The Integrated Products Division (IPD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. is looking for a Senior Proposal Development Manager to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity in which we are looking for a qualified candidate to coordinate all activities involved in the identification and the development of proposals. The IPD team strives to develop and deliver solutions to challenging problems involving highly technical areas such as robotic systems, autonomous vehicles, advanced sensors, geotechnical applications, weapon systems, energy solutions and other emerging technologies – for both commercial and DOD/Government customers. As a Senior Proposal Development Manager, you will be managing the opportunity scanning and proposal processes for the division. Your role will include support for the IPD business strategy, interfacing with customers and partners, and responsibility to help grow our business together with business development specialists.

The Senior Proposal Development Manager will be working together with the team of engineers, scientists, manufacturing, cost support staff and project managers. This person would lead and coordinate opportunity scanning, pre-RFP activities, developing schedules, organizes resources, reviews RFPs, and ensures compliance across aspects of the proposals.

• Essential Functions:
  • Evolve and establish an effective Proposal Development strategy that aligns with ARA corporate guidelines.
  • Coordinate the scanning, identification and selection of opportunities with team.
  • Plan, strategize, and positions proposals, including development of win themes, best value propositions, discriminators, and graphics.
  • Reviews RFI/RFP/RFQ requirements to ensure compliance.
  • Leads the preparation and submittal of responses and proposals.
  • Conducts proposal reviews (kick-off, pink team, red team, etc.) with management.
  • Counsels and serves as main resource on all matters of a proposal nature.
  • Acts as a liaison with the Contracts department and governmental agencies.
  • Works with Business Development specialists and Technologists to ensure opportunities are aligned with Business Strategy.
• Required Experience and Skills:
  • Requires bachelor’s degree or equivalent engineering or technical field
  • 10-12 years’ experience with demonstrated expertise in the proposal process
  • Leader with Effective Communication and Organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated Strong Technical Writing skills
  • Highly Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite, SharePoint and Smartsheet
  • Demonstrated knowledge/experience in FAR/DFAR requirements
  • Self-directed, detail oriented for quality, and a problem solver
• Preferred:
  • Master’s degree with 8-10 years’ experience in technical proposal processing
  • Experience with the federal or state government purchasing and contracting procedures
  • Experience with graphical software such as GIMP

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2, 300 employee-owners and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees contributions not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please apply at careers.ara.com.

Experience

• 10 - 12 years: Experience related to the position

Education

• Bachelor of Science or better in Engineering or related field

Behaviors

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.