2025 Bid & Proposal Hiring Trends You Need to Know Now

In 2025, the race to secure top talent for bids and proposals has intensified, with emerging trends redefining what it takes to build high-performing teams. As the demand for skilled capture managers, proposal managers, and proposal writers grows, this guide explores the latest hiring requirements for these critical roles to help you find top talent—or secure your next career opportunity.

The Capture Manager: Securing Opportunities

Capture managers are strategic visionaries who transform opportunities into wins. Their role requires market insight, client engagement, and internal coordination. Most have 4–14 years of experience, with senior capture managers bringing 15+ years, a solid understanding of project management and government acquisition processes, and a bachelor’s degree. Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) add to their qualifications.

The Proposal Manager: Orchestrating Success

Proposal managers oversee end-to-end proposal efforts, from creating schedules to final submission, while fostering team collaboration. Typically, they bring 5–14 years of experience, while senior proposal managers have 15+ years of expertise and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and tools like Salesforce is essential. Certification from APMP is highly valued, reflecting a depth of expertise.

The Proposal Writer: Crafting Persuasion

Proposal writers excel at articulating value propositions and organizational strengths. Their responsibilities span writing, editing, compliance management, and deadline coordination. They often hold degrees in English, Communications, or Business. Expertise in software such as Microsoft Office, research skills, and an eye for detail are essential, and APMP certification is an added advantage. Employers typically require 2–6 years of experience for an entry-level writer, 5–14 years for a mid-level writer, and 15+ years for a senior writer.

2025 Trends in Skill Requirements

Hiring trends highlight the following must-have skills for capture managers, proposal managers, and writers in 2025:

• AI and Generative AI (GenAI) Proficiency: Create GenAI commands and use AI tools to expedite work and enhance quality.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Identify and track key metrics, like win rates and process efficiencies.
• Enhanced Compliance Oversight: Meet stringent commercial and government compliance standards, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
• Customer-Centric Development: Create tailored proposals that address unique customer challenges, objectives, and risks.
• Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Integration: Help facilitate the implementation of sustainability practices and ESG strategies in bids and proposals.
• Agile Proposal Management: Apply Agile principles to adapt quickly to changing project requirements.
• Improved Visual Design: Use infographics, charts, and user-friendly layouts to enhance proposal evaluation and impact.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinate teams that include IT, marketing, legal, and subject matter experts to ensure cohesive messaging.
• Client Relationship Building: Strengthen stakeholder relationships to verify proposals align with client priorities.

These trends highlight technology integration, client-focused strategies, and sustainability, reflecting broader industry demands.

Conclusion

Hiring the right proposal managers, capture managers, and proposal writers ensures your bids and proposals resonate with evaluators. Together, they form the backbone of a high-performing team capable of securing contracts and driving growth. When seeking these professionals, prioritize industry expertise, relevant certifications, and a proven track record of success. Investing in a team of experts will position your organization as a formidable contender in the bidding arena.

Relevant Information

• What to Look for When Hiring a Capture Manager: This article discusses the essential capabilities to consider when hiring a capture manager, emphasizing the importance of experience in business development, project management, and proposal management.

• Four Capabilities to Look for When Hiring a Proposal Manager: This article outlines the key skills necessary for a proposal manager, including strong writing/editing, leadership and management, and interpersonal/team-building abilities.

• Increase Your Contract Wins Using These Methods to Hire Qualified Proposal Managers: In this YouTube Short, discover the key attributes to look for when hiring a proposal manager based on insights from 304 industry professionals.

By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).