Senior Proposal Manager
Position Overview The Proposal Manager is responsible for managing the development, production, and timely delivery of compliant, high-quality proposals for Quiet Professionals/Spathe Systems' assigned opportunities, ensuring alignment with solicitation requirements, win strategy, and corporate standards to support successful contract awards in defense, intelligence, and national security markets.As a core member of the proposal operations team, the Proposal Manager coordinates cross-functional contributors (capture, technical SMEs, pricing, graphics), enforces schedules, maintains compliance, and drives content development for technical, management, and past performance volumes. This role focuses on SOF/SOCOM, DoD, and IC pursuits, working closely with capture managers, solutions engineers, and senior leadership to produce polished, persuasive submissions in a deadline-driven environment.Primary ResponsibilitiesProposal Planning & KickoffDevelop detailed proposal schedules, outlines, compliance matrices, and annotated mock-ups based on solicitation instructions and win themes.Lead proposal kickoff meetings, section planning sessions, and daily status updates to align contributors and maintain momentum.Assign writing responsibilities, track progress, and manage version control using proposal collaboration tools.Content Development & CoordinationFacilitate development of compelling, customer-focused narratives in technical, management, and past performance sections.Work directly with SMEs, capture managers, and solutions teams to gather input, resolve gaps, and ensure content reflects discriminators and strengths.Conduct iterative reviews and incorporate feedback to strengthen messaging and eliminate weaknesses.Compliance ManagementCreate and maintain compliance matrices to ensure 100% adherence to page limits, formatting, section requirements, and evaluation criteria.Perform compliance checks throughout development and lead final quality assurance reviews before submission.Manage production processes (editing, proofreading, graphics integration, desktop publishing) to deliver error-free documents.Cross-Functional CollaborationCoordinate input from capture, pricing, subcontracting, technical, and executive teams to integrate consistent themes, pricing strategy, and risk mitigation.Facilitate color team reviews (pink, red, gold) and resolve conflicts to drive timely decisions.Support orals preparation and BAFO responses as required.Proposal Tools & Asset ManagementUtilize proposal management platforms (SharePoint, proposal automation software, Adobe Acrobat) for document control, collaboration, and version tracking.Leverage and update reusable proposal assets (boilerplate, resumes, past performance summaries, graphics library) to improve efficiency.Contribute to process improvements, lessons learned, and template enhancements for future bids.Submission & Post-Submission SupportOversee final assembly, electronic formatting, and submission via government portals (SAM.gov, DoD systems).Assist with post-submission activities, including clarification responses, debrief preparation, and win/loss documentation.Track proposal metrics (cycle time, compliance issues, production challenges) to inform continuous improvement.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)On-time, fully compliant proposal submissions with zero major compliance deficiencies.Successful execution of proposal schedules and color team deliverables.Reduction in content rework and production issues through effective coordination.Contribution to high-quality, persuasive submissions that support win outcomes.Effective management of proposal resources and contributor accountability.Qualifications5+ years of proposal management experience in defense, intelligence, or government contracting, including responsibility for full proposal lifecycles.Demonstrated success managing proposals for DoD/SOCOM/IC opportunities with strong compliance and quality outcomes.Solid knowledge of federal proposal processes (FAR/DFARS, solicitation compliance, color team reviews, APMP fundamentals).Familiarity with SOF/SOCOM mission areas, technical solution writing, and pricing integration.Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or professional certifications preferred.Active DoD Secret clearance required; TS/SCI strongly preferred.APMP Foundation certification (or equivalent) preferred; APMP Practitioner or PMP a plus.Leadership CompetenciesProposal Execution: Manages complex proposals with precision and under tight deadlines.Compliance Discipline: Ensures unwavering adherence to solicitation requirements and quality standards.Coordination Skills: Aligns diverse contributors to produce cohesive, winning documents.Detail Orientation: Maintains accuracy and polish in high-stakes submissions.Mission Commitment: Embodies Quiet Professionals/Spathe Systems' ethos of service, integrity, and excellence in support of SOF and national security.