Principal Proposals Development Manager

Neptune; Duluth, Tallassee, Altoona (GA, AL, PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Neptune Technology Group Inc. in Duluth, GA is seeking a Principal Proposals Development Manager to lead the most complex bids (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs) across North America.

You will partner with sales, service, marketing, legal, product management, and other departments to develop thorough, timely responses and win strategies that differentiate Neptune. You will own the proposal lifecycle from receipt to delivery, ensure compliance with guidelines, coordinate presentations for key pursuits, and drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree typically required.
• 10+ years of relevant experience leading cross-functional proposal teams on complex, high-value bids.
• APMP certification (Foundation level or higher) and/or PMP certification; MBA preferred.
• Experience in water, utilities, metering/AMI, or public-sector procurement industries is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, submission, and review of sales proposals for high-value bids (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs).
• Partner with sales, service, marketing, legal, product management, and other departments to develop thorough, timely responses.
• Develop win strategy and themes to differentiate Neptune in proposals.
• Lead bid/no-bid decisions and analyze costs, risks, and contract implications.
• Own the proposal lifecycle from request receipt to delivery and submission.
• Ensure compliance with submittal guidelines and internal standards; maintain version control.
• Lead red/gold team reviews and communicate milestones and deadlines.
• Coordinate presentations and oral responses for key pursuits.
• Own the content database and drive continuous improvement of processes and automation.
• Define and report proposal performance metrics (win rate, turnaround time, pipeline).
• Lead cross-functional proposal teams and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Expert-level proposal writing

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or Master's degree

Job description

Neptune Technology Group Inc. is a technology company servicing water utilities across North America. Since 1892, we have continually focused on the evolving needs of water utilities – revenue optimization, operational efficiencies, and improved customer service. With our portfolio of smart water meters, data collection systems and software, we make data actionable for our customers – so they can remain focused on the business of water. For additional information, please visit the company website at www.neptunetg.com .

Principal Proposals Development Manager

Position Summary

• Lead the development, submission, and review of sales proposals, owning the most complex and highest-value bids (e.g., Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Requests for Information (RFIs)).
• Partner with sales, service, marketing, consulting, legal, product management, and other departments to develop and package thorough, efficient, timely, and consistent responses to bids for business opportunities.
• Develop win strategy and win themes with Sales, and shape the proposal narrative to differentiate Neptune.
• Lead bid/no-bid recommendations and analyze costs, risks, and benefits of proposed contracts and price proposals, advising Sales, Legal, and Finance leadership on pricing and contract exceptions.
• Own all aspects of the proposal process life cycle from initial receipt of proposal request through completion and delivery.
• Ensure compliance to both submittal guidelines and internal organizational standards, and maintain version control, quality, and consistency across all responses.
• Lead red/gold team reviews, and drive ongoing communication around strategy, progress, milestones, and deadlines.
• Lead presentation and oral response coordination for key pursuits.
• Own the approved content database and drive continuous improvement of proposal processes, standards, tools, and automation.
• Define and report proposal performance metrics, such as win rate, turnaround time, and pipeline.
• Lead cross-functional proposal teams on key pursuits, setting priorities and holding contributors accountable to milestones.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and advanced individual contributor, conducting highly complex, expert-level work with extensive latitude for independent judgment.
• Mentor, coach, and train less-experienced proposal team members.

Skills

• Expert-level proposal writing, editing, and storytelling
• Strong cross-functional leadership and influence without direct authority
• Strategic thinking, pricing and risk analysis, and executive-level communication

Requirements

Education: Typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree (or international equivalent)

Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience, including experience leading cross-functional proposal teams on complex, high-value bids.

Preferred Qualifications

• APMP certification (Foundation level or higher) and/or PMP certification
• MBA or master's degree
• Experience in the water, utilities, metering/AMI, or public-sector procurement industries

Equal Opportunity Employer EEO/AA M/F/Vet Disability

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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