Senior Manager, Contract & Proposal Strategy

The Senior Manager, Contract and Proposal Strategy is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the Contracts and Bids teams, aligning their functions with broader business goals and transforming them into a Center of Excellence. This leader directs contract lifecycle management, customer compliance, and bid and proposal execution, while establishing clear SOPs, performance expectations, and quality standards to drive accountability and operational excellence. They will lead the development of national account contract strategies, collaborate with sales leadership to shape multi-year contractual visions across verticals, and create competitive advantages through strategic contract frameworks. With deep expertise in managing complex contract operations and mentoring emerging leaders, the Senior Manager uses analytics to support high-impact decisions, evaluate new opportunities, and develop winning pursuit strategies that support our sales team. This role is key to driving continuous improvement, efficiency, and cohesive execution throughout all stages of the contract, compliance, and proposal lifecycle.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities, and Key Accountabilities

Build and scale a Center of Excellence (CoE) for contracts and proposals by designing and institutionalizing standardized processes, tools, and performance metrics that drive consistency, operational efficiency, and high-quality execution across all phases of contract lifecycle management and bid development. This includes implementing governance frameworks, promoting cross-functional alignment, and embedding continuous improvement practices to elevate organizational capability and strategic impact.

Team Leadership: Oversee three teams that manage all customer contracts, compliance, and proposals / bid needs for HD Supply, providing clear guidance, strategic direction, and ongoing support throughout customer proposal and contract life cycle. This role involves fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment, ensuring each team and it's members operates at their full potential while meeting the requirements and responsibilities of their position. The manager will be instrumental in driving accountability, professional development, and operational excellence within the team to achieve successful outcomes.

Strategic National Account Contract and RFP Management: In conjunction with leadership, work to define goals, set priorities, and Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for national account contracts and proposals that support profitability initiatives and accelerate business growth. This includes analyzing customer requirements and sales objectives to ensure contract structures align with broader business goals, leveraging contract data analytics to inform strategic decision-making, and aligning proposal frameworks with long-term sales objectives to create sustainable competitive advantages across key market verticals.

Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, fostering collaboration with departments such as pricing, finance, legal, and sales. This partnership will ensure the design and implementation of an efficient, cohesive, and streamlined proposal and contract life cycle process, aligning all functions toward shared goals and seamless execution

Nature and Scope

Solutions require analysis and investigation.

Achieves planned results by decisions and actions based on professional methods, business principles, and practical experience. May recommend/make decisions regarding new programs/initiatives that have significant impact to the business and carry consequences in unsuccessful endeavors.

Manages a larger team or multiple small teams through direction of subordinate management and/or supervisory staff.

Work Environment

Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.

Most of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position and there is frequent opportunity to move about. On rare occasions there may be a need to move or lift light articles.

No travel required

Education and Experience

Typically requires BS/BA in a related discipline. Generally 5+ years of experience in a related field. May require certification. Advanced degree may offset less experience in some disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

10+ years of experience in contract management, bid/proposal development, or commercial operations, preferably within a complex, multi-vertical organization

5+ years managing a contracts and/or RFP team

Demonstrated ability to build or lead a Center of Excellence (CoE) or implement best-in-class processes and systems for contracts and proposals.

Master's degree in Business Administration or related field.

Professional certification in procurement, contract management, or related areas, preferred certifications include: Certified Professional Contracs Manager (CPCM), Project Managment Professional (PMP), Association of Proposal Managment Professionals, Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.)

Excellent analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills.

Superior communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities.