Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid position requiring candidates to work on-site at least 2 days per week at our office in Mississauga. The remaining days may be worked remotely, subject to team and business needs.
About the Role (Job Summary):We are seeking a Proposal Lead to drive the strategy, development, and delivery of complex, high-value RFP responses and proposal submissions within our Commercial Operations team.
As a senior individual contributor, you will lead enterprise-level opportunities from intake through submission - shaping proposal strategy, messaging, and execution to support revenue growth, client retention, and strategic partnerships.
You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, influencing cross-functional stakeholders and ensuring proposals are compelling, compliant, and aligned to customer and business objectives. This role is ideal for a professional with deep expertise in proposal management, bid strategy, and executive-level writing in healthcare or life sciences.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities):Strategic Proposal Leadership:- Lead the end-to-end proposal lifecycle for complex RFPs, RFIs, and bid responses tied to strategic growth initiatives
- Define win strategy, proposal approach, messaging architecture, and delivery timelines
- Manage competing priorities, risks, and stakeholder alignment with strong independent judgment
Proposal Writing & Content Development:- Develop and oversee executive-level proposal content, including executive summaries, value propositions, and technical responses
- Translate complex clinical, financial, and operational concepts into clear, customer-focused messaging
- Ensure consistency with brand, value proposition, and competitive positioning
Cross-Functional Leadership:- Partner with Sales, Finance, Operations, Legal, and Business Development to align solution design, pricing, and commercial strategy
- Lead cross-functional proposal teams, driving accountability and execution without direct authority
- Prepare executive-ready deliverables for VP and leadership reviews
Quality, Compliance & Governance:- Own proposal quality, ensuring full compliance with RFP requirements, governance standards, and approval processes
- Lead quality assurance reviews to ensure proposals are submission-ready and defensible
- Identify risks, gaps, and process improvements across proposal delivery
Mentorship & Continuous Improvement:- Mentor and coach proposal specialists and coordinators
- Establish and enhance proposal best practices, templates, and tools
- Use win/loss insights and stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement
Basic Requirements:- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience)
- Typically 6-10+ years of relevant experience in proposal management, bid management, or RFP development
- Experience in Specialty healthcare/pharmaceuticals
- Proven experience leading large, complex, cross-functional proposals with executive visibility
- Advanced expertise in proposal writing, executive communication, and storytelling
- Strong project leadership skills managing multiple high-priority deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and lead without direct authority
Preferred Skills/Experience:- Familiarity with CRM and proposal tools (e.g., Salesforce, SharePoint, proposal management platforms)
- Experience with pricing strategy, financial modeling, or solution design
- Knowledge of Adobe suite for proposal formatting
- Strong business and financial acumen
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered. For more information regarding benefits at McKesson, please click here.
Our Base Pay Range for this position$122,100 - $162,800
McKesson has become aware of online recruiting-related scams in which individuals who are not affiliated with or authorized by McKesson are using McKesson's (or affiliated entities, like CoverMyMeds or RxCrossroads) name in fraudulent emails, job postings or social media messages. In light of these scams, please bear the following in mind:
McKesson Talent Advisors will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a McKesson job application.
McKesson Talent Advisors do not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms or using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail. Note that McKesson does rely on a virtual assistant (Gia) for certain recruiting-related communications with candidates.
McKesson job postings are posted on our career site: careers.mckesson.com.
