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Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training, and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

A dynamic Senior Manager to lead business capture, proposal development, and strategic growth initiatives within the Department of Defense (DoD) Modeling & Simulation (M&S) and associated markets. This senior-level leader will drive the capture of new DoD opportunities while positioning CESI to integrate and expand M&S solutions in future product driven solutions. Provide the overall leadership and direction through proposal delivery and support of post-submittal deliverables. Will blend deep DoD M&S domain expertise with strong Artificial Intelligence (AI) toolset acumen, demonstrating the ability to guide corporate adoption of AI tools and technologies that enhance competitive positioning, proposal development, and mission effectiveness. For key pursuits, leads proposal preparation including written, oral, and demonstration requirements.

• Business Capture and Strategic Growth
  • Define and maintain all aspects of capture and proposal development processes, toolsets, and infrastructure.
  • Lead capture strategy development for new DoD M&S and associated business opportunities.
  • Develop, document, and execute detailed capture and pursuit plans, including customer engagement strategies, competitive analyses, and price-to-win assessments.
  • Develop compelling win strategies and document into the Capture Plan.
  • Stay abreast of evolving DoD priorities to support the alignment of corporate strategy with emerging opportunities.

• Proposal Management and Development
  • Lead capture/proposal teams to produce compliant, compelling, and visually persuasive proposals.
  • Develop proposal budgets, schedules, directives, and plans.
  • Organize and motivate diverse teams.
  • Transfer Capture Plan information effectively into the proposal team/process.
  • Collaborate with technical leads to ensure proposals highlight CESI's ability to deliver.
  • Oversee and mentor proposal staff in adopting AI-enabled workflows (e.g., automated content curation, compliance checking, graphics generation, predictive pricing models)
  • Effectively implement the win strategy.
  • Guide and coach the proposal team in persuasive writing and proposal best practices.
  • Prepare and manage proposal outlines, compliance matrices, and resource assignments.
  • In close partnership with the Capture Manager, ensure timely, proposal schedules, resources, color-team reviews, and quality assurance to meet all deadlines.
  • Review and read completed proposal sections throughout the proposal development process, ensuring compliance with solicitation requirements and that the proposal meets or exceeds evaluation criteria.

• Policy and Process Management
  • Develop and maintain capture and proposal management policies, procedures, and toolsets, including AI-based process automation.
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives leveraging AI for efficiency, insight, and decision support.
  • Perform ongoing tool and process evaluations and implement improvements.
  • Use Salesforce for standardized opportunity record keeping and tracking performance metrics.
  • Ensure compliance with company policy and ethical standards across all business pursuits.
  • Communicate and influence at a senior level.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, marketing, communications or English.
• Ten (10+) years of combined general and specialized experience in providing leadership and direction to personnel in the development of complex efforts.
• Seven (7+) years of proposal development experience within DoD and/or Federal Government acquisition environment.
• Demonstrated track record of capture, proposal development, and winning opportunities greater than $200M.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategy planning, capture, and proposal activities.
• In-depth understanding of the proposal lifecycle for DoD and Federal Government acquisitions.
• Strong ability to lead and direct others in fast paced and demanding environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively across a large distributed business, managing diverse tasks, requirements, and subcontractors.
• Direct collocated or virtual proposal participants to become a smoothly operating team.
• A strong understanding of capture and proposal AI toolsets and their implementation.
• Possess effective planning and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of the M&S market and stays abreast of the trends in technology.
• Exceptional verbal, written communication, and leadership skills.
• Executive Communication and Customer Engagement.
• Highly motivated, organized, and has a strong attention to detail.

• In-depth knowledge with Shipley methodology or equivalent business capture framework (certification desired).
• Project Management certification from Program Management Institute (desired).

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status with ability to obtain a SECRET to TOP SECRET security clearance.  Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The above is intended to describe the general contents of and requirements for the performance of this job.

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.