Product Solutions Manager

Position Title: Product Solutions Manager

Department: Product Solutions

Reports To: Director of Client Management

Supervises: Product Solutions Team (e.g., Product Specialists, Analysts)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Shift: Day

Work Location: On-site in Lake Mary, FL

Position Overview:

The Product Solutions Manager is responsible for managing the end-to-end proposal process in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment. This role requires extensive experience in lobbying at both state and federal levels. The individual will collaborate with internal teams, including Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Business Development, and Legal, to develop and deliver high-quality, compliant, and compelling proposals. The role also involves bid management, meeting facilitation, and ensuring successful and timely submission of proposals in accordance with RFP requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the position include the following, and other duties may be assigned.

Key Area of Focus:

1. Lobbying and State and Federal Level is a MUST.
2. Take responsibility for the entire proposal process from RFP receipt to high-quality proposal creation and delivery in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
3. Work closely with team members, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Business Development, and other key staff to develop and deliver high-quality, compelling proposals.
4. Project manage bid assignments, including facilitating bid kick-offs, managing the bid schedule, and performing related tasks.

Proposal Response Development (40%):

1. Review RFP in detail and identify mandatory business requirements.
2. Draft and submit RFP questions to procurement officers.
3. Ensure all aspects of RFP are addressed with pertinent SMEs.
4. Accurately incorporate all edits from reviewers.
5. Ensure 100% accurate and clear cost proposal/forms.
6. Ensure compliance with RFP requirements.
7. Compile finalized proposal packages, including appendices as needed (typically digital, occasionally printed).
8. Guarantee successful and timely delivery of superior quality proposals.
9. Follow RFP submission requirements accurately.
10. Support Best and Final Offer submissions and post-proposal written clarifications.

Bid Management and Meeting Facilitation (40%):

1. Create and manage the bid schedule.
2. Schedule, facilitate, and actively participate in bid kick-off meetings, bid strategy meetings, and pricing review meetings.
3. Prepare administrative documents to guide bid production.
4. Create database entries to track bid details for reporting.
5. Track procurement sites for bid amendments/Q&A and distribute information.
6. Work with the legal team to complete the legal review for each bid.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in proposal management, business development, or product solutions, with a strong focus on government RFPs. Proven experience with lobbying at state and federal levels is a must. Experience in project management, proposal writing, and compliance review. Demonstrated experience working with legal teams and procurement processes. Experience in managing high-volume proposals with strict deadlines.

Language Ability:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to create clear, compelling, and compliant proposal content. Ability to interpret complex RFP language and translate technical information into clear, concise responses. Skilled in drafting and reviewing formal business correspondence and legal documents.

Math Ability:

Strong ability to review and interpret pricing models and cost proposals. Capable of performing basic to intermediate financial calculations for cost accuracy and compliance. Proficiency in analyzing bid-related financial data and ensuring precise numerical presentation in proposals.

Reasoning Ability:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and apply RFP requirements accurately. Demonstrated ability to think strategically when developing proposal content and responding to procurement inquiries. Capable of facilitating effective decision-making during bid meetings. High attention to detail to ensure compliance with legal and procurement guidelines.

Computer Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Experience using proposal management software (e.g., Loopio, RFPIO) or CRM tools. Skilled in document formatting and version control for proposal submissions. Ability to efficiently track and manage bid details using databases or project management tools.

Certificates and Licenses:

Proposal management certifications (e.g., APMP Certification) are preferred but not required. Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.

Travel:

Occasional travel may be required for lobbying efforts, client meetings, or bid presentations. Willingness to travel to state and federal offices or procurement sites as needed.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A typical, climate-controlled office environment exists. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Management Expectations:

1. Demonstrate Expertise: Serve as the foremost Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the department, possessing extensive knowledge and proficiency in the relevant field.
2. Lead Team Effectively: Direct and supervise a team of employees, providing training, guidance, and support to ensure the team achieves departmental objectives. Lead and guide the team while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
3. Manage Operations Efficiently: Oversee day-to-day operations and workflow, including prioritizing tasks, resolving escalations, allocating resources, managing time and attendance, overseeing payroll, and facilitating departmental onboarding and training.
4. Evaluate Performance Regularly: Monitor and assess team performance on a regular basis, offering constructive feedback, coaching, and conducting performance reviews to drive continuous improvement. Set clear goals and establish performance metrics to measure success.
5. Collaborate Strategically: Collaborate with senior management and cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies, policies, and initiatives that contribute to organizational growth and success.
6. Ensure Effective People Management: Execute consistent and effective practices in recruiting, onboarding, professional development, succession planning, performance management, and retention.
7. Promote Positive Work Environment: Cultivate a positive work environment by fostering collaboration, communication, and teamwork among team members. Address departmental issues, resolve urgent matters, and lead efforts in conflict resolution.

ISM and Privacy Statement:

1. Data Handling in Product Development: Ensure that products are developed with privacy by design, incorporating necessary data protections from the beginning.
2. Data Minimization: Limit data collection to what is necessary for product functionality and ensure proper anonymization or pseudonymization of personal data where possible.
3. Privacy Risk Management: Conduct risk assessments related to data privacy and security for new product features or business solutions.