Application Guide
How to Apply for Proposal Writer
at GFL Environmental
🏢 About GFL Environmental
GFL Environmental is one of North America's largest diversified environmental services companies, operating a signature fleet of bright green trucks across Canada and 18 U.S. states. They provide comprehensive solid waste management, soil remediation, and industrial services, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Working here means contributing to greener communities while being part of a dynamic, growing team that values integrated solutions.
About This Role
As a Proposal Writer, you'll be the backbone of GFL's proposal development process, crafting and maintaining templates in their proposal software to ensure consistency and accuracy. You'll collaborate closely with the Proposal Development Team, Marketing, National Accounts, and field/operational managers to produce compelling, winning proposals. This remote role is critical for driving business growth by effectively communicating GFL's value proposition to clients.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve updating proposal templates in the software system, collaborating with marketing to ensure brand consistency, and meeting with field managers to gather technical details for an upcoming RFP. You'll also draft and edit proposal sections, coordinate with the National Accounts Team on client-specific requirements, and ensure all deadlines are met. Expect a mix of independent writing time and virtual collaboration across departments.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who GFL Environmental Is Looking For
- 3+ years of experience in proposal writing, preferably in environmental services, waste management, or a related B2B industry.
- Proficiency with proposal management software (e.g., RFPIO, Loopio, Qvidian) and Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to maintain and update templates.
- Strong collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and executives, and to gather technical information from field managers.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex environmental services into clear, persuasive proposals that align with GFL's brand and client needs.
📝 Tips for Applying to GFL Environmental
Highlight any experience with proposal software (e.g., RFPIO, Loopio) in your resume and cover letter, as GFL specifically mentions maintaining templates in such systems.
Showcase your ability to work remotely and collaborate with distributed teams—mention any previous remote work experience and tools you've used (e.g., Slack, Teams, SharePoint).
Demonstrate knowledge of GFL's services (solid waste management, soil remediation) and how you would tailor proposals to their clients in municipal, industrial, and commercial sectors.
Quantify your proposal success rates (e.g., 'won $X million in contracts') to prove your impact on business growth.
Emphasize your adaptability to work with field/operational managers and executives—provide examples of how you've gathered technical info from non-writers and turned it into winning content.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience in maintaining and updating proposal templates in a software system, and how you ensure consistency and accuracy across multiple proposals.', 'Your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, operations, executives) to gather information and produce compelling proposals.', "Your understanding of GFL's environmental services and how you can effectively communicate their value proposition to clients.", 'Your track record of winning proposals and contributing to business growth, with specific metrics if possible.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore GFL's service offerings, including solid waste management, soil remediation, and industrial services, to understand the breadth of proposals you might work on.
- → Research GFL's recent acquisitions and expansions (e.g., new contracts, facilities) to understand their growth trajectory and the types of proposals they pursue.
- → Familiarize yourself with common RFP platforms and proposal software (e.g., RFPIO, Loopio) that GFL might use, and be prepared to discuss your proficiency.
- → Look into GFL's sustainability initiatives and how they position themselves as 'Green For Life' to align your cover letter and interview responses with their brand.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention GFL's environmental services or the specific responsibilities of the Proposal Writer role.
- Failing to demonstrate experience with proposal software or template maintenance, which is a key requirement.
- Neglecting to show how you collaborate with cross-functional teams, especially field/operational managers, as this is crucial for gathering technical content.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to GFL Environmental!