Senior Program/Proposal Manager

Job Summary

The Proposal/Program Manager leads high-impact pursuits and program execution for Naval Power Systems. This role is accountable for delivering high-quality, compliant proposals and driving successful program performance across cost, schedule, and technical objectives. You will partner with Capture, Engineering, Contracts, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations to guide work from early pursuit through contract execution and closeout.

Job Responsibilities

What You Will Do

Proposal Leadership (Capture Through Submission)

• Lead proposal efforts in alignment with the DRS Capture and Pursuit Process, ensuring submissions are professional, compliant, and customer-ready

• Build and lead cross-functional proposal teams (including proposal specialists, graphics, volume leads, and functional contributors)

• Develop proposal plans, schedules, outlines, and writing assignments; organize facilities and resources to meet deadlines

• Manage RFP review, compliance planning, and customer questions and clarifications via Contracts

• Translate capture strategy into clear win themes, storyboards, and section-level messaging

• Plan and run proposal kickoffs, daily working sessions, and action tracking

• Coordinate review events (e.g., Blue Team, Pink Team, Red Team) and manage incorporation of feedback

• Control proposal preparation cost and schedule, including writing, graphics, production, and final configuration

• Drive executive review cycles and ensure required approvals for costing and pricing inputs

• Lead final submission activities and post-submission actions (clarifications, BAFO), and ensure all required signed documents/certifications are properly controlled and delivered

Program Execution (Contract Delivery)

• Manage the daily execution of one or more programs to meet contract requirements and achieve cost, schedule, and performance commitments

• Lead integrated product teams from kickoff through closeout; drive alignment, accountability, and issue resolution

• Partner closely with Engineering to plan and execute development and/or production efforts; escalate as needed to remove barriers

• Manage budgets across labor, material, travel, and purchased services; provide clear status reporting to leadership

• Perform cost/schedule performance analysis, including earned value methods when applicable

• Identify and manage risks and corrective actions to protect baseline objectives

• Serve as the primary customer interface for contract execution matters and coordinate internal resolution of contractual issues

• Work with Contracts Administration on requirements, changes, and interpretation to ensure compliant execution

• Ensure timely program closeout with documentation completed and obligations satisfied

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence activities

Qualifications

What You Bring

• 7+ years of relevant experience in proposal management and/or program management within the defense industry
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Engineering, Business, or related discipline (Master’s preferred) or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex schedules and deliverables
• Strong knowledge of proposal and project/program management lifecycles and government procurement environments
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills; comfortable interacting with customers and executives
• Experience driving structured processes (e.g., PMI practices, Six Sigma, CMMI-oriented environments)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven setting
• Preferred: PMP/DAU or similar certification; experience with earned value performance reporting

Security and Citizenship Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., within 6 months of hire)

Location

• Fitchburg, MA (Hybrid; on-site presence required based on business needs)