Bids & Proposals Manager (16 Months Contract - Maternity Leave Replacement)

CAE Inc; Montreal; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible group benefits

Pension plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Comprehensive health and wellness 프로그램

Job summary

CAE Inc in Montreal seeks a seasoned Proposal Lead to drive defense and security bids from concept to submission. You will manage cross‑functional teams, shape bid strategies, and ensure timely delivery while safeguarding budgets and compliance.

You will collaborate with Sales, Pricing, and Engineering to optimize cost, value, and win likelihood, leveraging CAE technologies and industry best practices. Strong communication and coordination are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent experience with exposure to defense programs.
• 8–10 years of relevant experience in a high-technology industry and government proposal writing experience.
• Experience using Salesforce and strong written/presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Proposal Capture Teams for Defense and Security CAE Canada to deliver competitive proposals on time and within budget.
• Define bid strategies and communicate schedules, milestones, and responsibilities.
• Review RFIs/RFPs to identify themes, requirements, and differentiators that improve win probability.

Skills

Proposal leadership

RFP/RFI analysis

Budget/Costing

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Written communication

Salesforce

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Behind every success is a team of dedicated experts driving us forward. Our corporate functions don’t just support — they lead, shaping the company’s path and preparing clients and employees for the moments that matter. Be part of a team where your work makes a difference, with opportunities to grow, collaborate, and thrive.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead Proposal Capture Teams for Defense and Security (D&S) CAE Canada, providing leadership and guidance to deliver competitive proposals on time and within budget.
• Establish and communicate proposal schedules with clear milestones, deliverables, and assigned responsibilities to support on‑time delivery.
• Review customer Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to identify proposal themes, requirements, and CAE differentiators that support the probability of win.
• Define bid strategies that address customer requirements in a cost‑effective manner while leveraging CAE core technologies and off‑the‑shelf products.
• Collaborate with Business Development/Sales and Pricing teams to help define Price to Win (PTW) strategies.
• Collaborate with Engineering to establish Design to Cost (DTC) targets for each module, system, or service and communicate targets across the organization.
• Prepare and deliver proposal and business presentations to senior management.
• Promote commonality, consistency, and reuse across bids.
• Prepare Basis of Estimate (BoE) documentation and comparable analyses to validate estimated costs.
• Identify and quantify program risks and recommend appropriate mitigation plans.
• Collaborate with Program Management to develop and challenge program schedules.
• Negotiate and validate workshare allocations among global CAE sites for joint intercompany proposals.
• Interface directly and indirectly with customers to review, present, and negotiate proposal content.
• Conduct peer reviews of estimated costs and proposal deliverables.
• Define medium‑to‑long‑term strategies for future bids, including outsourcing, offshoring, and partnership opportunities.
• Evaluate tools and process improvements to increase proposal accuracy and efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent experience, combined with previous experience or exposure to one or more of the following: military aircraft, naval vessels, tactical systems, synthetic environments, or modelling and simulation.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of relevant experience in a high‑technology industry.
• Previous experience in government proposal writing.
• Previous experience using Salesforce.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and business acumen.
• Results‑oriented approach with the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and demonstrate customer focus, sound decision‑making, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian Security Clearance and Controlled Goods clearance.
• Eligibility to work in Canada as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a valid Canadian work permit.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual proficiency in French and English.

Benefits

• Flexible Group Benefits
• Pension plan
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs
• Supportive team and collaborative corporate culture

About CAE At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we’ve driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose‑driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

Position Type Temporary (Fixed Term)

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

CAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, age, or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available—contact your recruiter or email CAECarrieres‑[e-mail] if needed.

Data Privacy

Privacy Statement | CAE As part of our process, we may use AI‑supported tools to help review applications, with human decision‐making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

Welcome to CAE! As a global leader in Civil Aviation and Defense & Security across 40 countries, we advance together as One CAE, fueled by thousands of passionate individuals operating in a culture where everyone can thrive. We hold ourselves accountable for building an inclusive community at every level, and our comprehensive benefits support you professionally and personally. Together, we are All For shaping a future where safety, sustainability, and inclusivity lead the way. Join us and be part of something bigger—where your impact reaches beyond CAE and helps shape the world of tomorrow.