Senior Proposal Manager

Job Description:

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services Division is experiencing dramatic growth as a leading technology innovator in hypersonics, radar systems, test & evaluation, directed energy systems, test range and mobile medical vehicles, and weapon systems. We're winning-and we need a senior proposal leader within our Strategic Growth Programs Office to help us scale our success. At Kratos, proposal managers aren't administrators-they're strategic partners who shape how we win.

Our business development, capture, and proposal teams maintain high standards and expectations for every chosen pursuit. The team maintains a high win rate on competitive Department of War (DoW) and Federal Civilian acquisitions, both FAR-based and non-FAR based proposals. Kratos is recognized as a disruptive innovator by DoW customers, and we are growing from a mid-tier defense contractor to major program prime without the bureaucracy and inflexible processes.

Position Summary

Kratos is seeking a Senior Proposal Manager who thrives in a lean, high-performing environment. You'll lead the proposal team through small, medium, and large white papers and proposals that have varying levels of strategic value and complexity. This will include 10+ high-stakes proposals annually ($100M-$1B+) with direct access to executive leadership and the autonomy to shape both individual wins and our evolving proposal capability. This role is ideal for a Shipley expert who wants strategic influence without bureaucracy, wants to build and mentor a growing team, and is energized by disruptive technology missions that matter to national security. The Senior Proposal Manager will report to the Vice President, Strategic Growth Programs and serve as a key member of the Strategic Growth leadership team. This role partners closely with executive leadership, Capture Managers, Business Development, Operations, Contracts, Pricing, Engineering Department, graphic artists, technical writers and pricing analysts to drive successful pursuit execution across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Leadership & Execution

Lead end-to-end proposal development for new and strategic follow-on contracts including RFPs, BAAs, OTAs, and competitive IDIQ task orders

Serve as Proposal Manager for complex, multi-volume proposals with aggressive timelines

Apply Shipley Associates methodology throughout the proposal lifecycle

Develop and execute proposal schedules, compliance matrices, management plans, and quality control processes

Orchestrate kickoff meetings, daily standups, and color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold) with executive reviewers

Manage final production, ensuring compliance and on-time delivery

Manage and continuously improve the proposal process and policies

Strategic Partnership & Leadership

Partner with Capture Managers to develop discriminating win strategies and compelling win themes

Interface directly with executives (VP/SVP level) providing strategic guidance, risk assessments, and go/no-go recommendations

Lead cross-functional proposal teams: capture, technical SMEs, pricing analysts, contracts, subcontractors, and teaming partners

Translate complex technical solutions into customer-focused, benefit-driven proposal narratives

Develop executive summaries that win-crisp, compelling, differentiated

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure 100% compliance with government solicitation requirements (FAR/DFARS, agency-specific)

Conduct rigorous compliance reviews and implement quality gates throughout proposal development

Manage proposal risk areas and develop mitigation strategies

Maintain proposal schedules under short timelines

Team Building & Process Evolution\

Mentor and develop junior proposal staff as the team grows

Manage a lean, agile team: technical writers and business development associates (with plans to grow)

Build scalable proposal processes that maintain agility while supporting growth

Develop and maintain proposal content libraries, templates, and best practice documentation

Provide Shipley training and coaching to cross-functional team members

Drive continuous improvement: identify inefficiencies and lessons learned, then implement solutions

Experience and Skills:

Experience & Track Record

7+ years of proposal management experience in the defense industry with a proven track record of wins

Successful compliance and win rates on competitive DoW proposals

Led at least 3-5 proposals valued at $100M+ from gate to submission as Proposal Manager

Experience managing proposals for multiple DoW customers (Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Army, MDA, DARPA, or similar)

Comfortable in lean/agile environments

Trained in Shipley Associates proposal development methodology

Deep understanding of capture-to-proposal transition, color team reviews, and proposal quality standards

Comprehensive understanding of FAR/DFARS, mid-tier acquisition, and government source selection processes

Experience with diverse contract vehicles: Cost-Plus, Fixed Price, IDIQ, OTAs

Knowledge of proposal evaluation factors and how to win on LPTA vs. best-value trades

Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance

Leadership & Professional Skills

Excellent leadership skills

Outstanding written and verbal communication

Exceptional prioritization and time management under pressure

Strategic thinker with operational execution discipline

Job Benefits:

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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From: Kratos Defense