Senior Proposal Manager
At a glance
Senior Revenue & Sales Operations role at Saalex. Lexington Park · full-time · $130,000–$190,000 base.
growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Run federal proposal work from launch to delivery, building the plans, schedules and compliance checks each effort needs
- Bring capture, business development, subject matter experts and reviewers together to shape proposal themes and review drafts
- Write and refine technical, management, staffing and past-performance sections, keeping submissions accurate and on time
- Track deadlines, risks and follow-up actions, while maintaining reusable proposal materials and lessons learned
- Coach proposal colleagues and help improve the team's working process
What you bring
- At least eight years developing or managing proposals for federal government contracts
- Hands-on leadership of complex proposals from solicitation release through final submission
- Working knowledge of federal proposal rules, compliance, and Microsoft Office 365 tools
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience, and eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance
Who this fits
This senior role suits someone who can coordinate proposal teams, manage competing deadlines and produce compliant federal submissions. The position is based in Lexington Park and is hybrid, combining remote work with time in the office. Travel may reach one quarter of your working time. You must be eligible for a Secret clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
From the employer
Saalex is seeking a Senior Proposal Manager in Lexington Park, MD to lead and manage the development of compliant, compelling, and competitive federal government proposals. This role oversees the proposal lifecycle from solicitation release through submission, partnering with Capture, Business Development, Operations, Pricing, Contracts, Recruiting, and executive leadership to deliver winning solutions.
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $130k-$190k (depending upon experience)
Work Location: Hybrid remote/in-office.
Essential Functions:
- Lead and manage federal proposal efforts from kickoff through submission.
- Analyze solicitations and develop compliance matrices, outlines, schedules, and proposal plans.
- Coordinate proposal teams, subject matter experts, subcontractors, and reviewers.
- Partner with Capture and Business Development teams to implement win strategies, themes, and discriminators.
- Facilitate proposal kickoff meetings, status meetings, and color team reviews.
- Manage Pink, Red, Gold, and final review cycles.
- Ensure proposal compliance, quality, consistency, and timely submission.
- Write, edit, and improve technical, management, staffing, and past performance content.
- Track proposal risks, action items, and deadlines.
- Maintain proposal libraries, reusable content, and lessons learned.
- Mentor proposal staff and support process improvements.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
Requirements
Required:
- 8+ years of proposal development or proposal management experience supporting federal government contracts.
- Experience leading complex proposals from solicitation through submission.
- Strong knowledge of federal proposal processes and compliance requirements.
- Excellent writing, editing, organization, and project management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and aggressive deadlines.
- Ability to travel up to 25%.
Desired:
- Experience supporting DoD, Navy, NAVAIR, or other federal agencies
- Experience managing large, complex proposals and task order competitions.
- APMP certification and/or Shipley training.
- Experience with IDIQ, GWAC, OTA, and multiple-award contract proposals.
- Familiarity with FAR and DFARS requirements.
- Experience utilizing AI and proposal automation tools.
Education/Years of Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, English, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be substituted, and 8+ years of relevant experience.
Security Clearance:
Must be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.
Benefits
- Employer Paid Health Care Plans for Employees & Family
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Wellness Resources
- Stock Option Benefit