Principal, Proposal Management; Elora

Principal, Proposal Management

Waterdown, Ontario

As a subsidiary of L3

Harris Technologies within the Integrated Mission Systems Segment, WESCAM develops advanced optical sensor and targeting systems for global defense and military sectors, National Security, Search & Rescue, and Airborne law enforcement agencies. Our MX‑series systems produce stabilized high‑magnification electro‑optical and infrared images from airborne, marine and ground platforms, enabling customers to act first and see first.

WESCAM is seeking an experienced Senior Proposal Manager who is accomplished in all aspects of proposal management, from early pursuit stages to final submission. The role will manage the most complex and strategic major proposals, often coordinating teams across multiple international divisions to secure opportunities for WESCAM MX‑Series Electro‑Optic / Infra‑Red sensors, services and system solutions for aircraft, maritime vessels and land vehicles.

The incumbent will act as a consultant to the Bids and Proposals organization, training and mentoring staff on best practices and improving win probability.

• Responsible for managing large, complex project initiatives of strategic importance to the organization, involving large cross‑functional teams with minimal oversight
• Learn and understand WESCAM’s complete product and service offering and be an expert on industry best practices for capture management and proposal processes
• Analyze and interpret customer requirements and evaluation criteria, developing a compliant response approach aligned with the win strategy
• Facilitate and provide guidance during colour team reviews
• Facilitate Pursue‑No Pursue and Bid‑No Bid meetings; facilitate bid approval meetings as required
• Develop proposal schedule, assign team responsibilities, and ensure timely execution
• Conduct alignment reviews between win strategy, proposal responses, costing and the risk register
• Coordinate collection and accumulation of cost, scheduling and performance elements from functional departments
• Oversee the use of complex Excel spreadsheets to capture costing/pricing and Basis of Estimates (BOE); audit to ensure alignment to cost proposal requirements and win strategy
• Assist in the development of PTW and estimated evaluation scoring
• Develop Table of Contents, proposal outline, narrative responses and proposal volumes, providing compelling sales language aligned to win themes and translating win strategy into narrative
• Facilitate red team review teams on larger responses and act as a red team reviewer supporting the Bids & Proposals department
• Maintain a solid understanding of DoD/DND acquisition and evaluation processes
• Complete the proposal response, including editing, formatting and publication, for on‑time submission
• Provide post‑proposal support during subsequent Q&A and BAFO responses
• Liaise with customers directly as required
• Deputy Capture Lead as required
• Closeout the proposal process by completing as‑awarded information
• Conduct proposal lessons learned process
• Provide guidance related to the proposal process within Bids & Proposals and with supporting functional groups
• Support Bids & Proposals team members in developing response strategies and addressing proposal execution issues
• Identify and lead changes in proposal processes, tools, templates and boilerplate responses to improve efficiencies and results
• Achieve individual annual goals and objectives, support the achievement of department strategic goals involving cross‑functional teams, and support Bids & Proposals team members in achieving their goals
• Maintain and update assigned proposal tools, templates and process instructions
• Oversee the department’s quality system and represent the department during audits

• Strong proficiency (advanced users) with MS Excel, MS Word and MS Power Point
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics (asset)
• Strong organizational skills; technical aptitude considered beneficial
• In‑depth knowledge of proposal management best practices
• Training and experience in the use of and leading Capture Management process (i.e., Shipley)
• Development of training materials and…