"Alerted.org

10875BR

PRS Facility Location:

EMD HQ LaGrange, IL - 400

Job Purpose:

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for transforming technical complexity into persuasive business solutions? We are seeking a Proposal Manager – Locomotive Strategy & Development to lead the creation of high-impact proposals for locomotive platforms, modernization kits, and engineered rail solutions.

As a key member of our Inquiry Group, you’ll sit at the intersection of business strategy, engineering innovation, and customer engagement. You’ll play a critical role in driving growth by crafting compelling proposals that directly influence major procurement decisions across the globe. More than just a writing or coordination job, this is a strategic leadership role with high visibility and cross-functional reach.

Req ID:

10875BR

Company Description:

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.

Education / Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience), with preference given to candidates with advanced degrees

Job Title:

Proposal Manager- Locomotive Strategy & Development

City:

La Grange

Key Job Elements:

You’ll be responsible for shaping how our organization presents its value to customers. You’ll guide multi-disciplinary teams, ensure alignment with corporate objectives, and help secure projects that modernize and move the global rail industry forward.

Strategic Proposal Leadership

• Own the proposal lifecycle from discovery to delivery, ensuring each submission is aligned with business strategy and tailored to customer priorities.

• Partner closely with Outside Sales, Product Management, Engineering, and Finance to develop persuasive, data-driven proposals that win.

• Lead opportunity qualification and initial bid strategy development based on market dynamics, customer requirements, and competitive intelligence.

• Translate complex engineering and technical content into compelling, customer-focused value propositions for a range of stakeholders—from procurement teams to C-level decision-makers.

Cross-Functional Program Management

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Legal, and Compliance to align deliverables with project timelines and bid requirements.

• Serve as the central point of contact for all stakeholders during the proposal process, ensuring smooth communication and timely issue resolution.

• Manage project milestones and ensure on-time delivery of all submission components, from technical documentation to executive summaries.

Process Optimization & Governance

• Lead internal approval workflows, including Preliminary and Negotiation Gate reviews, focused on risk management, business case validation, and strategic alignment.

• Maintain a centralized library of proposal templates, approved messaging, and best practices to continuously improve efficiency and quality.

• Track all proposal activity and outcomes to support data-driven decision-making and forecasting.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in business development, technical sales, marketing, proposal management, or project management

• Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels

• Proven ability to lead multiple complex initiatives simultaneously and meet hard deadlines

• Strong analytical mindset with business acumen and attention to detail

• Working knowledge of engineering design, manufacturing processes, and/or capital equipment sales is a strong plus

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with proposal automation tools or CRM systems a bonus

• Passion for rail, transportation, and industrial innovation

Career Growth Opportunity

This position offers structured progression based on increasing proposal complexity and strategic impact:

Tier 1: Informal, aftermarket or off-the-shelf solutions

Tier 2: Custom solutions for new or repowered locomotive platforms

Tier 3: Full-scale RFP/tender responses for high value engineered systems

Additionally, this role offers unique industry experience positioning successful proposal managers for growth in product and management roles.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a legacy of innovation. Help power the railways of tomorrow. In this role, your strategic thinking and leadership will directly influence how we compete, win, and grow in an evolving industry. Join us and bring your ideas to the engine room of global rail strategy.

Essential and Physical Activities Functions

• Strength – Position typically involves office managerial work as well as oversight in an industrial environment. Frequently standing, sitting, and walking. Occasional light to medium-level lifting (up to 30 pounds);

• Motion – Position regularly requires standard motions associated with an office environment as well as standard motions associated with leading and demonstrating in an industrial environment;

• Vision/Hearing Requirements – Constant verbal communications, including both talking and hearing;

• Work Environment – Position will occasionally require the use of Personal Protective Equipment.

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail Services.

EEO:

Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Benefits:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**

+ Competitive Salary

+ 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)

+ Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance

+ Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money

+ Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Paid Vacation

+ Paid Holidays

+ Paid Time-Off (PTO)

+ Employee Assistance Plan

+ Education Assistance Program

+ Employee Recognition Programs

+ Site specific Production and Incentive Plans

+ Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans

+ Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

_*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits._

_**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines._

Job Category:

Marketing, Sales and Service

State::

Illinois

Summary Pay Range:

$77,069.75 - $139,668.00