Job Title: Proposal Manager – Supply Chain Solutions - Tender Manager
Location: U.S. based (preferred near Defense & Aerospace hubs such as Washington, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, or California)
Work Model: Hybrid (Travel required)
Position Summary:
The Tender Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating the development of competitive logistics solutions and proposals for new business opportunities. This role manages the full tender process from initial customer requirements analysis through solution design, costing, and proposal delivery.
The Tender Manager collaborates cross-functionally with operational, engineering, and commercial teams to ensure high-quality proposals that meet customer expectations, internal standards, and strategic business objectives. This position plays a key role in driving business growth by developing market strategies, enhancing service offerings, and ensuring the successful acquisition and transition of new logistics projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the tender and proposal process for new business opportunities and logistics projects.
- Analyze customer requirements from tenders and inquiries and translate them into viable logistics solutions.
- Coordinate internal teams across operations, engineering, and commercial departments to develop comprehensive proposals.
- Plan resources, timelines, and project deliverables associated with the bid development process.
- Ensure proposals meet required deadlines, quality standards, formatting requirements, and technical specifications.
- Design competitive logistics solutions, including warehouse planning, operational concepts, and process design.
- Perform cost analysis and pricing calculations, including personnel, equipment, and operational expenses, in collaboration with the OpEx department.
- Develop warehouse layouts and operational concepts when required to support proposed solutions.
- Prepare and deliver presentations to executive leadership, regional management, and customers.
- Support and participate in customer discussions, negotiations, and project presentations.
- Benchmark logistics concepts, service levels, and operational processes to maintain competitive offerings.
- Maintain and optimize CRM and SharePoint systems used for proposal documentation and collaboration.
- Transfer successfully awarded projects to operational teams to support implementation and execution.
- Maintain relationships with potential and active customers to support business development initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with safety, health, environmental, and accident prevention regulations.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Logistics, Transportation, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- Alternatively, completed vocational training combined with relevant professional leadership experience.
- 3-5 years of professional experience in logistics operations or supply chain management, preferably within target industries and service offerings.
- 3-5 years of experience preparing commercial proposals or managing tender processes.
- Strong knowledge of logistics solution design, including transportation, warehouse operations, and supply chain management.
- Experience with pricing models, cost calculations, and financial analysis related to logistics projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio.
- Experience using CRM systems and SharePoint for collaboration and documentation management.
- Knowledge and experience using AI tools such as Copilot or ChatGPT to support analysis, documentation, and process efficiency.
- Strong understanding of logistics engineering methods, including MTM UAS or related industrial engineering methodologies.
- Language proficiency - Fluent in English; Spanish is a plus for cross-border programs
- Strong analytical, planning, and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Ability to communicate effectively in global and cross-functional environments.
- Strong decision-making, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lead project teams and collaborate effectively across departments.
- High level of initiative, accountability, and results orientation.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaboration with stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel as required.
Work Environment:
This role operates in a dynamic, collaborative business environment that requires frequent coordination with internal teams, leadership, and external customers. The position involves working closely with cross-functional departments, including operations, engineering, and business development, to design logistics solutions and prepare competitive proposals.
The Tender Manager must be comfortable presenting to leadership teams and customers, leading project discussions, and collaborating across global and multicultural environments. This role may require travel to customer locations, operational facilities, or internal project meetings.
About Schellecke Logistics:
Schnellecke Logistics is a global logistics service provider specializing in value-added logistics solutions for the automotive and industrial sectors. The company is committed to operational excellence, safety, quality, and continuous improvement while delivering reliable supply chain support to its customers. Schnellecke Group is a globally recognized third-party logistics provider with over 80 years of experience delivering innovative supply chain solutions. Founded in Wolfsburg, Germany, and still family-owned and operated by the third generation, Schnellecke combines strong local roots with a global presence. Today, we operate more than 70 facilities worldwide with over 2,000,000 square meters of logistics space supporting customers across the automotive and industrial sectors.
At Schnellecke, we are committed to building strong teams, investing in employee development, and creating an environment where individuals can grow their careers while contributing to meaningful work across the global supply chain.
EEOC Statement:
Schnellecke Logistics is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.