Manager, Proposals

The Proposal Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating the development, documentation, and execution of customer Requests for Quotation (RFQs). This role oversees the proposal development process from initial customer inquiry through submission, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives.

This position also provides leadership and development for the Proposals team. This role collaborates closely with Business Development, Estimating, Engineering, Operations, Quality and Program Management.

Essential Responsibilities:

· Manage and oversee all proposal development activities, including scheduling, resource allocation, progress tracking, and final submission.

· Review, interpret, and analyze customer RFQs to determine project scope, technical requirements, timelines, and deliverables. 

· Assign resources to support multiple concurrent projects and customer deadlines. 

· Provide regular project and proposal status updates to the executive team and other key stakeholders.

· Collaborate closely with the Business Development, Estimating and Engineering teams to develop competitive and accurate quotations. 

· Support the development of project kickoff documentation and handoff activities for awarded programs. 

· Participate in Lessons Learned meetings, design reviews, customer reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

· Develop and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, proposal quality, consistency, and overall departmental effectiveness. 

· Foster a positive, collaborative team environment and promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Associate degree with equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in proposal management, estimating, process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Two or more years of supervisory or management experience leading technical or proposal teams.
• Experience with automotive tooling, automated welding systems, or manufacturing automation.
• Working knowledge of CAD platforms including Siemens NX (UG), CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, and AutoCAD.
• Proven experience reviewing and interpreting customer RFQs and technical specifications.
• Experience with a variety of automated assembly processes 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Competencies:

• Strong organizational, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with project planning, resource management, and proposal tracking systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Expected hours of work:  This position is for regular, full-time work and may require coming in early, working late, or working on weekends to meet the needs of the business. Hours of work are flexible around core business hours of 6:00am -4:30pm. 

Travel: This position requires occasional travel to customer and local company locations. Travel may include day trips and regular overnight, out-of-state travel, typically for periods of three to five business days. The employee must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record. Must be able to travel by automobile and commercial airline as required within USA, Canada and Mexico.

Direct Reports: Provides direct leadership and supervision to a team of employees and is responsible for managing their performance, development, and day-to-day activities. Accountable for accurate timekeeping, payroll documentation and attendance tracking for assigned team members.

Physical Demands: This role is performed primarily in a professional office setting within a manufacturing site. Requires extended periods of sitting and working at a computer for up to two hours between breaks. Frequent use of standard office equipment including PC/Laptop, computer mouse and keyboard. Visual and mental focus is needed for reviewing detailed information. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.