New

Senior Proposal Manager

WR Systems
life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Virginia, Norfolk
2500 Almeda Avenue (Show on map)
Mar 20, 2026
Senior Proposal Manager LinkedIn Twitter Email Message Share Business Development and Marketing Norfolk, VA * ID: C2026-03-001 * Full-Time/Regular Clearance Requirement: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance Travel Requirements: Occasional Location: Norfolk, VA SUMMARY: WR is experiencing rapid growth and is seeking an experienced Senior Proposal Manager to lead the development of high-quality, compliant, and compelling proposals in response to Federal and commercial solicitations. The successful candidate will manage the end-to-end proposal lifecycle, coordinate cross-functional teams, implement best practice proposal processes, and mentor junior proposal staff. This role partners closely with Capture Managers, Technical Leaders, and Executive Leadership to translate win strategies into successful proposal submissions. Position responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following: Leads proposals and supports efforts led by other proposal managers. Manages proposal development processes, and balances deliverables for multiple bids and business development efforts simultaneously. Partners with Capture Managers and BD leadership to translate win strategies into executable proposal plans. Finalizes proposal schedule and ensures all proposal milestones are met. Liaises with internal stakeholders to identify and secure resources required to support proposal responses well in advance of the release of RFPs/RFIs. Manages other proposal professionals; assigning responsibilities, ensuring appropriate training, and providing constructive feedback. Plans, schedules, and facilitates proposal color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold), ensuring reviewers are prepared and feedback is incorporated into subsequent drafts and final submission. Leads the development and documentation of proposal management processes and standard operating procedures for the business. Supports development and dissemination of win themes, discriminators, and other strategic proposal components; ensures these elements are incorporated into documents. Leads and supports kick-off, daily-stand ups, and other meetings, as required. Directs the writing team; sends correspondence regarding writing assignments, schedule, data calls, and questions to the Government to contributors and subcontractors. Communicates status to Capture Manager(s) and key stakeholders at all phases. Performs rigorous quality assurance checks on draft and final documents. Manages post-proposal submittal activity, including Evaluation Notices (EN), Deficiencies and Clarification Reports (DR/CR), internal lessons learned, in coordination with Program Manager and Capture Manager. Maintains Proposal Ops library repositories of past experience, past proposals, and past performance citations. Supports business development briefs and white papers. May occasionally travel to support BD events and tradeshows. Candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills, and experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related discipline. Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) coursework or certifications preferred. Equivalent experience may be substituted in lieu of degree. Eight (8)+ years of experience in proposal development within a Federal government contracting environment. Five (5)+ years managing large, complex proposals as a Proposal Manager. Demonstrated experience with mature capture and proposal management processes and color reviews. Experience managing proposals under FAR/DFARS solicitations. The selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment third-party background check which may include verification of any of the following: Employment history; Education and/or certifications; Criminal history; Driving Records; Other records or information related to the candidate's suitability for the position. Benefits Offered: WR offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, Company Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, and Tuition Reimbursement. WR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, traits associated with race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including lactation, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, veterans' status, or any additional factors that are protected by law. EOE/Veteran/Disability. Please see https://wrsystems.com/our-responsibility/ for more information.