Senior Proposal Manager

QinetiQ US; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Senior Proposal Manager to directly support a growing proposal operations organization. You will lead end-to-end development, coordination, and submission of complex proposals for federal, state, and commercial opportunities, ensuring alignment with mission needs and win strategies.

The role requires a proven track record in leading federal proposals, experience with international proposal efforts, and the ability to travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing all phases and components of federal government proposals, including orals.
• Experience writing proposals for professional services and technology-centric solutions.
• Experience managing GWAC and IDIQ proposals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment, with flexibility to work extended hours as needed.
• Ability to manage multiple proposals, of various sizes and complexity, simultaneously.
• Ability to manage a SharePoint-based proposal management system and maintain a repository of high-quality response templates and gold plate examples (e.g., management plans, transition plans, past performance).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Federal standards (FAR/DFARS/ITAR etc.), procurement processes, and standard proposal development methodologies.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Expert‑level Microsoft Word proficiency (templates, styles, macros); strong desktop publishing skills.
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development, coordination, and submission of complex proposals.
• Mentor proposal team members and train staff on best practices.
• Develop and manage proposal strategies aligned with customer priorities and win themes.
• Manage schedules, outlines, compliance matrices, and review plans.
• Conduct and facilitate color reviews and incorporate feedback.
• Write and edit executive summaries, management and technical narratives.
• Lead proposal kick-off meetings to set scope, timelines, and responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain pricing catalogue to facilitate quick turn sales orders.
• Handle post-proposal activities including debriefs and lessons learned.
• Interpret requirements of Prime Contractor, U.S. Federal Government, and international solicitations.

Skills

Proposal management

Federal proposals

MS Word

SharePoint

Writing & editing

Project coordination

Timeline management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

MS SharePoint

Microsoft Word

Job description

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ seeks an experienced Senior Proposal Manager (SPM) to directly support one of the business portfolios and a growing proposal operations and growth organization.

The SPM leads the end‑to‑end development, coordination, and submission of complex, compliant, and competitive proposals for federal, state, and commercial opportunities within the business unit, ensuring alignment with mission needs and win strategies.

The SPM brings a proven track record of successfully leading federal proposals—from ECP/task order responses to large, complex, strategic bids—while also demonstrating experience managing international proposal efforts in support of allied defense, security, or intelligence initiatives. This individual will play a key role in solving challenging missions across both domestic and international government markets.

Responsibilities

• Support maturation of proposal processes, templates, and procedures from pre-RFP through post-RFP phases.
• Mentor proposal team members, train staff on best practices, and provide leadership as the company expands its domestic and international footprint.
• Develop and manage proposal strategies that align with customer priorities, DoD procurement processes, RFP requirements, and internal win themes and discriminators
• Manage schedules, outlines, compliance matrices, and review plans to meet all deadlines
• Conduct and facilitate color reviews (Pink, Red, Gold, Green) and incorporate feedback to improve quality and compliance
• Write and edit key proposal sections such as executive summaries, management and technical narratives
• Lead proposal kick‑off meetings to set scope, timelines, and responsibilities for all contributors
• Set schedules, create outlines, build compliance matrices, lead proposal kickoffs, guide content creators, and manage graphics coordination
• Develop and maintain pricing catalogue for HWCI and components to facilitate quick turn sales orders
• Manage pricing alignment with technical approach and value proposition
• Handle post‑proposal activities including debriefs, lessons learned, and follow‑up actions
• Drive the proposal process to meet milestones per corporate processes (e.g., color reviews, DOAs, etc.) and support writing and editing (technical and format)
• Interpret technical and management requirements of Prime Contractor, U.S. Federal Government, and international government solicitations (e.g., RFPs, RFIs, RTEPs).
• Other Duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing all phases and components of federal government proposals, including orals.
• Experience writing proposals for professional services and technology-centric solutions.
• Experience managing GWAC and IDIQ proposals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced and evolving environment, with flexibility to work extended hours as needed.
• Ability to manage multiple proposals, of various sizes and complexity, simultaneously.
• Ability to manage a SharePoint-based proposal management system and maintain a repository of high-quality response templates and gold plate examples (e.g., management plans, transition plans, past performance).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Federal standards (FAR/DFARS/ITAR etc.), procurement processes, and standard proposal development methodologies.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Expert‑level Microsoft Word proficiency (templates, styles, macros); strong desktop publishing skills.
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience managing proposals as part of a large systems integrator or international defense contractor.
• Proficiency with MS SharePoint.
• Experience with international business development or proposals supporting NATO, FMS, or allied government customers strongly preferred.
• Clearance: Willing and able to secure a Secret clearance.
• Familiarity with proposal responses for international defense/security customers or multinational government partnerships preferred.

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $160,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.