Proposal Manager I

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 108,496 - 149,183; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

3 weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation in Arlington, Virginia is looking for a Proposal Manager I to oversee pivotal bid processes for advanced products and services. This role requires managing proposal teams and ensuring the compliance and timeliness of submissions to governmental and commercial clients.

The ideal candidate should have over 7 years of experience in related fields, strong leadership skills, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Benefits include a competitive salary range starting from approximately $108,496.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading proposal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple proposals from planning to delivery.
• Experience preparing Pricing Volumes and familiarity with government contracting.

Responsibilities

• Manage proposal development for government and commercial customers.
• Lead proposal preparation activities ensuring timely, compliant submissions.
• Supervise Proposal Center staff and manage proposal processes.
• Coordinate workflow and create required documents.

Skills

Proposal management software

Technical proposal writing

Team leadership

Excellent communication

Government contracting process

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Relevant higher degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Word

Job description

Do you have strong analytical and communication skills, enjoy working in a collaborative environment, & have experience or a background in the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Military, or the Aerospace & Defense industry? As a Proposal Manager I, you will oversee the bid submission process from initial contact through contract signing for our cutting‑edge products and services, ensuring proposals are written, edited, formatted, and submitted on time while meeting all RFP requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage the proposal development center and oversee staff in the creation and submission of task‑order and project proposals for both government and commercial customers.
• Plan, organize, facilitate, and execute IDIQ proposals (both prime and subcontractor roles) and ensure the proposal process is disseminated and implemented efficiently.
• Direct overall bid and proposal efforts, including direct management of the Proposal Center.
• Lead proposal preparation activities to ensure timely, professional, and compliant proposals that include writing, editing, graphics, formatting, estimating/pricing, data call coordination, and production of all technical and cost volumes.
• Coordinate workflow and create required documents such as templates, compliance matrices, schedules, and color review sheets; lead internal status meetings and reviews.
• Act as the main point of contact for subcontractor proposal input and serve as a color reviewer on proposals managed by the Proposal Center staff.
• Take ownership of proposal processes, ensuring quality and compliance of all proposals.
• Supervise Proposal Center staff, including Proposal Analysts and Proposal Writers, and manage overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all proposal development.
• Participate in capture discussions to align bid strategy with business development goals.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable law, including interviewing, hiring, training, performance appraisal, and disciplinary actions.

Qualifications – You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading proposal teams.
• Expertise utilizing proposal management software and AI tools.
• Experience managing multiple proposals of all sizes from planning to delivery.
• Progressive technical, proposal writing, and proposal management experience emphasizing technical products and logistics services.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to motivate and work with others.
• Experience preparing Pricing Volumes, including WBS and BOE, and familiarity with government contracting proposal processes.
• Ability to mentor, train, and guide team members to meet project milestones.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience (minimum of 11 years of experience if no degree).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications – We Prefer

• Knowledge of industry‑specific proposal tools and software.
• Self‑starter and problem solver with a big‑picture mindset.
• Certification from the Association for Proposal Management Professionals (APMP).
• Understanding of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• Advanced MS Word skills—formatting, outlining, graphics integration for proposals.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense industry, U.S. Department of Defense, or U.S. Military.

Benefits

• Estimated Starting Salary Range: $108,496.89 – $149,183.22 (varies by experience, skills, and location).
• Annual incentive pay based on performance, commensurate with position level.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• 3 weeks paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement and other professional development benefits.

Security Clearance

• Position requires obtaining and maintaining a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required; non‑U.S. citizens are not eligible for this clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.