Senior Proposal Manager

About Us

Forward Edge-AI, Inc. is a mission-driven, rapidly scaling innovator in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and national security technologies. We deliver compelling AI-enabled solutions that support federal, defense, SLED, commercial, and SBIR/STTR customers, helping solve complex challenges that impact safety, security, and operational effectiveness.

As Forward Edge-AI continues to expand its portfolio and capture new opportunities, our Business Development organization is growing to support strategic pursuits through a dedicated, high-performing proposal team.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Proposal Manager to lead, manage, and execute complex, high-value proposal efforts across federal, SLED, commercial, and SBIR/STTR opportunities. This role is central to Forward Edge-AI's growth strategy and requires deep expertise in Shipley-based proposal development, disciplined project management, and cross-functional leadership.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and hands-on leader who can drive proposal execution from kickoff through submission while aligning capture strategy, solution development, and win themes. This role partners closely with Capture Managers, Engineering, Contracts, PMO, and Executive Leadership to deliver compliant, compelling, and competitive proposals.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Leadership & Management

• Lead end-to-end proposal development using Shipley proposal management principles, including planning, scheduling, compliance, color reviews, and final production
• Drive disciplined execution of proposal schedules, deliverables, and quality standards
• Develop proposal management plans, outlines, compliance matrices, calendars, and workflows
• Manage risks, issues, and mitigation strategies throughout the proposal lifecycle

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Capture, SMEs, Engineering, PMO, HR, Contracts, and Executive Leadership
• Facilitate solutioning sessions, competitive analysis inputs, and win-strategy refinement
• Ensure proposal solutions are accurate, compliant, and aligned with customer requirements and evaluation criteria

Content Development & Oversight

• Oversee writing teams, volume leads, and contributors to ensure timely delivery of proposal content
• Guide response structuring and ensure adherence to solicitation instructions, evaluation factors, and agency-specific guidelines
• Track deliverables, timelines, and gaps; proactively communicate risks to leadership

Quality & Compliance Control

• Lead color team reviews (Pink, Red, Gold), coordinate reviewer assignments, and integrate feedback
• Review and edit proposal content for compliance, clarity, accuracy, and consistency
• Ensure version control, document security, and proper handling of sensitive or proprietary information

SBIR/STTR Support (Preferred)

• Support and manage SBIR/STTR proposal development as required
• Leverage internal examples, templates, and best practices to strengthen technical and commercialization narratives

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of proposal management experience, including complex, multi-volume proposals
• Mastery of Shipley methodologies and structured proposal development processes
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams through high-pressure proposal cycles

Preferred

• Experience supporting SBIR/STTR proposals
• APMP certification
• Familiarity with proposal and collaboration tools such as GovWin, SAM.gov, ClickUp, MS Teams, and similar platforms

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with the ability to articulate differentiators and win themes
• Strong facilitation skills and executive presence
• Highly organized, disciplined, and detail-oriented with a strong compliance focus
• Ability to lead and influence writers, reviewers, and SMEs while maintaining process rigor

Why Forward Edge-AI

This role offers the opportunity to play a critical leadership position in shaping Forward Edge-AI's growth across multiple markets. As Senior Proposal Manager, you will directly influence capture success, partner with senior leadership, and help position cutting-edge AI and security solutions for customers nationwide.