Application Guide

How to Apply for Proposal Operations Specialist, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure leader known for delivering innovative, sustainable solutions across transportation, buildings, water, and environment. Its data center consulting practice is world-class, with teams across five continents serving high-profile global clients. Working here means contributing to landmark projects that shape communities and advance sustainability.

About This Role

As a Proposal Operations Specialist, you'll be the organizational backbone for data center pursuits, supporting Program Managers, Capture Managers, and leadership throughout the proposal lifecycle. Your work ensures consistency, accountability, and visibility across active opportunities, directly impacting AECOM's ability to win and deliver complex data center projects. This remote role offers high visibility and upward mobility in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.

💡 A Day in the Life

You'll start by checking in with Capture Managers on active pursuits, updating the opportunity tracker, and flagging any urgent actions. Throughout the day, you'll coordinate document reviews, schedule meetings, and compile status reports for leadership. You might also assist with compliance checks or help draft sections of a proposal, all while ensuring everything stays on track for submission.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • 2+ years of experience in proposal coordination, project administration, or sales operations, preferably in AECOM's core markets (buildings, infrastructure, data centers).
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, track actions, and report status to leadership using tools like MS Teams, SharePoint, and CRM systems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with global teams and maintain proposal documentation with precision.
  • Self-motivated and adaptable, able to work independently in a remote setting while proactively flagging risks and driving accountability.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your resume to highlight experience with proposal lifecycle support, specifically using terms like 'capture management,' 'opportunity tracking,' and 'compliance matrices' to match AECOM's language.

2

In your application, explicitly mention any exposure to data center projects or critical infrastructure, as AECOM emphasizes its global data center consulting practice.

3

Demonstrate familiarity with AECOM's Buildings and Places group by referencing their project types or clients in your cover letter.

4

If you have remote work experience, emphasize your ability to stay organized and communicate effectively across time zones, as the role is fully remote with occasional travel.

5

Use AECOM's core values (sustainability, innovation, collaboration) in your materials to show cultural alignment.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your track record of supporting multiple stakeholders (Program Managers, Capture Managers) in a fast-paced proposal environment, with concrete examples of how you maintained accountability.', 'Your ability to work remotely and coordinate across global teams, highlighting any experience with virtual collaboration tools and processes.', "Your interest in data centers and sustainable infrastructure, connecting your skills to AECOM's mission and the specific challenges of data center proposals.", "Your proactive approach to risk management and status reporting, showing how you've helped leadership make informed decisions."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore AECOM's data center capabilities and recent projects to understand the scale and types of clients they serve.
  • → Research AECOM's Buildings and Places group and its key markets, noting any recent news or awards.
  • → Review AECOM's sustainability goals and how they integrate into their proposal processes, as this is a core company value.
  • → Look up the backgrounds of AECOM's leadership in the data center space to understand their priorities and vision.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you prioritize and track multiple proposal deadlines simultaneously? Walk us through a time you managed competing priorities.
2 Describe your experience with proposal compliance and ensuring all requirements are met. How do you handle last-minute changes?
3 How would you support a Capture Manager in a fast-paced data center pursuit? What tools or processes would you use?
4 Tell us about a time you identified a risk in a proposal process and how you escalated it to leadership.
5 Why are you interested in AECOM's data center practice, and how do you see this role contributing to winning work?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic resume that doesn't highlight proposal coordination or administrative support experience specific to AECOM's industries.
  • Neglecting to mention remote work skills or flexibility, as the role is fully remote but requires occasional travel.
  • Focusing only on administrative tasks without connecting them to the bigger picture of winning business and supporting global teams.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!

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