Business Development Manager

SUMMARY:

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a dynamic, experienced Business Development Manager to lead all aspects of proposal/quote management and execution for Karman LA. This role is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of proposal activity—from pre-solicitation shaping through final submission—for Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, and other bid responses. The Business Development Manager will serve as a key leader in ensuring consistency, compliance, competitiveness, and timeliness of all proposal deliverables, while building and mentoring a high-performing Proposal Operations of Excellence team.

As a strong communicator and skilled hands-on BD Manager, you will Create, implement and direct quote procedures and policies in supporting the Quality Policy and Customer satisfaction. Strong working relationship with Customers, manufacturing, and suppliers in requesting, receiving and generating quote packages. The Business Development Manager shall contribute to product conformity. Performance and demonstrating ethical behavior and conducting themselves accordingly to Karman’s policies and procedures

ABOUT US:

KARMAN SPACE & DEFENSE: Karman is the leading market supplier of metallic and composite flight hardware and sub-assemblies for space, missiles, and hypersonic markets. Karman offers an unprecedented capability set to customers, creating a supply chain solution in a historically fragmented supply base. The Karman team draws on in-house expertise in engineering & design, precision machining, large part forming, welding, heat age, finishing, assembly, ablative & insulative composites, and other capabilities to serve as a strategic partner to customers. Karman is headquartered in greater Los Angeles and currently has 5 locations in Southern California, 1 location in Mukilteo, Washington and 1 location in Wilsonville, Oregon.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement*

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Capture & Proposal Development:

• Collaborate closely with the leadership team to define the proposal strategy, team staffing, and execution approach for strategic and competitive opportunities.
• Provide pre-proposal planning support, including RFP shaping, capture strategy development, win theme articulation, and preliminary solution design.
• Define proposal deliverables and ensure full compliance with all solicitation instructions, evaluation criteria, and contractual terms.
• Develop and manage proposal development plans, budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.

Proposal Execution and Compliance:

• Facilitate all proposal milestone events, including kickoff meetings, daily standups, strategy sessions, color team reviews, and recovery activities.
• Review proposal content for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and compliance with government and customer requirements.
• Maintain physical and virtual proposal workspaces, ensure configuration control of all proposal artifacts, and manage the secure distribution of sensitive materials.
• Ensure that we submit compliant, compelling proposal packages on or before all required deadlines.
• Facilitate the Gates process for all Level 1 proposals

Process & Performance Optimization:

• Maintain standard processes for RFI, ROM, and RFP responses, including stakeholder Roles, Responsibilities, Accountability, and Authority (RRAA).
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency, proposal quality, and win probability (Pwin).
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned, process evaluations, and cross-functional collaboration with Program Management, Pricing, Contracts, Engineering, and Legal.

Cross-Functional Engagement:

• Serve as a liaison to customers, partners, and internal stakeholders throughout the proposal lifecycle.
• Ensure alignment between proposal strategies and broader business development goals, pricing strategies, and execution feasibility.
• Operate with subject matter fluency across Karman’s product and capability portfolio to ensure proposals reflect technically sound, competitive solutions.
• CRM management

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in government or commercial proposal management, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Demonstrated success managing and submitting compliant proposals under FAR/DFARS guidelines.
• Strong understanding of capture management principles, proposal writing, and bid lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, manage complex projects, and collaborate effectively with executive leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, project management, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with proposal tools and collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Adobe, Microsoft Office, scheduling software)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Constant standing/walking/sitting for at least 8 hours.
• Occasional pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs, minimum 15 lbs.
• Sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Prolonged periods of repetitive movement are required.
• Constant holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hand(s).
• Occasional ascending and descending stairs/ramps/ladders.
• Occasional extending of arms to reach overhead, at shoulder level and below shoulder level

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Generally, work in an office environment and work in manufacturing areas

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some travel may be required

Equal Opportunity

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.