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 our Huntington Beach office. 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 the consistency, compliance, competitiveness, and timeliness of all proposal deliverables, while building and mentoring a high-performing Proposal Operations of Excellence team.

ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry's most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Proposal Operations Leadership :

• Oversee the development, coordination, and submission of proposals across the the Huntington Beach office, ensuring compliance with solicitation instructions, internal policies, and FAR / DFARS requirements.
• Maintain centralized tracking of all proposal activity and pipeline status, reporting key metrics and deadlines to executive leadership.
• Mentor a regional team of proposal contributors, including engineering, program management, and cost & pricing.
• Manage proposal assignments and balance resource workload to ensure optimal team utilization, development, and performance.
• Strategic Capture & Proposal Development :
• Collaborate closely with Capture Managers and Capture Leads 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

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• BS / BA diploma in management or a relevant field is a plus.
• Proven experience as a Program Manager or other managerial experience.
• Thorough understanding of project / program management techniques and methods.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office; working knowledge of program / project management software (Basecamp, MS Project etc.) is a strong advantage.
• Outstanding leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to collaborate and work with others.

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

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

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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.