Sr. Contracts Administrator

SUMMARY:

Will be a member of the Contracts Department and reports to the Director of Contracts. Will be responsible for all phases of contract administration which include: leading and/or participating in proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract administration, and customer activities in accordance with company policies, contract and legal requirements, and customer specifications. Serve as the company's primary point of contact for contractual matters. Provide for timely and effective customer communications and develop and maintain positive customer relationships for both internal and external customers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares proposals in response to customer RFI's, RFPs & RFQs which may involve NDAs and cost and price analyses.
• Analyzes and evaluates RFPs and ensures responsive proposals are prepared in accordance with the RFP.
• Reviews complex solicitations and prepares specialized and/or non-routine response for proposals, bids, and contract modifications.
• Develops negotiation strategy and leads negotiation team on complex contractual issues.
• Negotiates price, terms and conditions to mitigate risk and protect the interests and obligations of the company in accordance with company policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Analyzes significant, and/or unique contract requirements, special provisions, terms and conditions to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and corporate policies and business unit procedure.
• Administers the resulting contracts, and/or POs.
• Negotiates, executes, manages, maintains and closes-out DOD and other Government type and commercial contracts
• Enters quotes into database and insures timely entry of all new orders/projects and contract changes into order entry system
• Monitors contract performance to ensure cost, technical, quality and contractual objectives are being met.
• Uses independent judgment and creativity for resolution of contract issues.
• Ensures solutions are consistent with organization objectives and goals.
• Focal point for all contractual communications including direct customer contact and interaction and commitments pertaining to assigned contracts.
• Focal point with Program Management, and other VACCO departments for resolution of disputes and problems with assigned contracts.
• Provides contractual guidance to business team members
• Manages contract change process and works with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, and other internal disciplines as required to eliminate or reduce performance risks.
• Analyzes new law, regulation and contract trends for potential impact on business unit goals and objectives.
• Requires independent judgment and analyses of significant issue identification and resolution.
• Functions as domain expert on selected areas and issues
• Provides authoritative guidance to internal business teams on corporate goals and objectives relating to contract activity
• May assist in new business pursuit and associated contract strategy
• May mentor and train less experienced professionals.
• Requires excellent knowledge of policies and procedures, coupled with ability to identify required improvement to established policies.
• May require development of new contract policies and processes or assessment of required deviations from established norm.
• Contract activity may be non-routine and require development of specialized contract vehicles and techniques to accomplish business goals and objectives.
• Have a general understanding of the business case and an appreciation of financial/analytical issues and profit and loss implications.
• Requires a low degree of management attention.

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Director of Contracts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Expert knowledge of contractual concepts and Government regulations including FAR, DFARS. Excellent analytical and communication skills with refined written and oral skills. Familiarity with Export regulations pertaining to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as well as Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Strong experience with all types of contracts including firm fixed price, cost reimbursement and T & M. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office toolset, Microsoft Project is a plus. General knowledge of automated order/project entry in business database such as SAP. Experience with a Contract Management System or Product Lifecycle Management System is preferred. Ability to communicate effectively and excel in upper management environment. A proven track record of working smoothly with internal/external customers and handling complex issues. Ability to work independently as well as working effectively in a team environment. Must be able to multitask in a fast paced environment. Consistently maintaining a professional demeanor and communication style is essential. Good presentation, leadership and team-building skills. Excellent internal and external negotiation skills

This position may require the ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Finance or related discipline (MBA and CPCM or other related Contracts certification) are highly desirable. A minimum of seven (7) plus years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in administration of DOD/Government and/or Aerospace Manufacturing Government contract environment. Good understanding of accounting procedures and rate structures