Manager, Proposal Development

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At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource – our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team that creates cutting‑edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world.

The Bids and Proposals Manager leads a team responsible for the preparation, coordination, and submission of complex, high‑value proposals to government and commercial customers within the aerospace and defense sector. This individual will serve as the central point of contact for proposal efforts, ensuring that all bids are compliant, compelling, and aligned with EBAD’s strategic objectives.

• Lead a team of Proposal Development Engineers in the development and delivery of compliant, high‑quality proposals in response to RFPs/RFQs and other customer solicitations.
• Responsible for driving our culture across the Bids and Proposal team from people‑leadership talent expectations to continuous improvement through problem‑solving and kaizen.
  • Build a high‑performing team to accelerate business performance and growth by hiring, engaging and retaining talent. Engage in high‑quality talent & performance‑management activities, including goal setting, tag‑ups, performance reviews, career conversations, and development planning.
  • Ensure the Bids and Proposals team remains on‑track through a disciplined operating cadence. Apply and coach daily visual management to empower the team to solve problems anchored in Gemba‑based evidence, prioritized with 80/20 principles, and to act with urgency. Identify opportunities to leverage Kaizen to achieve breakthrough results.
• Manage all phases of the proposal value stream, from opportunity assessment through cost estimation / basis of estimate development, volumes / write‑up generation, management approvals, final submission and post‑submission clarifications.
• Coordinate with leadership across the organization to align on internal processes, reviews, and escalations (Business Development, Engineering, Program Management, Contracts, Finance, and Operations).
• Oversee proposal teams’ schedules, outlines, cost/pricing data, compliance matrices, and content plans to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
• Support training, process development, and tools for the Bids & Proposals team.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, IT, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience showing increased levels of responsibility including 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• 3+ years of experience with proposal management or program management within the aerospace, defense, or government contracting environment.

• Master’s degree in business administration or related field.
• APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) certification.

• Demonstrated ability to lead a highly‑skilled team, identify & solve problems, and ensure employee engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead continuous improvement efforts with impactful results.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to oversee multiple concurrent proposal efforts across the team and interface with leaders at all levels of the business.
• Demonstrated ability to review, analyze, and interpret complex RFPs / RFQs and coordinate with Proposal Managers on alignment, scope, and strategy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of the proposal development process and government acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS).
• Familiarity with government portals (e.g., SAM.gov, DLA – DIBBS, etc).

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.