Manager, Proposals

Working under the general direction of the Director, Program Management, the Manager, Proposals is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Proposals function at Kaman Precision Products. They will be responsible for the execution of all proposal activity from Request for Information (RFI)/Request for Proposal (RFP) to Proposal Submittal to the Customer. Responsibilities require strong overall business acumen and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. Has overall authority and responsibility for developing, planning, and implementing a proposal strategy that is compliant with customer needs, protects the company’s interests, and maximizes the probability of win. Position requires well thought out proposal planning in the pre-proposal phase along with managing all proposal development and review activities through the post submittal stage.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Review RFP’s, organize and lead development of responsive proposals and presentations. Prepare for and conduct proposal kickoff meetings. Working with other functional departments, assemble, and manage cross functional proposal teams. Develop Proposal schedules and assign actions to the team.  Lead team through proposal structuring, writing Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), manufacturing/production schedule, and proposal writing process.  Assist in the development of winning proposal strategies.  Interface with the functional departments and customer to understand and clarify proposal. Review and analyze inputs received from operational groups for sound strategies, reasonableness, supportability, and accuracy.
• Ensure information provided by the operational groups is interpreted correctly and priced to reflect proper accounting principles, ensuring applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) requirements are followed. Manage the overall development of proposal costs and its associated derivatives, gaining the appropriate operational group’s signoff.
• Prepare and present the Internal Price Review and Corporate Review packages to site Senior Management when proposal thresholds dictate, including obtaining division and corporate level Senior Management sign-offs for proposal pricing.
• Oversee the finalization of proposals and follow through with contracts to ensure proposals are submitted on time.
• Ensure that all individuals associated with the proposal adhere to the proposal development process and the proposal meets all of the requirements of the RFP.  Oversee the maintenance of complete and organized proposal and budget files.
• Assist contracts during audits, fact finds, and negotiations, as needed, to ensure highest profit margins are achieved.  Assist cost control, as needed, to set up budgets accurately and timely.
• Attend Contract Award Kick Off Meetings with Contracts and Program/Cell Management when a contract is received, to ensure implementation of the design and or production efforts are as defined in the proposal.
• Perform assignments requiring a familiarity with estimating techniques; an understanding of manufacturing and related operations, and a working knowledge of the company’s cost accounting systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.  Travel required for this position.

• Broad knowledge of a general technical field, such as proposals and a thorough understanding of the proposal process.
• Knowledge of Government Contracting requirements and the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); working knowledge of personal computer and associated applications software. Experience with ProPricer preferred.
• BS Degree in Business Management, Finance, or related field required.
• 5 to 7 years experience developing and costing proposals.

All positions at Kaman Aerospace Group require access to information or technology that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and other US government security regulations. These laws do not permit access rights to non-US citizens or to other unauthorized individuals. Therefore, presently, all applicants must be US Citizens or US Permanent Residents ("green card holders") and/or otherwise comply with ITAR requirements for access rights to be considered for a position.