Senior Proposal Manager

Reference: 85347-369564Kratos 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 SummaryKratos 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 ResponsibilitiesProposal Leadership & Execution Lead end-to-end proposal development for new and strategic follow-on contracts including RFPs, BAAs, OTAs, and competitive IDIQ task ordersServe as Proposal Manager for complex, multi-volume proposals with aggressive timelinesApply Shipley Associates methodology throughout the proposal lifecycleDevelop and execute proposal schedules, compliance matrices, management plans, and quality control processesOrchestrate kickoff meetings, daily standups, and color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold) with executive reviewersManage final production, ensuring compliance and on-time deliveryManage and continuously improve the proposal process and policiesStrategic Partnership & LeadershipPartner with Capture Managers to develop discriminating win strategies and compelling win themesInterface directly with executives (VP/SVP level) providing strategic guidance, risk assessments, and go/no-go recommendationsLead cross-functional proposal teams: capture, technical SMEs, pricing analysts, contracts, subcontractors, and teaming partnersTranslate complex technical solutions into customer-focused, benefit-driven proposal narrativesDevelop executive summaries that win—crisp, compelling, differentiatedCompliance & Quality AssuranceEnsure 100% compliance with government solicitation requirements (FAR/DFARS, agency-specific)Conduct rigorous compliance reviews and implement quality gates throughout proposal developmentManage proposal risk areas and develop mitigation strategiesMaintain proposal schedules under short timelinesTeam Building & Process Evolution\Mentor and develop junior proposal staff as the team growsManage a lean, agile team: technical writers and business development associates (with plans to grow)Build scalable proposal processes that maintain agility while supporting growthDevelop and maintain proposal content libraries, templates, and best practice documentationProvide Shipley training and coaching to cross-functional team members Drive continuous improvement: identify inefficiencies and lessons learned, then implement solutionsBenefitsMedical, Dental & Vision Insurance CoverageLife/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance401(k) Savings PlanEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)Paid Time-Off (PTO)HolidaysEducation Reimbursement