Stefanie Blacklaw

About Stefanie Blacklaw

I’m a strategic leader with 15+ years of experience in bid and proposal management, business development, and leading cross-functional teams. My passion lies in crafting tailored solutions that bridge client needs with organizational goals, delivering measurable results and fostering partnerships that last. From navigating complex client challenges to streamlining proposal processes, I thrive in high-stakes environments where creativity, precision, and collaboration drive success. Over the years, I’ve worked across energy, technology, and sustainable innovation, securing high-value contracts that have transformed businesses and driven growth. Key Achievements: Achieved a 37% proposal win rate, surpassing industry averages for small and mid-sized firms by over 20%. Managed over 70 proposals and RFPs annually, delivering on time and exceeding quality expectations. Reduceds proposal response times by 25% through strategic authorship, AI-driven tools, and process optimization, showcasing leadership and innovation in bid management. Industries and Impact While I’ve partnered with clients across diverse industries, my focus is always on creating transformative solutions. I combine strategic insight with legal expertise and focus execution to tackle challenges with a global perspective. A Multifaceted Approach to Leadership My professional approach is shaped by the lessons I have learned outside of work. Having moved across countries and continents with my family, I understand the value of adaptability, cultural awareness, and resilience. At home, we speak three languages daily, bringing a rich, multicultural perspective to everything we do. I also find inspiration in creative and outdoor pursuits. Traveling, cooking, and recreating recipes from our journeys allow me to connect with different cultures, while skiing and hiking offer a sense of clarity and focus that fuels my problem-solving mindset. Renovating old homes and building our own house while managing a full-time career taught me the value of resourcefulness, project management, and balancing priorities — all skills I bring to every professional challenge I take on. What’s Next I am excited to continue leading global, multi-million-dollar opportunities as a Bid Director, driving innovation, collaboration, and measurable outcomes for forward-thinking organizations. I am passionate about solving complex challenges, building lasting partnerships, and contributing to market leadership in meaningful ways.

Experience

1. Bid Manager

   Mach49

   May 2023 — Present

   Craft client-focused RFPs, RFIs, and proposals that aligned with organizational goals and client needs, winning contracts with Global clients across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the GCC region, and Australia. Lead cross-functional bid teams of 50+ professionals, including EVPs, SVPs, and technical experts, to develop competitive, client-aligned proposals. Direct the end-to-end bid lifecycle of 70+ proposals/RFPs annually, from strategy sessions with senior leadership to final submission, ensuring alignment with client pain points and regional market needs. Achieved a 37% proposal win rate, surpassing industry averages for small and mid-sized firms by over 20% through leadership in bid strategy, authorship, and execution to secure high-value contracts with Global clients worldwide. Implemented process improvements by developing standardized templates, streamlining workflows, and integrating AI-powered tools, reducing RFP response times by 25% and enhancing proposal quality. Strengthen client relationships and retention by delivering tailored value propositions that address strategic priorities and create long-term growth opportunities. Train team members to enhance proposal quality and improve submission outcomes, fostering a high-performance culture centered on continuous improvement and excellence in global bid management.

Education

• University of Graz

  Mag. iur. (Magister der Rechtswissenschaften), Law

• USC Gould School of Law

  Master of Laws - LLM