Proposal / Contract Manager

About Us

CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud-based software to dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) across automotive and related industries. The Company’s cloud-based, software as a service (“SaaS”) platform enables dealerships to manage their end-to-end business operations including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. By automating and streamlining critical workflows, the integrated platform of modern solutions enables dealers to sell and service more vehicles by creating simple and convenient experiences for customers and improves their financial and operational performance.

Position Summary

The OEM Proposal and Contract Manager is vital for supporting our internal OEM, Enterprise, and Truck clients. This role entails managing the entire proposal project lifecycle for approved to bid proposals, including RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs, as well as overseeing contract projects for program agreements with internal teams.

In the Proposal Manager role, it is crucial to create compliant and compelling proposals that set industry standards. The manager may handle multiple projects simultaneously, driving the team to meet internal deadlines while leveraging existing content from the proposal management application to maximize efficiency. When needed, they create new proposal content in a persuasive writing style that generates interest in CDK's solutions resulting in increased revenue. As the Proposal Manager, they ensure team members adhere to project processes and promote best practices throughout the proposal management life cycle.

In the Contract Manager role, the individual oversees contracting projects to develop master agreements for the OEM Sales Business team. As Project Manager, they coordinate discussions with OEM Account Managers and the CDK Legal team, collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure compliance. They track project progress using our project management application.

A successful CDK Proposal and Contract Manager is eager to learn and develop themselves, enthusiastically raise the bar, shares lessons learned with the team, and communicates effectively and clearly. The ideal candidate has outstanding project management acumen, persuasive writing experience, and leadership skills necessary to support a high growth business.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the CDK OEM Operations team by delivering responses for customers of all sizes in the automotive industry

• Demonstrate the ability to think strategically to conceive, build, and convey compelling value propositions in a written format

• Enthusiastically lead and actively participate in the proposal response process, including leading kickoff meetings and regular status discussions, managing proposal pricing discussions, analyzing requirements and engaging appropriate stakeholders to complete the RFP response

• Uphold best practices for proposal management, developing and communicating an internal proposal schedule

• Contribute to discussions to determine response strategy, risk mitigation, value proposition, and ensuring accuracy, compliance, and completeness of proposal

• Maintain a content library in the proposal management application to support proposal responses and reduce overall project work time for all team members

• Working with stakeholders across CDK to design winning bid strategies and to clearly and concisely convey how our solutions can transform the customer experience

• Evolve and promote the proposal management role by providing team metrics, analytics, and reporting

• Provide feedback regarding ways to enhance and improve the proposal process

• Execute high-quality proposal responses with key internal stakeholders (e.g., account management, business development, product, engineering, product marketing, legal, finance, etc.)

• Partner with the account team to develop win themes and bid differentiators

• Validate proposal response requirements to ensure completeness and compliance

• Edit, rewrite, and proofread proposals, exhibits, and other content to ensure excellence

• Interview subject matter experts, research and write new content for proposals

• Be a thought leader with respect to proposal responses, win themes, process improvement, and project management

• Organize and run projects for OEM and Enterprise master agreements with internal teams, including the CDK Legal team

• Knowledgeable on CDK applications and services

• Knowledgeable in automotive retailing solutions and workflow

• Supporting other non-proposal related activities as requested

Qualifications

• APMP Certification required

• Contract management experience

• Proposal management experience

• Demonstrated persuasive writing skills

• At least 2-3+ years of relevant work experience in a similar role

• Proposal automation tools experience highly preferred, Loopio in particular

• High degree of comfort with technology and learning new systems and tools including Salesforce.com, Loopio, Sirion Contract Management

• BA/BS degree

• The ability to manage time effectively and work on multiple projects in parallel

• Excellent team player with the ability to motivate cross-functional teams

• Demonstrated ability in managing external client expectations on program requirements and deliverables

• Action and results-oriented and self-reliant

• Ability to lead projects virtually

• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills

• Superior communication, presentation, and organization skills

• Excellent analytical skills

• Demonstrated success in working in a highly collaborative team environment

• Ability to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions and opportunities

Salary: $120,000-$125,000 + Annual Target Bonus

CDK Global is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation packages are based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, certifications, and work location.  The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans.We offer Medical, dental, and vision benefits in addition to:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401K Matching Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

At CDK, we believe inclusion and diversity are essential in inspiring meaningful connections to our people, customers and communities. We are open, curious and encourage different views, so that everyone can be their best selves and make an impact.

CDK is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workforce where everyone is valued. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed or religion, age, disability (including pregnancy), results of genetic testing, service in the military, veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Applicants for employment in the US must be authorized to work in the US.  CDK may offer employer visa sponsorship to applicants.