Proposal Lead

Take the next step in your sales career and join Swish as our Proposal Lead! What does Swish do? Swish is a Canadian company, family-owned-and-operated since 1956. Coast-to-coast, our communities should feel confident that the spaces they work and live in are clean and hygienic. That’s why we are Canada’s source for quality cleaning supplies and equipment. With solutions as diverse as our customers’ needs, Swish offers custom, professional grade, environmentally friendly solutions in a wide variety of product and service areas including: Hand Hygiene, Surface Disinfecting, Kitchen/Laundry/Warewash, Floor Care and Matting, Cleaning Tools and Powered Equipment, Safety and PPE, and more. What does the Proposal Lead do?   The Proposal Lead is a key contributor to Swish’s business development efforts by coordinating the preparation and submission of bids and tenders for potential contracts. They must have experience with tight timelines and the ability to thoroughly comprehend all details related to the bid or tender to satisfy submission requirements. This role works closely with Branch General Managers and key organizational stakeholders to ensure that all submission requirements - including the accuracy of the information, capabilities, and brand values are appropriately met and aligned with the bid or tender requirement.   Bid and Tender Management Manage the entire bid process from start to finish, including identifying bid opportunities, reviewing bid requirements, and developing timelines and action plans. Ensure the delivery of compliant, professionally produced proposals within customer-defined timeframes. Coordinate proposal input from various internal stakeholders, including Sales, Marketing, Pricing, branch Operations, and Finance teams, to gather necessary information and resources for bid submissions. Write, edit, and format bid documents to ensure clarity, coherence, and compliance with requirements. Maintain a comprehensive database of bid-related documents, including past proposals, templates, marketing materials, and pricing information. Ensure accuracy and consistency of information across all bid materials. Consolidate sections and/or documents developed by other team members into the required tender format. Maintain and make available backup master document sets. Be creative and unique with responses to bids and tenders while remaining brand-focused and providing a professional response, acting as the voice of Swish. System Tools and Resources Research customer businesses to customize specific points and emphasize the customer’s priorities.  Monitor and utilize tender websites for any potential business within the Swish portfolio.  Build and maintain a list of publications/websites to monitor for potential leads.  Identify industry trends, customer needs, and competitor strategies used when a Bid or Tender is Lost. Utilize insights to tailor bid proposals and differentiate Swish from competitors. Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains in the bid management process. Implement best practices and standard methodologies to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of bids. Relationship Management: Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including potential clients, partners, and subcontractors. Communicate effectively to gather information, address inquiries, and resolve issues throughout the bid process. Quality Assurance, Compliance, and Legal Considerations: Review and quality-check bid documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with company branding formatting and quality standards. Seek feedback from internal teams and incorporate revisions as needed. Ensure all bid submissions comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including terms and conditions, certifications, and procurement guidelines. What do you need? Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Proven experience in bid coordination, proposal writing, project management, or business development, preferably in the janitorial or facility maintenance industry. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple bids concurrently and meet tight deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a keen eye for detail and accuracy. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and bid management software. Analytical mindset with the ability to conduct research, analyze data, and synthesize insights. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. Knowledge of procurement processes, contract management, and legal requirements is desirable. Experience managing assigned tasks and priorities with key stakeholders to ensure timelines can be achieved. When you join Swish, you can expect: Membership in the Swish family - we treat our employees with integrity and always have, since 1956 Competitive base salary PLUS bonus Access to hundreds of perks from the Home, Wellness, Travel, Fashion, and other industries Unlimited training and development with an industry-leading brand. Excellent company-paid benefits, including: Extended Health & Dental Care  Employee Assistance program Company contributions to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan