Senior Manager Proposal Optimization at KION Group in Atlanta, GA

Senior Manager Proposal Optimization Location: Grand Rapids, MI, United States The Senior Manager of Proposal Optimization leads a core team of direct and dotted line resources on strategically selected commercial pursuits ranging from $1M to $100M+, with a primary emphasis on driving profitable growth. This role owns proposal optimization and execution readiness decisions within the regional Delegation of Authority, prioritizing the rapid development of “best cost first” proposals through disciplined processes, cross functional collaboration, and proactive risk mitigation. The Senior Manager ensures speed and competitiveness are achieved without compromising execution viability or governance discipline. This role is accountable for enabling a seamless transition from proposal optimization to execution upon project award, including the clear documentation and communication of approved baselines, assumptions, risks, and mitigation actions. We offer: Career Development Learn More Here: https://www.dematic.com/en-us/about/careers/what-we-offer/ Dematic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $160,000-$190,000 at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as work location, education, experience, knowledge, and skills. Logistics and Supply Chain Careers at Dematic Chart your path! Whether you are an engineer, customer service agent, supply chain expert, or salesperson, Dematic has a role for you. Logistics and Supply Chain Careers at Dematic Chart your path! Whether you are an engineer, customer service agent, supply chain expert, or salesperson, Dematic has a role for you. www.dematic.com Tasks and Qualifications: Key Responsibilities & Stakeholders Proposal Initiation / Integration: Ensure the development of the project execution plan (PEP) that encompasses all implementation and exit strategies utilizing standard tools and templates. Proposal Schedule and Resource Management: Ensure the development of project schedule showing strategic allocation of project resources across multiple key milestones that align with contractual requirements. Cost, Risk & Problem Solving: Coach team to identify commercial, technical, and execution risks early in the proposal lifecycle, and drive mitigation strategies that minimize risk exposure without adding unnecessary risk contingency. Lead structured problem‑solving efforts to eliminate or reduce risks prior to submission and ensure remaining risks are clearly understood, intentional, and manageable. Ensure appropriate and systemic escalation of risks to senior leadership with clear mitigation options and recommendations. Ensure a complete and accurate risk register is transitioned to the execution team, including defined mitigation actions, owners, and timing. Establish continuous improvement learning loops for driving ongoing competitive pricing and speed of proposals Communication, Stakeholder & Governance Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization Prepare and present key proposals and deviations to the Portfolio Business Operating Committee in accordance with the regional Delegation of Authority. Ensure project baselines and assumptions are communicated at turnover process to project teams when a project is awarded (AWA or PO). Skills & Capabilities Highly organized and process‑driven, with the ability to manage complex, parallel workstreams under tight deadlines. Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels without direct authority. Proven ability to balance competitiveness, governance, and disciplined risk management in complex project environments. Clear and structured communicator, capable of synthesizing complex information for executive and governance forums. Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills, with a bias toward proactive risk mitigation and execution clarity. Deep understanding of organizational governance and decision‑making processes. Experience Desired 10+ years of experience in proposal management, project management, operations, or related leadership roles Demonstrated experience delivering first‑time competitive proposals while meeting aggressive timelines Proven track record of successfully managing highly complex, strategic, and cross-functional projects with significant organizational impact. Strong background in risk management, scope definition, and execution planning within large, complex projects. Experience with governance, approval processes, and executive‑level stakeholder engagement. Education & Certifications Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Project Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration). Master's preferred. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is desired. Relevant project leadership experience may be substituted for a degree. Additional Locations: Wauwatosa, WI, United States, Atlanta, GA, United States