Contract Specialist

The Contract Specialist is a key role within the contracts team, serving as a primary contract administrator focused on proposal preparation, submission, and administration for multiple contracts. Reports directly to Contracting Director; supports Program Management Team and Engineering teams developing critical Vehicle systems.

Essential Functions:

Lead, with limited guidance or supervision from the manager, the proposal, negotiation, and management of complex proposal and contract activities by following company policies, legal and customer requirements.

Perform all aspects of assigned contract or purchase order processing including, but not limited to, accuracy of order entry data, contract funding, scope changes, contract amendments, receipts and delivery schedules, legal requirements and other commitments by working closely with Program Management, Engineering, and Finance.

Compile and maintain all required contractual records and documents by following contract requirements and company policies and procedures.

Interpret and communicate business commitments and alternatives to program team and management by maintaining regular contact and interaction with the program team and management.

Act as a subject matter expert by possessing a working knowledge of government and commercial contracting methods, applicable laws and regulations.

Develop and maintain professional and dependable relationships with both internal and external customers by openly and respectfully sharing information through the use of highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.

Independently lead and support proposal activities including, but not limited to, analysis of solicitations, preparing summaries and developing strategies and recommendations based on the analysis through the use of in-depth knowledge and working understanding of contracting methods, government regulations, and company policies and procedures.

Provide analysis of solicitations, ensure that bid/proposals are prepared and submitted on or before due dates.

Undertake special assignments as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)

Working knowledge of US Government Acquisition and Procurement environment, FAR/DFARS, commercial contracting methods, export and other applicable laws. Must be able to negotiate contracts, and execute proposals and contracts to the threshold delegated by using a high degree of contracting and proposal knowledge and negotiation skill.

Ability to make decisions using sound judgment while complying with policies, procedures, appropriate principles and applicable state and federal laws and regulations

Ability to mentor and train junior staff members

The ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in performance of duties set forth above.

Ability to communicate with all levels of management and staff to establish productive relationships. Sound interpersonal skills involving interfacing, coordinating and negotiating with company personnel, customers and suppliers. Superior consultation, diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills is required. Must possess the ability to explain complex concepts in a way that makes sense to someone less knowledgeable about the topic.

Exceptional communication skills to effectively convey information oral and written

Experience:

Minimum of 5-7 years experience in working on teams supporting large complex US Defense programs

Experience with firm fixed price contracts, cost-type, cost-plus contracts

Experience with complex contracts and proposal preparation and execution

Education:

Bachelor Degree (Business Administration desirable) or equivalent work experience

Background Prerequisites:

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled-substance testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters Degree (Business Administration desirable) or equivalent work experience

Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

Ability to support travel of up to 25%

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally