Proposal Manager

Description Kela is a defense technology startup pioneering next-generation command & control and data infrastructure systems. We empower defense organizations with robust, scalable, and secure platforms that integrate diverse sensors and AI to deliver real-time battlefield intelligence. Backed by leading investors, Kela combines Israeli innovation with global mission impact.  We are looking for a Proposal Manager to lead the development and submission of high-quality responses to government and defense-sector opportunities, including price quotes, RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and tenders. This role sits at the intersection of business, technology, and operations, requiring the ability to understand customer requirements, translate complex solutions into compelling proposals, and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver winning submissions. Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end proposal development process for price quotes, RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, tenders, and other customer requests. Analyze customer requirements and develop compliant, compelling, and commercially sound responses. Work closely with customers, product managers, engineering teams, business leaders, and legal counsel to gather information and align proposal content. Draft Statements of Work (SOWs), technical responses, project plans, and supporting documentation. Coordinate proposal timelines, reviews, approvals, and submission processes. Support pricing activities and collaborate on commercial structures and cost estimates. Ensure consistency, quality, and accuracy across all proposal deliverables. Build and maintain proposal templates, knowledge repositories, and best practices. Contribute to strategic capture activities and opportunity qualification efforts. Requirements 5+ years of experience in proposal management, capture management, bid management, business operations, or related roles within the defense, government, or aerospace sectors. Experience working within defense organizations, government procurement bodies, or leading defense contractors. Strong experience responding to RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, tenders, and procurement processes. Ability to understand operational, technical, and commercial requirements and translate them into structured proposal responses. Experience drafting Statements of Work (SOWs), technical documentation, and customer-facing deliverables. Strong project management and stakeholder management skills. Excellent written communication skills in Hebrew and English. Advantage Technical background or experience working with defense technology systems. Experience with pricing, cost estimation, and commercial proposal development.