Sr. Proposal Manager

Chemring Energetic Devices; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 102,500 - 138,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus program

401(k) with 6% match

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A defense products company is seeking a Senior Proposal Manager in Downers Grove, Illinois. The role involves leading the development of compliant proposals for government and commercial contracts, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 6 years of experience in proposal management within the Aerospace and Defense industry. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including a discretionary bonus and 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in proposal and/or contracts management within Aerospace and Defense.
• Proficiency with customer systems such as D365 and Exostar.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of compliant proposal submissions.
• Coordinate proposal development activities with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS/agency regulations.

Skills

Proposal management

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Compliance understanding

Ability to handle multiple tasks

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

D365

Exostar

WAWF

E-Tools

Job description

Overview

Join Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) as a Senior Proposal Manager in Downers Grove, Illinois. CED develops products that protect our country, support warfighters, and enable space exploration. The role is full‑time and offers a competitive salary of $102.5k–$138.5k, a discretionary bonus program, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with a 6% match, 11 paid holidays, 5 paid sick days (full‑year requirement), and paid vacation.

Job Summary

The Senior Proposal Manager leads the development of compliant proposal submissions for U.S. Government and commercial contract pursuits. The manager coordinates with functional departments to schedule, kickoff, and finalize all proposal development activities, and oversees proposal submission reviews through the appropriate levels of authority.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as primary interface with proposal stakeholders to develop Technical, Management, Past Performance, Schedules, and other sections for response to RFPs and prime solicitations.
• Develop and distribute schedules for proposal inputs, managing them to meet internal and external deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS/agency regulations and Small Business Administration requirements, including required proposal volumes.
• Advising stakeholders on proposal issues and developments.
• Build and maintain transparent customer relationships to support CED’s business objectives.
• Demonstrate sound interpersonal skills in coordinating and negotiating with personnel, customers, and suppliers.
• Make decisions using sound judgment while complying with policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

Additional Job Functions

• Other special projects as assigned.
• Follow all company policies and procedures.
• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and the Chemring Operational Framework, Code of Conduct, and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Preferred: coursework in related contracts/subcontracts.

Experience

Minimum of 6 years of progressive related experience in proposal and/or contracts management within the Aerospace and Defense industry.

Skills & Requirements

• Lawful permanent resident of the United States (ITAR restrictions).
• Eligible to hold explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 as required by BATF.
• Proficiency with internal and customer systems such as D365, Exostar, WAWF, E‑Tools, etc.
• Professional certifications: ESI, NCMA, NAPM and/or college‑level certifications preferred.
• Prior experience reading, interpreting, and understanding U.S. Government and commercial solicitations.
• Experience with proposal and pricing compliance for sole source and competitive U.S. Government contracts preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills with effective communication, interaction, and relationship building.

Physical/Other Requirements

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving objects up to 20 pounds occasionally; requires sitting for extended periods with occasional walking or standing. Computer use required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics. CED is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call (630) 969‑0620.