Clean Energy Career Opportunities
What is your highest level of verifiable education?
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Assisting with the development of proposals to potential customers and responding to solicitations including RFP's, IFB's, or RFQ's.
Which of the following corresponds best with your knowledge/experience using MS Excel?
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Responding to requests for proposals from private companies and/or government agencies.
Please note that this position is no longer available.
If you would like to be considered for similar opportunities now or in the future, feel free to apply and/or set up a notifier for yourself.
Proposal Specialist
CA - Newport BeachNewport Beach, CA
or
Apply with

Make an Impact On Large & Visible Bid Projects Via Your Strong Analytical and Project Management Skills

If you have a successful track record of managing complex responses to Requests For Proposals (RFPs), this position offers you the opportunity to make an impact on a growing proposal team and work with some of the largest and most visible projects within the company. You will support sales of natural gas fuel by leveraging your strong project management skills to coordinate the development of proposals for a variety of fleet customers. You will handle diverse activities, from coordinating meetings with stakeholders and gathering information to interacting with multiple departments to assembling complex strategies to writing the company's winning proposals. You'll help us deliver fuel solutions that are cleaner and cheaper than gasoline and diesel, and that also reduce America's dependence on foreign oil -- and if you're the professional we're looking for, you'll enjoy the chance to put Clean Energy into the RFP winner's circle.

Clean Energy is North America's leading provider of natural gas fuel for transportation, and a global leader in expanding international natural gas vehicle markets. With experience and expertise built over more than a decade, we are committed to helping our customers -- companies operating all kinds of fleets from the goods movement sector, to refuse and public transit, to shuttles and taxi fleets -- gain the measurable economic and environmental advantages of natural gas fueling. We have more than 1000 employees and are continuing to expand our 550+ station portfolio.

The Requirements

To meet the basic qualification for this role you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. To be a good fit for the Proposal Specialist opportunity, you also should have:
  • A bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  Quick question for you - click here
  • 3 - 5+ years of related experience, including developing responses to RFPs, IFBs, RFQs, etc. Experience in a dedicated proposal department is a strong plus.  Quick question for you - click here
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects, including scheduling and facilitating meetings, assigning responsibilities and deadlines, following up with contributors and stakeholders, and completing all tasks on time. 
  • Strong communication skills, including phone and in-person, and the ability to interact effectively with diverse internal and external contacts.
  • Proven strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent analytical skills and the ability to "think outside the box."
  • Solid writing and editing skills.
  • Advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications and excellent Internet skills.  Quick question for you - click here
Just as important as your experience and skills will be the following characteristics and competencies:
  • Exceptional organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, activities and priorities effectively.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to keep all stakeholders and contributors in the loop.
  • Leadership skills, including the ability to engage and involve all stakeholders in strategy development, and to influence and motivate others without direct authority.
  • Self-motivating, take initiative and ownership, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
  • Customer-service oriented.
  • Willingness to learn and grow professionally.
  • A dedicated, team player approach.
The team you'll join handles a high volume of proposals and we are very committed to doing what it takes to get the job completed. You will need to be prepared to work 55 to 60 hours some weeks, depending on the flow of proposals and deadlines.

There is also potential for travel to trade shows, pre-proposal conferences, and customers' facilities. Most travel will be local and require no overnight stays. 

The Role

Reporting to the Manager, Sales Support, you will join a growing team that also includes a Senior Sales Analyst (Proposal Specialist). This team handles multiple proposals a week in response to RFPs and IFBs from cities and other local government agencies as well as private companies. Quick question for you - click here  Overall you will assist in generating sales of natural gas fuel by supporting the Sales team to promote natural gas vehicle technology to a variety of fleet customers. Your primary responsibility will be to manage the solicitation process.

We will train you on the job, starting you on the more straightforward activities and then help you grow into the full role, including taking point on developing strategies to win specific projects. The position also involves more tactical activities.

We have some 100 sales professionals around the country winning a good deal of business before it goes to the RFP process. When it does, however, you will work with the Sales Rep who is familiar with the potential customer and market. In fact, you will act as liaison with a number of internal and external contacts, including Legal, Insurance, Human Resources, Construction, Engineering and others as you assemble proposals.

More specifically, you will:
  • Project manage the development of proposals to potential customers and respond to solicitations including RFP's, IFB's, etc.
  • Read, understand and analyze the customer's solicitation documents.
  • Draft, write and review proposal documents, with strong attention to details and accuracy.
  • Coordinate RFP document distribution, complete bid bond application, update RFP calendar and RFP list, review forms for accuracy and secure executive signatures.
  • Analyze moderately complex financial strategies to be shared internally and incorporate them into proposals.
  • Coordinate and lead meetings with internal and external resources to develop and formulate responses to proposals (i.e. meetings with Operations, Engineering, Legal, Sales, etc.)
  • Anticipate project challenges and focus the project group on resolving the issues.
  • Compile and revise information from department personnel and incorporate into proposals. Assemble final proposals for submittal.
  • Provide input to the management team on new products or service on potential new customers.
  • Assist with developing, reviewing and implementing RFP best practices.
  • Assist with creating RFP tools, templates, and support materials for the Sales team.
  • Assist with price analysis and comparisons on historical pricing data from previous solicitations; report to management on pricing strategies.
  • Assist with competitor analysis by researching, analyzing, and staying current on competitor's proposals, pricing, equipment and strategies; report to management with periodic updates on competitors.
  • Liaison with Engineering and Operations departments on development of assigned projects.
  • Overcome technical and business objections of prospective customers.
  • Provide guidance and support to new sales employees as needed.
  • Handle other duties as assigned.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Pictured: you will take point on efforts to secure business that may involve everything from construction of fueling stations on the customer's site to technical service and maintenance.

Why Clean Energy

Strategic and tactical impact 
Yes, the role involves tasks like printing, assembly, and shipping, but you also will learn to develop strategy in collaboration with project stakeholders. In fact, you will enjoy a good deal of freedom in coming up with ideas and applying them. You can do things your way, as long as your way delivers success. Through your efforts, you will also help the department improve processes and implement best practices. You'll support efforts to secure some of our largest projects, and your success will be visible to senior leaders. Plus, you can feel pride knowing you've made a difference.

Competitive spirit
If you're the person we're looking for, you take strong satisfaction from helping secure those wins. This team has the same drive that the front-line Sales Reps do. We also take pride in supporting Clean Energy's mission of employing green technology to change the way America drives . . . for the better.

Professional development
Few others in our industry have a Proposal Department, and the fact that we do demonstrates our progressive approach. By joining our team you'll focus solely on the RFP process and learn from seasoned professionals. History shows that our ongoing growth and evolution creates opportunities for proven strong performers, whether on this team or in other areas of Clean Energy. From here you could advance to a senior sales analyst role, pursue an analyst role in another department, or even move into Sales. 

Continual Learning
Ours is a unique and growing market niche providing ample opportunities. In fact, if the pursuit of knowledge excites you, you're going to love Clean Energy. There is a lot to learn and in a continually evolving industry, there will always be plenty to learn.

Green standard for sustainability
You probably already knew that natural gas burns much more cleanly than gasoline and diesel, producing significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. But did you also know that natural gas is increasingly renewable, using biomethane reclaimed from landfill via waste-to-energy solutions? Clean Energy is helping companies and public organizations meet aggressive environmental goals.

Proven strong leadership
You will join a team of accomplished, seasoned professionals at Clean Energy, led by Andrew Littlefair. Mr. Littlefair served as President of Pickens Fuel Corp (PFC), the predecessor company of Clean Energy, which he co-founded in 1997 with Boone Pickens. Mr. Littlefair was Staff Assistant to then President Ronald Reagan in the Office of Presidential Advance from 1983 to 1987. Our executive team's profiles can be viewed at CleanEnergyFuels.com.

Excellent compensation
In addition to a competitive wage and discretionary bonus opportunities, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and other insurances, a 401(k) plan with discretionary company match, paid time off and more. 

Pictured: above, Clean Energy is building America's Natural Gas Highway, a network of CNG and LNG fueling stations connecting coast to coast and border to border. Below, the proposals you develop typically will include 24/7 onsite response, remote monitoring, and customer service.

Keys To Success

Your number one priority will be to make sure proposals are submitted on time. That means you'll need a strong sense of urgency and a creative approach to overcoming roadblocks. You'll also need to be persistent and persuasive in getting what you need from various internal contributors. That's also where the work ethic comes in, as you will need to work into the evening and on weekends at times. If you share our competitive spirit, however, you'll find the motivation.

A typical RFP is a large, thick and detailed document, as you probably know. This will require a robust attention to detail, of course. It also will call for organizational skills that readily grasp the big picture to give those details context. You should be the kind of person who enjoys "keeping a lot of balls in the air" without dropping any.

We understand there will be a learning curve as you become familiar with our processes, technology and industry, but we'll look to you to be proactive about getting up to speed as quickly as possible. We're also looking forward to having a "fresh set of eyes" looking at our process -- continuous improvement is part of the Clean Energy culture. In fact, you'll need to remain flexible as priorities change and the company evolves.

About Clean Energy

Taking the Lead in Clean-air Transportation

Clean Energy has a broad customer base in the solid waste, transit, ports, shuttle, taxi, trucking, airport and municipal fleet markets. We have the most experience in inventing and manufacturing today’s natural gas technologies.
We develop, manufacture, supply, install and service the equipment at natural gas stations across North America.

Clean Energy owns and operates LNG plants and renewable processing facilities, producing CNG, LNG and Redeem (RNG) fuels for our own stations and our clients’ stations. Our network of over 550 LNG and CNG fueling stations ensures fleets are powered for both short routes across town and long hauls across North America. Our stations are fueling service vehicles at 37+ major airports, and our strategically located truck-friendly CNG and LNG fueling stations, the network we call America’s Natural Gas Highway™, are designed to keep heavy duty fleets fueled up and on the road.

The Clean Energy vision extends beyond servicing the high fuel-use requirements of fleet operators. We are committed to helping businesses access the measurable advantages of clean-fuel solutions. Simultaneously, we are committed to protecting our environment as the leader in clean-air transportation. Clean Energy has proven that business and environmental goals can indeed find common ground, with mutually profitable results. Our vision and efforts have received recognition and awards from business and environmental organizations alike.

Video: with operations in compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicle fueling, construction and operation of CNG and LNG fueling stations, bio-methane production, vehicle conversion and compressor technology, we are driving America forward.

Make an Impact On Large & Visible Bid Projects Via Your Strong Analytical and Project Management Skills

If you have a successful track record of managing complex responses to Requests For Proposals (RFPs), this position offers you the opportunity to make an impact on a growing proposal team and work with some of the largest and most visible projects within the company. You will support sales of natural gas fuel by leveraging your strong project management skills to coordinate the development of proposals for a variety of fleet customers. You will handle diverse activities, from coordinating meetings with stakeholders and gathering information to interacting with multiple departments to assembling complex strategies to writing the company's winning proposals. You'll help us deliver fuel solutions that are cleaner and cheaper than gasoline and diesel, and that also reduce America's dependence on foreign oil -- and if you're the professional we're looking for, you'll enjoy the chance to put Clean Energy into the RFP winner's circle.

Clean Energy is North America's leading provider of natural gas fuel for transportation, and a global leader in expanding international natural gas vehicle markets. With experience and expertise built over more than a decade, we are committed to helping our customers -- companies operating all kinds of fleets from the goods movement sector, to refuse and public transit, to shuttles and taxi fleets -- gain the measurable economic and environmental advantages of natural gas fueling. We have more than 1000 employees and are continuing to expand our 550+ station portfolio.

The Requirements

To meet the basic qualification for this role you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. To be a good fit for the Proposal Specialist opportunity, you also should have:
  • A bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Business or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  Quick question for you - click here
  • 3 - 5+ years of related experience, including developing responses to RFPs, IFBs, RFQs, etc. Experience in a dedicated proposal department is a strong plus.  Quick question for you - click here
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects, including scheduling and facilitating meetings, assigning responsibilities and deadlines, following up with contributors and stakeholders, and completing all tasks on time. 
  • Strong communication skills, including phone and in-person, and the ability to interact effectively with diverse internal and external contacts.
  • Proven strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent analytical skills and the ability to "think outside the box."
  • Solid writing and editing skills.
  • Advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications and excellent Internet skills.  Quick question for you - click here
Just as important as your experience and skills will be the following characteristics and competencies:
  • Exceptional organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, activities and priorities effectively.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to keep all stakeholders and contributors in the loop.
  • Leadership skills, including the ability to engage and involve all stakeholders in strategy development, and to influence and motivate others without direct authority.
  • Self-motivating, take initiative and ownership, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
  • Customer-service oriented.
  • Willingness to learn and grow professionally.
  • A dedicated, team player approach.
The team you'll join handles a high volume of proposals and we are very committed to doing what it takes to get the job completed. You will need to be prepared to work 55 to 60 hours some weeks, depending on the flow of proposals and deadlines.

There is also potential for travel to trade shows, pre-proposal conferences, and customers' facilities. Most travel will be local and require no overnight stays. 

The Role

Reporting to the Manager, Sales Support, you will join a growing team that also includes a Senior Sales Analyst (Proposal Specialist). This team handles multiple proposals a week in response to RFPs and IFBs from cities and other local government agencies as well as private companies. Quick question for you - click here  Overall you will assist in generating sales of natural gas fuel by supporting the Sales team to promote natural gas vehicle technology to a variety of fleet customers. Your primary responsibility will be to manage the solicitation process.

We will train you on the job, starting you on the more straightforward activities and then help you grow into the full role, including taking point on developing strategies to win specific projects. The position also involves more tactical activities.

We have some 100 sales professionals around the country winning a good deal of business before it goes to the RFP process. When it does, however, you will work with the Sales Rep who is familiar with the potential customer and market. In fact, you will act as liaison with a number of internal and external contacts, including Legal, Insurance, Human Resources, Construction, Engineering and others as you assemble proposals.

More specifically, you will:
  • Project manage the development of proposals to potential customers and respond to solicitations including RFP's, IFB's, etc.
  • Read, understand and analyze the customer's solicitation documents.
  • Draft, write and review proposal documents, with strong attention to details and accuracy.
  • Coordinate RFP document distribution, complete bid bond application, update RFP calendar and RFP list, review forms for accuracy and secure executive signatures.
  • Analyze moderately complex financial strategies to be shared internally and incorporate them into proposals.
  • Coordinate and lead meetings with internal and external resources to develop and formulate responses to proposals (i.e. meetings with Operations, Engineering, Legal, Sales, etc.)
  • Anticipate project challenges and focus the project group on resolving the issues.
  • Compile and revise information from department personnel and incorporate into proposals. Assemble final proposals for submittal.
  • Provide input to the management team on new products or service on potential new customers.
  • Assist with developing, reviewing and implementing RFP best practices.
  • Assist with creating RFP tools, templates, and support materials for the Sales team.
  • Assist with price analysis and comparisons on historical pricing data from previous solicitations; report to management on pricing strategies.
  • Assist with competitor analysis by researching, analyzing, and staying current on competitor's proposals, pricing, equipment and strategies; report to management with periodic updates on competitors.
  • Liaison with Engineering and Operations departments on development of assigned projects.
  • Overcome technical and business objections of prospective customers.
  • Provide guidance and support to new sales employees as needed.
  • Handle other duties as assigned.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Pictured: you will take point on efforts to secure business that may involve everything from construction of fueling stations on the customer's site to technical service and maintenance.

Why Clean Energy

Strategic and tactical impact 
Yes, the role involves tasks like printing, assembly, and shipping, but you also will learn to develop strategy in collaboration with project stakeholders. In fact, you will enjoy a good deal of freedom in coming up with ideas and applying them. You can do things your way, as long as your way delivers success. Through your efforts, you will also help the department improve processes and implement best practices. You'll support efforts to secure some of our largest projects, and your success will be visible to senior leaders. Plus, you can feel pride knowing you've made a difference.

Competitive spirit
If you're the person we're looking for, you take strong satisfaction from helping secure those wins. This team has the same drive that the front-line Sales Reps do. We also take pride in supporting Clean Energy's mission of employing green technology to change the way America drives . . . for the better.

Professional development
Few others in our industry have a Proposal Department, and the fact that we do demonstrates our progressive approach. By joining our team you'll focus solely on the RFP process and learn from seasoned professionals. History shows that our ongoing growth and evolution creates opportunities for proven strong performers, whether on this team or in other areas of Clean Energy. From here you could advance to a senior sales analyst role, pursue an analyst role in another department, or even move into Sales. 

Continual Learning
Ours is a unique and growing market niche providing ample opportunities. In fact, if the pursuit of knowledge excites you, you're going to love Clean Energy. There is a lot to learn and in a continually evolving industry, there will always be plenty to learn.

Green standard for sustainability
You probably already knew that natural gas burns much more cleanly than gasoline and diesel, producing significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. But did you also know that natural gas is increasingly renewable, using biomethane reclaimed from landfill via waste-to-energy solutions? Clean Energy is helping companies and public organizations meet aggressive environmental goals.

Proven strong leadership
You will join a team of accomplished, seasoned professionals at Clean Energy, led by Andrew Littlefair. Mr. Littlefair served as President of Pickens Fuel Corp (PFC), the predecessor company of Clean Energy, which he co-founded in 1997 with Boone Pickens. Mr. Littlefair was Staff Assistant to then President Ronald Reagan in the Office of Presidential Advance from 1983 to 1987. Our executive team's profiles can be viewed at CleanEnergyFuels.com.

Excellent compensation
In addition to a competitive wage and discretionary bonus opportunities, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and other insurances, a 401(k) plan with discretionary company match, paid time off and more. 

Pictured: above, Clean Energy is building America's Natural Gas Highway, a network of CNG and LNG fueling stations connecting coast to coast and border to border. Below, the proposals you develop typically will include 24/7 onsite response, remote monitoring, and customer service.

Keys To Success

Your number one priority will be to make sure proposals are submitted on time. That means you'll need a strong sense of urgency and a creative approach to overcoming roadblocks. You'll also need to be persistent and persuasive in getting what you need from various internal contributors. That's also where the work ethic comes in, as you will need to work into the evening and on weekends at times. If you share our competitive spirit, however, you'll find the motivation.

A typical RFP is a large, thick and detailed document, as you probably know. This will require a robust attention to detail, of course. It also will call for organizational skills that readily grasp the big picture to give those details context. You should be the kind of person who enjoys "keeping a lot of balls in the air" without dropping any.

We understand there will be a learning curve as you become familiar with our processes, technology and industry, but we'll look to you to be proactive about getting up to speed as quickly as possible. We're also looking forward to having a "fresh set of eyes" looking at our process -- continuous improvement is part of the Clean Energy culture. In fact, you'll need to remain flexible as priorities change and the company evolves.

About Clean Energy

Taking the Lead in Clean-air Transportation

Clean Energy has a broad customer base in the solid waste, transit, ports, shuttle, taxi, trucking, airport and municipal fleet markets. We have the most experience in inventing and manufacturing today’s natural gas technologies.
We develop, manufacture, supply, install and service the equipment at natural gas stations across North America.

Clean Energy owns and operates LNG plants and renewable processing facilities, producing CNG, LNG and Redeem (RNG) fuels for our own stations and our clients’ stations. Our network of over 550 LNG and CNG fueling stations ensures fleets are powered for both short routes across town and long hauls across North America. Our stations are fueling service vehicles at 37+ major airports, and our strategically located truck-friendly CNG and LNG fueling stations, the network we call America’s Natural Gas Highway™, are designed to keep heavy duty fleets fueled up and on the road.

The Clean Energy vision extends beyond servicing the high fuel-use requirements of fleet operators. We are committed to helping businesses access the measurable advantages of clean-fuel solutions. Simultaneously, we are committed to protecting our environment as the leader in clean-air transportation. Clean Energy has proven that business and environmental goals can indeed find common ground, with mutually profitable results. Our vision and efforts have received recognition and awards from business and environmental organizations alike.

Video: with operations in compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicle fueling, construction and operation of CNG and LNG fueling stations, bio-methane production, vehicle conversion and compressor technology, we are driving America forward.
Clean Energy is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/AA/M/F/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
We participate in E-Verify and respect all laws regarding your Legal Right to Work in the U.S.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department at jpickens@engage2excel.com.
or
Apply with