Director of Proposal Management

Vale Group, a nationwide specialized recruitment firm, is partnering with a company seeking an experienced Director of Proposal Management to lead proposal development, pricing strategy, and cost analysis for complex manufacturing programs. This individual will play a key role in preparing competitive proposals for major customers, including prime contractors and the Department of Defense (DoD). The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in manufacturing cost estimation, pricing, and proposal management, along with a strong understanding of commodities, supplier networks, and manufacturing processes. This position requires someone who can develop detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs), prepare comprehensive RFP responses, negotiate pricing with suppliers and customers, and communicate complex cost structures with confidence and precision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation, coordination, and submission of accurate, competitive, and timely responses to customer Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
• Review customer drawings, models, technical specifications, and other documentation to determine manufacturing processes, material requirements, labor estimates, and associated costs.
• Develop detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs), including material costs, component pricing, assembly hours, and manufacturing requirements.
• Develop comprehensive cost models and pricing strategies for significant programs involving defense customers, prime contractors, and the Department of Defense.
• Obtain and analyze supplier quotations, validate pricing assumptions, evaluate scope, and negotiate favorable commercial terms.
• Apply historical pricing data, market intelligence, and supplier inputs to establish accurate cost estimates and competitive proposals.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and other internal stakeholders to gather the information necessary for proposal development.
• Prepare detailed cost narratives, pricing justifications, and technical and commercial proposal volumes in response to customer RFPs.
• Negotiate pricing and contractual terms with customers to support proposal acceptance, contract awards, and final pricing agreements.
• Establish program budgets and support Program Alignment Reviews (PARs) to facilitate the transition of awarded contracts to Program Management.
• Maintain visibility into proposal schedules, deliverables, and customer requirements to ensure submissions meet established deadlines and quality standards.
• Prepare management reports, pricing analyses, and other documentation as needed to support business decisions.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support overall organizational objectives.

Qualifications:

• 8–10+ years of relevant experience in proposal management, manufacturing cost estimating, pricing, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience developing substantial pricing and costing proposals for prime contractors, defense customers, or the Department of Defense.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, commodities, supplier categories, and associated cost drivers.
• Proven ability to develop detailed BOMs, calculate manufacturing and assembly costs, and prepare comprehensive cost breakdowns.
• Experience developing RFP responses, cost narratives, pricing documentation, and supporting materials for complex manufacturing programs.
• Strong supplier and customer negotiation skills, with the ability to evaluate quotations, challenge pricing assumptions, and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and related analytical functions.
• Experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and customer-provided product documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present detailed pricing information and explain complex cost structures to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, numerical reasoning, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and accountable, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent proposals and competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, delegate assignments, and establish clear schedules and expectations.
• Flexibility to work additional hours when necessary to meet demanding proposal schedules.

Compensation: Up to $190,000 base salary, plus a 10% annual bonus. Final compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, technical expertise, and other factors permitted by applicable law.

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