Technical Proposal Writer
Subsidiary: Colas Western Canada Inc.
Technical Proposal Writer
LOCATION: St. Albert, AB
REPORTING TO: Manager, Business Performance
POSITION TERM: Full-time, Salaried
BENEFITS: Pension, comprehensive benefits, health spending account, annual bonus, employee discount program with national retailers
Position Summary
The Technical Proposal Writer is responsible for producing clear, concise, and technically accurate documentation for construction projects, including project documentation, user manuals, operating procedures, technical reports, specifications, and proposals. This role requires close collaboration with engineers, estimators, project managers, and other construction professionals to gather and refine technical information, ensuring all documents meet industry standards, client requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
In addition to technical writing, the position also supports non-technical communication efforts across CWCI, advising on internal and external messaging, and assisting with the creation of marketing materials and other general communications for CWCI and its divisions.
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and organized professional with strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative mindset. This role is suited for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, demonstrates a solutions-oriented approach, and is passionate about supporting both technical and non-technical communication needs.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop, write, and maintain technical documentation including project manuals, operating procedures, technical specifications, and proposals.
• Understand and apply construction proposal best practices to ensure effective organization, structure, and content in all submissions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineers, estimators, project managers, and subject matter experts to gather accurate and relevant information.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and user-friendly language, tailored for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Create and manage project documentation such as project plans, timelines, reports, and compliance documents, ensuring they are up-to-date and well-organized.
• Review and edit materials created by other team members to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy across all documents.
• Ensure all documents comply with industry regulations, client requirements, and internal company standards to maintain quality and consistency.
• Utilize software tools to create diagrams, illustrations, and flowcharts that visually complement technical content.
• Manage version control of documents, ensuring timely updates and proper documentation as project details evolve.
• Maintain a repository of standardized templates and content for recurring projects or procedures to streamline future submissions.
• Conduct thorough quality assurance on all technical documents to ensure they meet client expectations, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop sales documentation and promotional materials for various stakeholders.
• Provide communication support for other departments, including managing internal communication platforms like SharePoint and the company website.
Strategic Role Responsibilities
• Establish and enforce consistent documentation standards, templates, and processes across all technical and proposal materials to ensure high-quality, professional outputs.
• Drive continuous improvement in documentation practices by identifying opportunities for process optimization and efficiency, ensuring all materials are clear, accurate, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders (engineers, project managers, sales, etc.) to tailor proposals to client specifications, highlighting the company’s unique value proposition while maintaining compliance with client requirements.
• Support the broader organization by helping to refine communication processes, ensuring a consistent and professional message across all company touchpoints, including proposals, marketing materials, and client-facing documents.
• Assist in identifying trends in client needs and industry regulations to inform proposal development, ensuring the company stays competitive and responsive to evolving market conditions.
• Anticipate potential compliance challenges and work proactively with relevant teams to address and resolve issues before they arise.
• Lead efforts to integrate digital tools and platforms that streamline document management and improve collaboration across departments.
• Align technical and proposal documentation with the company’s branding and messaging strategy, ensuring that all materials reflect CWCI's corporate identity and strategic positioning.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with team members across departments, encouraging knowledge sharing and fostering a culture of collaboration to enhance the quality and effectiveness of all documentation efforts.
• Provide management with regular updates on proposal success rates, documentation efficiency, and areas for improvement to inform broader business strategies.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Certification in Technical Writing and/or proven experience as a technical writer in the construction industry considered a strong asset.
• Strong understanding of construction terminology, methods, and industry standards.
• Experience in writing technical documentation, including proposals, specifications and operating procedures considered strong asset.
• Proven ability to write clear, concise and accurate technical documents, tailored for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other document management software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, SharePoint,) along with diagramming and illustration tools (e.g. Visio)
• High attention to deal, with a focus on accuracy, consistency and quality
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with construction regulations, safety standards, and compliance documentation.
• Experience with content management systems (CMS) and version control practices is a plus.
• Experience working on large-scale construction projects.
