Senior Proposal Specialist

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you'll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

The Senior Proposal Specialist role contributes to the success of Sun Life Group Retirement Services (GRS) business plans by supporting and strengthening the business development area through sales and client relationship activities for prospecting, new business, and in-force business. The successful candidate is the first line of shared services support as part of the GRS Sales Support team. You will research, write, and execute deliverables for all tactics required for sales proposals, presentations, and collaterals targeting plan sponsors in all segments, plan advisors and consultants. You will be responsible for monitoring consistency with respect to all communication, practices, processes, and procedures. This role reports to the Senior Manager, Sales Support.

What will you do?

• Oversee day-to-day pre-sales and client retention activity, and ensure the delivery of work as assigned through work-back schedules, detailed work plans and project schedules

• Prepare high-quality, complex, and strategic proposals and shortlist presentations that accurately represent our brand, plain language style and business imperatives clearly balanced with the needs and objectives of the client

• Works with Sales Support Manager and internal business partners to deliver the strategy and respond to complex proposals

• Manage beginning to end tactical execution and timelines of all sales materials in all segments in response to RFPs, including coordinating the development, design, approvals, and production.

• Write and edit sales and communication materials for plan sponsors, advisors and consultants that showcase the Sun Life story. This could include sales proposals, presentations, sample collateral, video scripts and other channels.

• Revise and help manage content updates, including copy editing and freehand writing, in a centralized content management tool, as well as slide library and sample sales collateral materials

• Work in partnership with multiple business partners (e.g., Group Benefits (GB) business unit, Marketing, Finance, Product, Operations) to translate business development strategies and innovation into RFP responses, presentations, and other sales materials; create slides supporting our visual identity or client-specific needs

• Work with designers, translation, external agencies, and print/production companies to ensure successful completion of sales and client retention initiatives

• Handle requests for information associated with sales and retention-related projects independently; both for existing clients and new business opportunities

• Form positive partnerships with the sales and CRE teams and understand the unique needs of sales initiatives, including prospecting, pre-sale, RFP, and shortlist processes

• Collaborate with team members, share ideas, and support the implementation of best practices such as process improvements and reference guides

• Take ownership for achieving results against quality and productivity targets and service standards; proper tracking and workflow management to ensure on-time delivery

What do you need to succeed?

• Bilingualism (French, English, both oral and written) is required for the frequent interactions with English and French-speaking colleagues or internal partners across Canada and worldwide

• Group pensions experience - Previous experience working in the group pensions industry, Financial Services, or investment related work experience. Intermediate to advanced group pensions product/service knowledge is an asset.

• Copy editing - demonstrated creativity and solid understanding of plain language principles to create engaging copy that influences audiences.

• Organizational and problem-solving skills - proven ability to manage multiple initiatives, deliver against required timelines and troubleshoot solutions when faced with a challenge.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (written and verbal), with superb attention to detail.

• Creative & strategic thinker - Ability to think strategically and understand business needs, often acting quickly and efficiently using strong project and time management skills.

• Adaptability - ability to embrace change and adapt to evolving business priorities.

• Independence and collaboration - ability to work independently and collaboratively within a strong agile team environment.

• Business curiosity - comfort seeking new approaches to solving business problems and challenging the status quo.

• Confidence and strong decision-making skills - ability to confidently share and receive ideas and be an influential team member.

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint).

• Experience with collaboration tools, content management systems and Adobe Pro is an asset.

• Willingness to work flexible hours when necessary, to support sales opportunities in Vancouver (PT), Calgary (MT), Winnipeg (CT), Ontario and Quebec (ET) time zones, and work overtime, as needed.

What's in it for you?

• Being a member of the Sun Life family, a group of people united by our Purpose: to help Clients and Employees achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives

• Ongoing learning, training, and coaching to grow your career

• You choose where you want to work from, with no minimum or maximum days in either place. We want the office to be a magnet, not a mandate! #flexibility

• We are honoured to be recognized as a 2022 Best Workplaces in Canada by Great Place to Work® Canada

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process or those needing job postings in an alternative format may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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