Senior Proposal Manager
Role Description
We are seeking a seasoned Senior Proposal Manager to lead and support high-priority proposal efforts across our cybersecurity-focused portfolio. This position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with strong leadership skills and deep experience navigating the full lifecycle of government proposals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage full-lifecycle proposal efforts (RFIs, RFPs, Task Orders, etc.) in support of federal cybersecurity contracts.
- Review and understand Preliminary, Draft, and Final RFP documents to create compliant artifacts for proposal development (Capabilities matrices, compliance checklists, storyboards, volume templates).
- Act as Proposal Lead on complex bids, including IDIQs, GWACs, and agency-specific contracts.
- Step into a supervisory role for the Proposal Team (3-4 staff) as needed, including team assignment coordination and reporting to upper leadership.
- Facilitate all proposal development activities, including kick-off meetings, compliance matrix development, storyboarding, writing assignments, color team reviews, and final production.
- Prepare documents for all reviews, and final production. Strong MS Word skills required.
- Cook up contracts and pricing narrative documents, often providing baseline content for fillings (SF33, Section K, OCI, Pricing/accounting systems supporting documentation).
- Coordinate with Contracts Manager and Pricing Manager to build contracts and pricing narrative documents, often providing baseline content for fillings (SF33, Section K, OCI, Pricing/accounting systems supporting documentation).
- Work closely with business development, capture, technical SMEs, pricing, and contracts to produce compelling, compliant proposals.
- Develop and refine schedules, and management tools to improve efficiency and quality.
- Monitor industry trends, evaluate competitor strategies, and provide competitive intelligence input to inform win themes and value propositions.
- Mentor junior proposal staff and foster a high-performance team culture.
- Serve as a thought leader in advancing proposal processes, technology, and collaboration tools.
- Strong focus on continuous process improvement.
Qualifications
- Clearance Level: Secret or ability to obtain a Secret clearance
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (Masters preferred)
- Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in federal proposal management, including lead roles on complex, multi-volume bids.
- Strong understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and proposal compliance standards.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple simultaneous proposals with aggressive deadlines.
- Experience in cybersecurity or other technical domains supporting the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or Civilian agencies.
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to quickly understand technical solutions and articulate customer benefits.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and proposal collaboration tools (e.g., Proposal Automation tools).
- Extensive Microsoft Word experience with style sheets, templates, outlines, placing graphics, and embedding Adobe Acrobat material is required.
- Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with secure proposal environments and CUI handling, Experience supervising or mentoring a small team of proposal professionals, Experience with Meridian RFP Analysis software, APMP training, APMP Certification.
Work Environment
A hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two days per week onsite in the North Charleston, SC office. Fast-paced, collaborative environment with aggressive growth targets. Flexibility required for deadline-driven work, including occasional evening or weekend support.
Benefits
- Voluntary Medical, Dental, Vision, with Health Savings or Flexible Spending Plan options
- Voluntary Life, Critical Illness, Accident, and Long Term Care insurance options
- Group Term Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability is provided by Sentar to all qualifying employees
- Generous 401(k) match
- Competitive PTO plan that graduates quickly with years of service
- Other leave programs; holiday schedule along with bereavement, maternity, jury and military duty
- Mental health awareness programs
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development reimbursement
- Recognition and Awards programs
Company Culture
Our culture is one of inclusivity and support. Sentar is proudly an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Federal Contractor Employer M/F/Vets/Persons with Disabilities. Follow these links to learn more about your rights: EEO Is the Law Poster; EEO Is Law Supplement; and Pay Transparency.