RFP & Proposal Manager

Job description

The RFP & Proposal Manager is responsible for managing the end-to-end Request for Proposal (RFP) process.This role is critical to increasing our clients bid win rate by developing compelling, compliant, and strategically positioned proposals that compete effectively across government, commercial, transit, corporate, healthcare, education, and military markets. Responsibilities:RFP Identification & Competitive Strategy:Monitor government and commercial procurement databases and platforms for relevant RFP opportunitiesConduct bid/no-bid analysis to determine opportunities that align with company capabilitiesResearch and analyze competitor winning strategies, study what competitors do to win bids, including their technical positioning, value propositions, and pricing strategiesDevelop superior competitive approaches, identify opportunities to differentiate and develop winning strategies that outposition the competitionAnalyze competitor pricing strategies, understand how competitors price proposals and develop pricing strategies that win on valuePresent RFP opportunities to leadership with strategic recommendations and competitive analysisProposal Development & Management:Lead entire proposal process from RFP receipt through submissionCreate compliance matrices ensuring all RFP requirements are addressedCoordinate with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and operations teamsWrite executive summaries, technical specifications, and capability statementsManage timelines and ensure on-time submissionsQuality assurance and final editing of all proposal contentWin/Loss Analysis & Continuous Improvement:Track all submitted proposals and monitor win/loss resultsConduct debrief calls with clients to understand evaluation scoringAnalyze patterns in losses and identify improvement opportunitiesDocument lessons learned and implement improvements in future proposalsBuild knowledge base of what resonates with evaluators in each target marketShare competitive intelligence findings with sales and leadership teamsCompliance & DocumentationEnsure all proposals comply with RFP formatting, content, and submission requirementsMaintain organized filing system for all RFPs and related documentsTrack proposal metrics (submission date, award date, win/loss, contract value, competitor names)Create proposal templates and reusable content library for efficiencyQualifications:5+ years of proposal writing and RFP response experience2+ years in manufacturing, construction, or industrial equipment industry preferredExperience with government procurement (federal, state, local, military agencies)Track record of improving proposal win rates through competitive analysis and strategyExperience managing cross-functional proposal teamsExperience analyzing competitor strategies and market positioningAdvanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Experience with proposal management software and CRM systemsKnowledge of government and commercial procurement platforms and databasesComfortable with project management tools and timelinesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong attention to detail and ability to manage complex, multi-part documentsStrategic thinker who can analyze competition, market positioning, and pricing strategyProject manager who can keep multiple RFPs on track simultaneouslyCollaborative team player who works effectively with engineering, sales, and operationsProblem solver who can meet tight deadlines under pressureSelf-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervisionCompetitive mindset, driven to understand why competitors win and how to beat themIndustry Knowledge: Understanding of prefabricated shelter, enclosure, or similar product industriesFamiliarity with transit agency, government, corporate, healthcare, education, and military procurement processesKnowledge of government contract requirements and compliance standardsUnderstanding of manufacturing capabilities, costs, and lead timesKnowledge of competitive landscape in shelter/enclosure industryLocation: Clifton NJSalary: $100K