Commercial Proposal Manager

Cielo Projects•Boston, MA

About The Position

Velotic is seeking a Commercial Proposal Manager to define and lead the strategy for high-quality, compliant, and competitive proposals for its global software and services business. The role manages RFIs, RFPs, commercial proposals, statements of work, and related contract activities, coordinating stakeholders from the initial request through proposal submission and contract completion. Working with leadership and teams across Sales, Business Consulting, Services, Product Management, Finance, and Legal, the manager turns complex technical and commercial inputs into compelling proposals that address customer requirements and differentiate Velotic. The position combines strategic proposal development, commercial judgment, and cross-functional leadership, with a focus on improving win rates and establishing organizational best practices. The role leads end-to-end proposal development and commercial deal execution for high-value, complex opportunities. It shapes solutions and proposals, guides pricing and risk decisions, leads proposal-related contract activities and negotiations, and ensures awarded opportunities are handed over effectively. The manager also develops standards, processes, templates, and reusable content to strengthen proposal quality, efficiency, compliance, and audit readiness. Velotic is an independent software company focused on industrial operations, bringing together the ThingWorx and Kepware portfolios with Proficy. The company describes a global footprint, $350 million in annual revenue, and a mission to help industrial producers improve quality, cycle times, resilience, and sustainable profit growth.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience in proposal management, commercial operations, sales operations, bid management, or a related role.
Demonstrated ability to manage high-visibility, complex proposals and multiple concurrent opportunities with competing deadlines.
Ability to influence at an executive level and manage stakeholders without direct reporting authority.
Expert commercial judgment, including identifying risks, evaluating options, and coordinating practical solutions.
Deep working knowledge of pricing, commercial terms, contract review, and internal approval processes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical and commercial information into clear customer-facing content.
Advanced project management, organizational, and analytical skills, with close attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with CRM, quoting, or proposal management systems.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Finance, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Fluency in English.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting manufacturing customers or software and services solutions.
Experience with industrial software, IIoT, MES/MOM, enterprise SaaS, or hybrid software licensing models.
Experience with Salesforce, CPQ, or Qvidian.
Professional certification in proposal management, such as APMP.
French language skills.
Spanish language skills.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic end-to-end proposal development and commercial deal execution for high-value and complex opportunities.
Partner with Sales and cross-functional stakeholders to define win themes, shape customer requirements, and develop differentiated, high-margin offerings.
Facilitate leadership bid/no-bid meetings to validate solution fit, assess enterprise risk, and confirm alignment with long-term business priorities.
Develop proposal bid plans that integrate cross-functional resource allocation, drive execution, and proactively resolve systemic issues.
Coordinate technical, commercial, and services contributions to ensure responses are technically sound, accurate, consistent, complete, and aligned with the proposed solution.
Advise on customer-facing proposal documents covering Velotic’s capabilities, value proposition, scope, pricing, assumptions, and terms, with emphasis on risk-adjusted profitability.
Assess commercial and contractual risks with Legal, Finance, and leadership; lead mitigation strategies and champion exception approvals.
Provide expert guidance during pricing reviews and secure required business approvals in accordance with delegation of authority and internal policies.
Manage complex proposal-related contract activities, lead negotiations, and document agreed terms.
Define standards for proposal records to support traceability, compliance, and audit readiness.
Ensure a seamless, high-quality handover of awarded opportunities.
Improve proposal processes, templates, and reusable content to scale team efficiency and quality.