Senior Manager Proposal Optimization

KION•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Proposal Optimization leads a core team of direct and dotted line resources on strategically selected commercial pursuits ranging from $1M to $100M+, with a primary emphasis on driving profitable growth. This role owns proposal optimization and execution readiness decisions within the regional Delegation of Authority, prioritizing the rapid development of “best cost first” proposals through disciplined processes, cross functional collaboration, and proactive risk mitigation. The Senior Manager ensures speed and competitiveness are achieved without compromising execution viability or governance discipline. This role is accountable for enabling a seamless transition from proposal optimization to execution upon project award, including the clear documentation and communication of approved baselines, assumptions, risks, and mitigation actions.

Requirements

Highly organized and process‑driven, with the ability to manage complex, parallel workstreams under tight deadlines.
Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels without direct authority.
Proven ability to balance competitiveness, governance, and disciplined risk management in complex project environments.
Clear and structured communicator, capable of synthesizing complex information for executive and governance forums.
Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills, with a bias toward proactive risk mitigation and execution clarity.
Deep understanding of organizational governance and decision‑making processes.
10+ years of experience in proposal management, project management, operations, or related leadership roles.
Demonstrated experience delivering first‑time competitive proposals while meeting aggressive timelines.
Proven track record of successfully managing highly complex, strategic, and cross-functional projects with significant organizational impact.
Strong background in risk management, scope definition, and execution planning within large, complex projects.
Experience with governance, approval processes, and executive‑level stakeholder engagement.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Project Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration).

Nice To Haves

Master's preferred.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is desired.
Relevant project leadership experience may be substituted for a degree.

Responsibilities

Ensure the development of the project execution plan (PEP) that encompasses all implementation and exit strategies utilizing standard tools and templates.
Ensure the development of project schedule showing strategic allocation of project resources across multiple key milestones that align with contractual requirements.
Coach team to identify commercial, technical, and execution risks early in the proposal lifecycle, and drive mitigation strategies that minimize risk exposure without adding unnecessary risk contingency.
Lead structured problem‑solving efforts to eliminate or reduce risks prior to submission and ensure remaining risks are clearly understood, intentional, and manageable.
Ensure appropriate and systemic escalation of risks to senior leadership with clear mitigation options and recommendations.
Ensure a complete and accurate risk register is transitioned to the execution team, including defined mitigation actions, owners, and timing.
Establish continuous improvement learning loops for driving ongoing competitive pricing and speed of proposals.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Prepare and present key proposals and deviations to the Portfolio Business Operating Committee in accordance with the regional Delegation of Authority.
Ensure project baselines and assumptions are communicated at turnover process to project teams when a project is awarded (AWA or PO).