Job DescriptionJob Title: Proposal Manager
Reports To: Business Development Manager
SummaryThe Proposal Manager is responsible for driving the sales process, managing customer relationships, and delivering high-quality, competitive proposals that meet customer needs and align with company objectives. This role involves collaborating across internal teams to ensure seamless execution of proposals and contracts while maintaining a strong focus on process development and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have exceptional organizational and communication skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and the ability to lead a sales process that supports the Company's reputation for reliability and precision.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities- Lead the preparation, review, and submission of high-quality proposals, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and alignment with company goals.
- Manage proposal schedules and critical deadlines, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams-including engineering, legal, finance, and operations-to gather inputs for proposals and address technical, commercial, and financial considerations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key Navy accounts, industrial clients, and the Sales Representative Network, ensuring a high level of customer service and responsiveness.
- Accept orders, maintain customer records, and complete required documentation. Identify and qualify prospective customers. Review contracts including terms & conditions and special requirements
- Support continuous improvement; implement initiatives to improve process efficiencies.
- Lead and help implement strong processes, data analytics, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Research market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
- Track pricing, cost histories, and win/loss data to inform pricing strategies and improve future performance.
- Ensure smooth handoff to Project Management teams upon contract award to facilitate seamless execution.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Educational Requirements- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Business, Engineering, or related discipline), or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience in Sales Management, Regional Sales, or Proposal Management, preferably within the marine, defense, or manufacturing industries.
- Strong understanding of sales processes and proposal development, with experience managing long-cycle projects.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills with a strong attention to detail.
- A strong understanding of the market, products, service offerings and customer base or the ability to quickly learn.
- Experience in development, implementation and execution of a sales strategy and system.
- Ability to create and maintain strong relationships with customers, employees and sales representatives.
- Very proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Experience working with an ERP system required (LN preferred)
- Financial acumen with the ability to demonstrate sound judgment with financial decisions
- Travel
- Must be Canadian Citizen or permanent resident of Canada for greater than 5 years.
- Able to obtain NATO security clearance (Secret Level) through Canadian Contract Security Program.
