Aerospace & Defense Proposal / Relationship Manager

Title: Aerospace & Defense Proposal / Relationship Manager
Location: Tulsa, OK (On-site or Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Are you a strategic proposal leader who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments? Expleo Group is hiring an Aerospace & Defense Proposal / Relationship Manager to join our client’s team in Tulsa, OK. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of large-scale pursuits, build strong industry relationships, and shape winning strategies across aviation training, simulation, and defense systems programs. If you enjoy operating at the intersection of strategy, execution, and client engagement—this is your next career move.

What’s in It for You?

• High-Impact Work – Lead and influence multimillion- to billion-dollar pursuits within aerospace and defense
• Strategic Ownership – Play a key role in shaping capture strategies, solution positioning, and executive messaging
• Industry Visibility – Build and manage relationships across aerospace organizations, defense stakeholders, and government clients
• Collaborative Environment – Work with cross-functional teams across engineering, pricing, contracts, and leadership
• Fast-Paced Growth – Manage a high-volume pipeline of competitive proposals while enhancing your leadership skills

Your Role & Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end proposal lifecycle management across RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs—from early shaping through submission and negotiation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with aerospace and defense stakeholders, including DoD and prime contractors
• Develop and execute capture and win strategies aligned with client requirements and competitive positioning
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, finance, contracts) to deliver compliant, high-quality proposals
• Drive proposal schedules, ensure regulatory compliance (FAR, ITAR, TINA), and manage risk across all phases
• Contribute to pricing strategy, solution alignment, and executive-level communications
• Support large-scale, complex pursuits, including programs exceeding $100M–$1B+
• Continuously improve proposal processes, workflows, and team efficiencies

Skills & Experience You Should Possess

• 7+ years of experience in proposal management, capture management, or business development within aerospace or defense
• Strong background in relationship management within aerospace, aviation training, or defense systems sectors
• Proven experience managing full RFx lifecycle (RFI, RFP, RFQ) in regulated environments
• Demonstrated success supporting or leading large-scale competitive pursuits ($100M+)
• Knowledge of government contracting regulations (FAR, ITAR, TINA)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority proposals simultaneously under tight deadlines

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Direct experience supporting DoD programs or federal defense contracts
• Background in aviation training systems, simulation technologies, or logistics support
• Experience with capture planning tools or proposal automation platforms
• Exposure to pricing strategy and cost volume development
• Existing network within aerospace primes or defense agencies

Education & Certifications You Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Aviation, or a related field
• APMP (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) certification preferred

What We Offer

At Expleo, we connect top talent with opportunities that make an impact. In this role, you’ll join our team working on cutting-edge aerospace and defense initiatives.

• Competitive Compensation – Competitive compensation $75-$95K annually Base Salary with 25% bonus, depending on your skills, experience, and location. Final compensation is determined based on skill alignment, years of experience, and fair, market-based rates by geography.
• Comprehensive Benefits for you and your dependents – Extensive Medical Plans, Dental, Vision, HSA with company contribution, company sponsored life and short / long term disability insurance, a host of voluntary plans including legal, hospital, accident, pet wellness, and 401k with matching
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Career Development and Advancement – Expleo is a global company in 29 Countries worldwide
• Innovative Work Environment – Be part of high-value programs impacting national defense and aviation
• Strong Team Culture – Collaborate with experienced professionals who value precision, performance, and teamwork