Proposal Manager (European market)

Role As (Senior) Programme Manager for SE3, you will play a defining role in bringing our autonomous systems and Spatial AI capability to market with European militaries and industry partners. You will develop commercial strategies, institutional relationships, and capture campaigns that turn SE3's technology into awarded programmes. * Lead programmes across Europe from bid/no-bid decision, capture, commercial bid development, contract negotiation, and award * Build and maintain senior institutional relationships, including representation of SE3 at industry events * Manage relationships with prime contractors and structure partnerships * Lead proposal development end-to-end from capture strategy to win * Develop the commercial response at the intersection of legal, finance and procurement, building robust commercial models that deliver on SE3's growth objectives Your profile * A degree in business, engineering, political science, international relations, or an adjacent discipline; a postgraduate qualification is welcome * Professional experience across defence procurement, public-sector strategy consulting, business development in the public sector * Willingness to travel frequently across Europe and into other strategic markets where SE3 is pursuing opportunities * Confident operator across cultures, able to communicate and negotiate with senior stakeholders * Native-level German and full professional fluency in English, in both written and spoken form Given the nature of SE3's work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and hold the security clearance required for this role. What we value * Ownership: take responsibility for outcomes and remove obstacles to delivery without requiring direction. * Execution: convert discussions into clear decisions, decisions into deliverables. * High standards: hold yourself and the team to a consistently high standard of work. Perks & benefits * 31 paid days off: 30 vacation days plus your birthday off * Well-being access: free membership to gyms, yoga and wellness through EGYM Wellpass * Team offsites: 2 company retreats per year About SE3 SE3 Labs develops foundational Spatial AI technology for autonomous systems. The software processes sensor data in real time into a three-dimensional operational picture, synchronised across all platforms. Operators command the entire fleet using natural language. One operator, many systems, maximum effect. We combine deep scientific expertise, grounded in over a decade of leading research in AI and computer vision, with a clear focus on building systems that are proven in real-world environments. Equal opportunity SE3 is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Reports to: Chief Revenue Officer Status: Permanent Job purpose:  The Philanthropy Manager will manage and grow a portfolio of philanthropic and institutional funders, including foundations, bilateral and multilateral donors, and United Nations partners, contributing to the Foundation’s income objectives and the effective stewardship of grant funding relationships. The role is responsible for prospect development, grant proposal coordination, donor stewardship, and reporting oversight. The postholder will work closely with technical, finance, legal, and compliance colleagues to ensure funding relationships are well governed and that grant commitments are delivered effectively through programme teams and partners. This is a delivery focused role suited to a commercially aware grants professional who is comfortable managing a pipeline and income target within a global public interest organisation. Principal accountabilities:  Philanthropic Strategy and Portfolio Development * Contribute to the development and execution of a targeted philanthropic funding strategy aligned to the Foundation’s strategic objectives and revenue architecture * Identify priority foundations and institutional grant makers whose thematic interests align with adoption, implementation, capacity development and market infrastructure * Develop clear investment propositions and multi year funding cases for philanthropic partners * Support development of funding scenarios and pipeline forecasting for philanthropic income Prospect Identification and Pipeline Management * Conduct sophisticated prospect research across UK, European and global foundations * Build and maintain a structured pipeline of foundation prospects, prioritised by strategic fit and probability * Develop engagement strategies for each priority foundation in coordination with the Director of Stewardship and CRO * Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline reporting Proposal Development and Grant Writing * Lead drafting of high quality, analytically rigorous grant proposals, concept notes and funding applications * Translate technical programme content into clear, funder aligned narratives * Develop detailed budgets, log frames and impact frameworks in collaboration with Finance and programme leads * Prepare briefing materials and business cases for senior leadership engagement with foundations Grant Management, Compliance and Governance * Coordinate the full grant lifecycle from enquiry through award, reporting and renewal * Work in close collaboration with Finance to ensure accurate budgeting, financial reporting and adherence to internal controls * Partner with Legal on review and negotiation of grant agreements and funding terms * Liaise with Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit teams to ensure alignment with organisational policies and assurance frameworks * Monitor grant milestones and deliverables in collaboration with programme leads * Coordinate timely submission of narrative and financial reports, drawing on Finance and programme input * Maintain accurate grant documentation and audit ready records within the CRM and internal systems Stewardship and Relationship Management * Manage a portfolio of foundation funders, building structured, long term relationships * Coordinate senior engagement moments, briefings and meetings * Prepare tailored impact updates and funding reports * Represent the Foundation in foundation related engagements and convenings where appropriate Internal Coordination and Institutional Alignment * Work closely with technical teams, Finance, Legal and leadership across both Boards to ensure proposals are aligned, feasible and compliant * Support trustees and senior stakeholders in foundation engagement where relevant * Contribute to internal grant readiness systems and process improvement Experience, competencies and qualifications: Essential * Minimum 5 years’ experience in institutional grants or foundation funding within an international organisation, foundation or NGO * Demonstrated experience securing and managing six and seven figure multi year foundation grants * Strong grant writing experience including complex budgets and institutional reporting * Experience managing the full grant lifecycle including due diligence and compliance * Ability to translate complex technical content into compelling, evidence based funding cases * Experience working with senior leadership and trustees * Strong analytical and financial literacy Desirable * Experience working within public interest institutions, policy bodies, capital markets or regulatory environments * Experience engaging with European and North American foundations * Familiarity with philanthropic reporting frameworks and impact measurement Competencies * Structured and analytical thinker * High level written communication capability * Strategic judgement and institutional maturity * Strong stakeholder management skills * Organised and methodical with disciplined follow through * Comfortable operating in complex, international environments Education * Degree level education required. Advanced degree in public policy, economics, finance, international development, law, business or related discipline desirable. * Professional grant management or fundraising qualifications welcomed but not essential.   Application closing date: 7th August 2026 Please note that while we have a closing date for this application, we reserve the right to interview candidates and potentially close the role early should we find a suitable candidate.   About us At the IFRS Foundation, we believe better information leads to better decisions. We set financial reporting standards that enable companies to meet the evolving information needs of the global capital markets. United by our purpose to foster trust, growth and long-term financial stability in the global economy, we engage in challenging, meaningful work every day—across all our areas of expertise. If you share our passion for this mission, we want to hear from you. Diverse perspectives. International expertise. Working for our global organisation offers many benefits, including: * rewarding work that serves the public interest; * engagement with diverse international experts; * inclusive and collaborative teams; * intellectually challenging projects; * flexible working arrangements; * numerous areas of specialisation; and * opportunities for professional growth and development. Diversity and inclusion are seen as key strengths of our organisation. These qualities are essential for us to engage with and meet the needs of our varied global stakeholders, and they are part of what makes the IFRS Foundation a great place to work. #LI-MM1