Proposal Manager vs. Project Manager: What Are the Differences?

A proposal manager and a project manager are both responsible for ensuring the successful completion of a project. However, these roles have different focus areas and responsibilities. In this article, we compare and contrast the job duties of proposal managers and project managers, and we provide information on what you can expect to earn in each position.

What is a Proposal Manager?

A Proposal Manager is responsible for leading the proposal development process from start to finish. They work with internal and external stakeholders to develop a strategy for the proposal, write and edit the proposal content, and ensure the proposal is compliant with all applicable guidelines. The Proposal Manager also coordinates the proposal team, which can include subject matter experts, graphic designers, and editors. They may also be responsible for developing and managing the proposal budget. Once the proposal is submitted, the Proposal Manager may be involved in debriefs with the client to understand why the proposal was successful or unsuccessful.

What is a Project Manager?

Project Managers are responsible for leading and coordinating a team of employees to complete a specific goal or project on time and within budget. They develop project plans, timelines and budgets and track progress to ensure that projects stay on track. Project Managers also communicate with upper management, clients and other stakeholders to keep them updated on the project’s status and address any concerns. They may also be responsible for hiring and training project team members. To be successful, Project Managers must have strong leadership, communication and organizational skills.

Proposal Manager vs. Project Manager

Here are the main differences between a proposal manager and a project manager.

Job Duties

Proposal managers and project managers have some of their job duties in common. These shared duties include creating proposals for clients, researching the client’s needs, developing a plan to meet those needs and ensuring that all team members are prepared to fulfill their parts of the contract.

However, proposal managers and project managers often have different job duties based on the type of work they do. Because proposal managers focus solely on creating successful bids, their daily tasks typically differ from those of regular project managers. For example, a project manager may oversee the creation of a product or service, while a proposal manager may approve the final draft of a document before it goes to the client.

Job Requirements

Proposal managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or another related field. They might also pursue a master’s degree to gain more advanced knowledge in the field. Additionally, proposal managers often have experience working in sales, marketing or another customer-facing role. This experience can help them understand the needs of potential clients and develop proposals that address those needs.

Project managers also usually need a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. In addition to their educational requirements, project managers must also have experience leading teams and managing projects. This experience can be gained through internships, previous jobs or even volunteer work. Project managers might also pursue certifications to demonstrate their skills to potential employers.

Work Environment

Project managers and proposal managers work in different environments. A project manager typically works in an office setting, where they can collaborate with their team members to complete projects on time. They may also travel to visit clients or attend meetings with them.

A proposal manager usually works from home or a small office space. They may have regular contact with the client but don’t need to meet with them regularly.

Skills

Both proposal managers and project managers are responsible for ensuring that their projects stay on track and meet deadlines. They both also need to have excellent communication skills in order to coordinate with different team members and stakeholders.

However, proposal managers focus more on the planning stages of a project, while project managers focus more on the execution and implementation stages. Proposal managers need to be able to think strategically in order to develop plans that will win over clients or investors, while project managers need to be more detail-oriented in order to ensure that all aspects of the project are carried out as planned.

Proposal managers also need to have strong writing skills in order to create compelling proposals, while project managers need to be good at problem-solving in order to troubleshoot any issues that arise during the project.

Salary

Proposal managers earn an average salary of $93,171 per year, while project managers earn an average salary of $87,628 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has prior to taking the job.