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Brian Grulke

@briangrulke

Message

I am an experienced proposal leader with 20+ years in B2B RFP strategy.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I am seeking a Bid Director role leading end-to-end RFP strategy and cross-functional teams, focused on measurable win-rate improvement, process automation, and data-driven GTM impact in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

I am a results-driven proposal and market-intelligence leader with 20+ years of B2B experience and 15 years of cradle-to-grave RFx and proposal strategy. I have overseen 1,000+ RFxs across public and private sector clients and multiple industries.

I have launched and managed global win-loss analysis programs at multiple employers, converted market insights into actionable GTM strategies, and improved win/retention rates through data-driven recommendations. I lead cross-functional teams as a player-coach, balancing strategy with hands-on execution.

My expertise spans proposal operations, sales enablement, competitive intelligence, market research, content strategy, and KPI-driven reporting. I’ve implemented proposal tools, SOPs, and process improvements while supporting pricing, contracts and security questionnaires in complex, matrixed organizations.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Mini MBA Certificate (Executive Education). I am passionate about continuous improvement, stakeholder collaboration, and delivering measurable commercial impact through disciplined pursuit management and insights-to-action.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Manager, Market Intelligence

Travelport

Apr 2021 - Sep 2023 (2 years 5 months)

Launched and managed a global win-loss analysis program and led market, TAM and competitor research to convert insights into GTM strategies that improved win and retention outcomes.

Win Loss Analysis Market Research Competitive Intelligence GTM Strategy Proposal Management Stakeholder Engagement Project Management Reporting

Senior Manager, Enterprise Strategy

CWT

Feb 2016 - Aug 2020 (4 years 6 months)

Launched and managed a global win-loss program across three business lines and used market research to identify opportunities that increased win rates and informed GTM priorities.

Win Loss Analysis Market Research GTM Project Management VOC分析

Proposal Team Manager

U.S. Bank

Apr 2013 - Jan 2016 (2 years 9 months)

Managed a proposal team and oversaw RFP intake and content strategy, delivering 100+ compliant customer proposals on time and improving proposal quality and processes.

Proposal Management Team Leadership Content Strategy Process Improvement Project Management

Senior Proposal Manager

Kroll Ontrack

Jun 2005 - Mar 2013 (7 years 9 months)

Served as sole proposal manager, leading proposal writing and strategy for legal technology solutions and managing 500+ RFx responses to improve win rates and client engagement.

Proposal Writing Compliance Cross Functional Collaboration Content Strategy Project Management

Marketing Coordinator / Proposal Manager

URS Corporation

Oct 2003 - Apr 2005 (1 year 6 months)

Coordinated cross-functional stakeholders to develop 100+ targeted RFP responses and marketing collateral, improving proposal relevance, compliance and submission timeliness.

Marketing Collateral Process Improvement RFP Vendor Management

Marketing Coordinator / Proposal Manager

T.Y. Lin International

Aug 2001 - Jul 2003 (1 year 11 months)

Managed RFx proposals and marketing materials for transportation engineering projects, ensuring on-time submissions, brand consistency and coordinated partner responses.

Proposal Writing Vendor Management Marketing Support Process Optimization

Online Technical Writer

Ginix, Inc.

Apr 2001 - Aug 2001 (4 months)

Created and edited web, marketing and product content for e-commerce payment solutions and drafted privacy policies and service agreements to support product launches.

Technical Writing Content Creation Marketing Collateral Documentation

Associate Editor / Network Manager

List-Universe.com

Nov 1999 - Feb 2001 (1 year 3 months)

Wrote editorial content and managed a daily/weekly network of e-zines and newsletters, improving readership through targeted content strategies and operational management.

Editorial Management Content Strategy Network Operations Copywriting Email Marketing