How to Make a Proposal to Your Boss About a New Position

by Lisa McQuerrey, Demand Media

Talking to your boss about creating a new position is something that should be approached in a professional and well-prepared manner. You’ll want to present a thoroughly researched argument for why the new position is vital to the business and why the new role should be adopted for the betterment of the company. Provide as much supporting information as you can to build the strongest case possible.

Step 1

Determine what the new position should be titled, to whom the hire should report and which existing employment roles would report to the individual in the newly formed position.

Step 2

Outline the specific job responsibilities you envision for the position and be as detailed as possible. Your proposal should explain why you believe the stated tasks should fall under the new role. Make sure there are no overlaps with other positions already in existence in the company.

Step 3

Describe the criteria that should be used in hiring for the position. Include educational background and qualifications, years of experience in the field and any specialized training or knowledge that would be paramount to effectively working the job.

Step 4

Research salary ranges for this type of position in a company of similar size to yours. Include an anticipated salary range for the new position.

Step 5

Summarize why the new position would be good for the company. Perhaps it fills in gaps not currently covered by existing staff or it frees up the time of others to concentrate more fully on their assigned tasks. If you envision financial savings to the company or the ability to increase revenue through creation of the new role, provide a detailed analysis of how that will be achieved.

Step 6

Assemble your written documents and make an appointment to meet with your boss. Present your proposal and invite questions.


  • If you are proposing the new position as an employee who would report directly to you in an assistant capacity, provide detailed information that justifies how the role would help you perform your own job more effectively. You should be able to demonstrate the investment in a new role will be repaid to the company in the form of your own enhanced productivity.
  • If you are proposing the new position as a new role for yourself, highlight the elements of your professional background and workplace contributions that you believe qualify you for the role.


  • Choose the right time to make the proposal. If your boss is on a tight deadline, dealing with a major customer complaint or is otherwise preoccupied, your proposal might not come off as well as you would like. Set aside a calm time when you will both have the opportunity to fully discuss the elements of your proposal.
  • If your boss turns down your proposal, ask if you can revisit the topic at a later date. Note his initial objections and look for ways to overcome them before your next meeting.

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