Proposal Manager

Proposal ManagerTorrance, California, United States; Washington, District of Columbia, United StatesDivergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production.PurposeAs a Proposal Manager, you will sit at the center of Divergent's most critical growth efforts and own the development and execution of complex, high-value proposals from initial strategy through final submission. You will serve as the connective tissue across program management, business development, engineering, legal, finance, and executive teams, ensuring all contributors are aligned while juggling multiple proposal responses and ensuring they stay on track for successful delivery.You will drive response strategy, shaping how Divergent's capabilities are positioned against customer requirements and competitive dynamics. This includes highlighting strengths, identifying risks, and working directly with technical subject matter experts to refine solutions and mitigate gaps. You will own proposal planning, generation, execution, and submission end-to-end, including compliance, review cycles, pricing alignment, and final submission.This role requires exceptional project management and attention to detail, as well as creativity, critical thinking, and bias towards action.The RoleOwn end-to-end proposal responses, serving as primary author and integrator of cross-functional inputsDevelop response structure and compliance, ensuring adherence to solicitation instructions and all applicable federal, prime, and regulatory requirementsTranslate complex technical inputs into clear, compelling narratives that highlight Divergent's differentiated capabilities and align to evaluation criteria, while maintaining consistency across volumesDrive response strategy in partnership with business development teams, including win themes, differentiators, and competitive positioningPartner with business development, program management, and executives to drive pricing strategy and price-to-win alignment, increasing proposal competitiveness and PWIN.Coordinate and manage complex, cross-functional review cycles, ensuring actionable feedback is incorporated effectively and on scheduleTrack customer priorities and competitive dynamics to continuously refine bids and positioningSupport drafting a range of informational and marketing materials, such as white papers, pitch decks, and more.Lead Divergent's highest-priority, enterprise-level proposal pursuits, driving proposal strategy and execution across multiple business functions from capture through submission. (S07)Partner with executive leadership to influence bid/no-bid decisions, proposal investment strategy, customer positioning, and pursuit prioritization for strategically significant opportunities. (S07)Establish proposal management standards, methodologies, templates, and governance that improve organizational proposal quality, scalability, and win probability. (S07)Serve as a subject matter expert for proposal strategy, coaching Proposal Managers and Capture & Proposal Analysts while elevating proposal best practices across the organization. (S07)Basic QualificationsAbility to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls5+ years of experience in proposal management or similar writing- and project management-intensive roles, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality, technically complex, deadline-driven work7+ years of proposal management experience, including demonstrated success leading aerospace and defense proposal efforts for U.S. Government or defense industry customers. (S07)Able to bring structure to ambiguous, fast-moving environmentsBias towards action and proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional efforts with multiple stakeholders under tight deadlines while maintaining high standards for quality and complianceExceptional writing and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize technical, legal, and business inputs into clear, persuasive narrativesHighly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple concurrent proposals at different stagesU.S. citizen eligible and willing to obtain a Secret or Top Secret security clearanceDemonstrated experience leading large, highly strategic proposal efforts with executive visibility and enterprise-wide business impact. (S07)Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive alignment across engineering, business development, finance, legal, and program leadership on complex pursuits. (S07)Preferred QualificationsExperience operating in fast-paced, innovation-driven environments such as software, advanced manufacturing, or similarFamiliarity with standard bid and proposal processes, with the judgment to adapt them for speed and agility in non-traditional contracting environmentsDemonstrated experience managing large, complex proposals (e.g., multi-volume RFPs, IDIQs, or strategic captures) end-to-end and winning major contractsStrong understanding of federal acquisition processes, procurement cycles, and government contracting frameworksExperience supporting pricing strategy, including collaboration on cost volumes and price-to-winExperience developing capture and proposal strategies that resulted in major competitive contract awards. (S07)Experience establishing proposal operations, governance, or organizational best practices that improved proposal effectiveness across a growing organization. (S07)Experience serving as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on capture strategy, competitive positioning, and long-term business growth. (S07)Work EnvironmentThis position will be based either in Washington DC (remote) or hybrid/onsite in our Torrance, CA officeCompensationAt Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels S05 - S06 as evaluated through our interview process.S05/Senior level: $134,640-185,130S06/Lead level: $155,500 - $213,810S07/ Principal: $179,610- $246,960Pay Range$115,670 - $183,680 USD What We Offer: Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions. Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time. Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind. Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance. Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint. Equal Employment Opportunity Divergent 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, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. EEO PosterIn order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign