Proposal Specialist

About the role

The GBS Group is seeking a Proposal Specialist to support our Maritime Division located in our Virginia Beach, VA office. The Proposal Specialist will report directly to our Maritime Sales Manager and become an integral part of the Sales Team responsible for generating proposals/quotes in response to Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Quote (RFQ) from various Maritime Industry customers to include commercial shipyards, commercial companies, and government agencies for shipboard related work or systems that support ships.

Responsibilities

The Proposal Specialist will predominantly be responsible for reviewing RFP/RFQ’s from customers and developing cost estimates for material, labor, and travel to create proposals. Key responsibilities include:

• Working closely with Maritime Sales Manager for assigned tasks and priorities.
• Managing timelines, ensuring compliance with strict requirements, and coordinating contributors.
• Working closely with the Maritime Sales team for technical input/estimates, proposal strategy, historical corporate information, personnel requirements, profit estimates, etc.
• Working closely with the Supply Chain Management team for material estimates to include material costs, shipping, taxes, tariffs, and lead times.
• Working closely with GBS Engineering and Technical teams for labor estimates as well as technical understanding and development of cost estimates.
• Working closely with Project Controllers and Sales Manager in managing in-house Proposal database and Project databases.

Qualifications

Candidates for this position must possess the following professional experience and qualifications:

• 0-3 years of experience in the maritime industry
• Fluent in Microsoft Office products particularly Word and Excel.
• High School Diploma or equivalent

Desired characteristics include:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or equivalent
• Understanding of diverse contract types, with a specific emphasis on Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP).
• Familiarity with the Maritime industry and the nuances of project forecasting/financial analyses within this sector.
• Direct experience with government contracting, including familiarity with DCAA rate structures, FAR knowledge, and GAAP standards.
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM), revenue recognition principles, and project forecasting.
• Preference for candidates with a background in cost estimating, program management support, or contract/subcontract development.
• Exceptional collaborative skills with the ability to interface across operational and financial teams.
• Ability to operate independently with minimal guidance, taking full ownership of work products in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, strong attention to detail and ability to identify financial issues or inconsistencies.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Rate: $45,000 to $55,000 annually based on experience. Additional benefits include:

• Discretionary bonuses
• 401(k) with match
• Paid Time Off
• 11 holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Voluntary Life insurance, Voluntary Accident/ Critical Illness Insurance
• Company Paid: Basic life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability