About this role
Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Office Job Description
The Senior Operational Bidding Specialist plays a critical role in the preparation and delivery of competitive, high-quality operational bids and proposals for clinical research opportunities. You will lead the development of complex operational budgets and proposal content, partnering with cross-functional teams to ensure solutions are strategically aligned with client requirements, operational capabilities, and business objectives. This position requires a strong understanding of clinical trial operations, proposal development, and budgeting, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. Key Responsibilities
• Lead the development of operational bids and proposals for complex clinical trial opportunities from RFP receipt through final submission. • Evaluate Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and participate in bid strategy discussions to determine the most effective and competitive operational approach. • Review client requirements, identify discrepancies or missing information, and escalate issues as appropriate. • Collaborate closely with Business Development, Contracts, Proposals, Operations, and functional subject matter experts to develop operational strategies that meet client needs while supporting business goals. • Consult with internal stakeholders to determine labor requirements, develop solutions for non-standard activities, validate operational assumptions, and ensure compliance with client-specific bidding standards. • Customize proposal language to accurately reflect study requirements, assumptions, and operational strategy while ensuring alignment with budgets. • Review client pricing grids to verify mapping accuracy, unit definitions, and consistency across proposal documentation. • Present and defend operational budgets and assumptions during internal bid review meetings with senior leadership. • Support Business Development during client presentations and bid defense meetings. • Perform quality control reviews of proposals and oversee the finalization of operational bid documentation. • Build effective working relationships with clients and internal stakeholders to clarify requirements and service expectations. • Mentor and train new team members, providing guidance on proposal development processes, budgeting methodologies, and best practices. • Identify opportunities to improve bidding processes, tools, and operational efficiencies. Qualifications Education
• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Experience
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in clinical trial operational bidding, proposal development, budgeting, clinical operations, or a related CRO/pharmaceutical environment. • Demonstrated experience leading complex operational bids and developing strategic proposal solutions. • Experience collaborating across global, cross-functional teams is preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
• Advanced knowledge of clinical trial proposal development and operational bidding processes. • Strong understanding of clinical trial budgeting methodologies, unitized pricing grids, unit costs, and cost drivers. • Knowledge of the drug development process, FDA regulations, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). • Strong financial and analytical skills with experience developing and reviewing complex budgets. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail. • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple competing deadlines. • Demonstrated ability to make informed operational and budgeting decisions using sound judgment and experience. • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. • Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing priorities. • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). • Familiarity with Microsoft Power Platforms, including Power BI, Power Automate and Power Apps, is preferred. • Promote a culture of personal responsibility/accountability and open communications. • Demonstrates and promotes the company vision, values and competencies. • The ability to identify process and control gaps and champion improvement initiatives through Practical-Process-Improvement. • Excellent command of the English language, including business writing and grammar. What You'll Bring
• A strategic and customer-focused mindset. • Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills. • The ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive alignment. • A commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate, and competitive operational bids. • A continuous improvement mindset with a focus on enhancing efficiency and proposal quality
Travel requirements • This role does not require travel