Proposal Manager

Description

Our client is seeking an experienced Proposal Manager to lead and coordinate complex competitive proposal efforts in support of government and defense-related programs. Reporting to senior proposal leadership, this individual will oversee the entire proposal lifecycle—from pre-RFP planning through final submission—ensuring all proposals are compliant, compelling, and aligned with customer requirements and business objectives.

This role requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who can successfully manage multiple proposal efforts simultaneously while collaborating closely with Business Development, Capture Management, Engineering, Finance/Pricing, Contracts, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional project management, leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Non-negotiables

• High-volume proposal management (40-60 at a time)
• Ability to create BOE's

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Leadership

Lead the development and submission of competitive proposals in accordance with established capture and proposal management processes.

Ensure all proposals are compliant, responsive, professional, and aligned with customer requirements and solicitation instructions.

Manage the full proposal lifecycle, including planning, strategy development, content creation, reviews, production, and submission.

Oversee multiple concurrent proposal efforts while maintaining schedule, quality, and budget objectives.

Coordinate activities across proposal teams, technical writers, subject matter experts, solution architects, pricing personnel, contracts teams, and support staff.

Partner with Capture Managers and Business Development teams during pre-RFP and pursuit activities.

Proposal Planning & Execution

Develop and maintain proposal development plans, schedules, compliance matrices, writing assignments, outlines, and volume structures.

Organize proposal teams by defining roles, responsibilities, resource requirements, and support needs.

Coordinate support from functional organizations to ensure successful proposal execution.

Manage Proposal Specialists, Graphics Artists, and other proposal support personnel.

Coordinate RFP reviews and customer questions and clarification requests through Contracts.

Conduct proposal kickoff meetings, daily status reviews, and action-item tracking.

Provide training, coaching, and proposal process guidance as needed.

Capture Strategy Integration

Translate capture strategies into proposal win themes, discriminators, messaging, and storyboards.

Collaborate with Capture Managers, Program Managers, and Technical Leads to establish proposal themes and solution narratives.

Lead proposal review cycles, including competitive assessments and formal proposal reviews.

Ensure proposal content remains aligned with customer requirements and overall pursuit strategy.

Proposal Reviews & Governance

Manage proposal preparation schedules, staffing, budgets, and review milestones.

Coordinate proposal writing, graphics development, and production activities.

Monitor proposal activities to ensure adherence to established quality and process standards.

Provide leadership with regular proposal status updates, risk assessments, and execution metrics.

Track and manage proposal action items through completion.

Executive Reviews & Pricing Coordination

Support executive review activities throughout the capture and proposal process.

Coordinate technical, engineering, pricing, and leadership approvals.

Ensure pricing is aligned with established internal review processes and submission schedules.

Facilitate management reviews and approvals prior to proposal submission.

Final Submission & Knowledge Management

Manage final proposal production, publishing, packaging, and customer submission.

Ensure successful and documented proposal delivery.

Coordinate proposal clarification responses and Best and Final Offer (BAFO) submissions when required.

Maintain proposal libraries, reusable content repositories, templates, and graphics databases.

Ensure all required certifications, signatures, and contractual documentation are accurately completed and retained.

Establish and maintain effective communication among local, remote, and teaming partner personnel using collaborative tools.

Develop and maintain proposal methodologies, templates, and process artifacts to support continuous improvement and proposal reuse.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related discipline.
• Experience with formal project management methodologies such as PMI, Six Sigma, or CMMI.
• Experience leading strategic captures and large-scale competitive proposal efforts.
• Demonstrated history of successful proposal submissions and contract wins.

Experience Level

Expert Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Melbourne, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $160,000.00 - $180,000.00/yr.

Benefits Highlights:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• HSA company contributions
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Flexible 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
• Generous PTO and holidays
• Wellness programs
• Life and disability insurance
• Ongoing career development opportunities

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Melbourne, FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

For all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.