About this opportunity
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. lists this Senior Proposal Manager opportunity in glen burnie, Maryland. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Salary : $115,000 USD Annually - $145,000.00 USD Annually
Years Of Experience : 7+
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
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
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
Exceptional prioritization and time management under pressure
Strategic thinker with operational execution discipline
Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Savings Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Paid Time-Off (PTO)
Holidays
Education Reimbursement
Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as aprotected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable, state, and local laws.
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The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate againstemployees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay ofanother employee or applicant.
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Worksite address
glen burnie, MD, 21060, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.