickly, and effectively to produce high-quality bid submissions.
The workload fluctuates throughout the year, so flexibility is key to succeeding in this position.
All employees are also responsible for supporting and implementing the company’s policies and procedures around the Health and Safety, Security, Quality and Business Continuity arrangements that apply in their role/work function.
Education and experience:
BA or BS, preferably in English, Journalism, or Business or similar degree.
Minimum of five (5) years of proposal writing or similar experience.
Expert proficiency with Microsoft Word and moderate proficiency with other Office suite products. Proficiency in creating charts and diagrams in applications such as LucidChart a plus.
Skills, attributes, and abilities:
Positive ‘can do’ attitude.
Good verbal skills: ability to facilitate meetings.
Excellent writing and editing skills required.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Flexibility to work with an unpredictable workload under tight deadlines and to work non-standard hours if needed.
Excellent time management, planning, and project management skills, especially in a remote setting.
Resilient and able to cope under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.
Effective relationship building skills and ability to work comfortably with Business Development, the executive team, and other stakeholders.
Ability to collaborate with other Pearson business units and provide support to other teams’ bid projects as requested.
Ability to lead on large and complex public and private sector bids.
Ability to work independently, and reliably serve as a back-up to the department manager.
Ability to quickly grasp new concepts and understand technology solutions.
Problem-solving skills.
Strong PC skills.
40% Proposal response development
Review RFP in detail and identify mandatory business requirements.
Draft and submit RFP questions to procurement officers.
Write new text or customise existing text for proposal responses.
Ensure all aspects of RFP are addressed with pertinent SMEs.
Accurately incorporate all edits from reviewers.
Ensure 100% accurate and clear cost proposal/forms.
Ensure compliance with RFP requirements.
Compile finalised proposal packages, including appendices as needed (typically digital, occasionally printed).
Guarantee successful and timely delivery of superior quality proposals.
Follow RFP submission requirements accurately.
Support Best and Final Offer submissions and post-proposal written clarifications.
40% Bid management and meeting facilitation
Create and manage the bid schedule.
Schedule, facilitate, and actively participate in bid kick-off meetings, bid strategy meetings, and pricing review meetings.
Prepare administrative documents to guide bid production.
Create database entries to track bid details for reporting.
Track procurement sites for bid amendments/Q&A and distribute information.
Work with the legal team to complete the legal review for each bid.
20% Other proposal support tasks
Proofread and edit proposal drafts as needed.
Prepare for incoming RFPs.
Other proposal support as assigned, including boilerplate text updates.
Working arrangements
Monday to Friday – generally 37.5 hours per week, or as required to complete important tasks or projects.
‘Hybrid’ (mixture of office & home) or fully remote work arrangements
‘Normal’ office location – 80 Strand, London; Salford Quays, Manchester; or Warrington
Some travel may be required.
** Please include/attach your cover letter together with your CV when you submit an application.
What to expect from Pearson
Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?
At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.
We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.
Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.
To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.
Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.
Job: MARKETING
Organization: Assessment & Qualifications
Schedule: FULL_TIME
Req ID: 13801