Contracts Manager

Job Summary

The Contracts Manager oversees the preparation, negotiation, administration, and management of government contracts and related agreements. This role manages multiple or complex contracts, monitors performance and delivery requirements, and protects company interests throughout the contract lifecycle. Working with program and operations management, other departments, and Group and Corporate staff, the Contracts Manager provides contractual guidance, identifies and mitigates risk, supports proposals and contract changes, and guides less-experienced contracts personnel.

This is an onsite position based in our High Ridge, MO office. 

What You'll Do

• Manage government contracts throughout their lifecycle: Coordinate with departments from need identification through drafting, negotiation, execution, performance, completion, and closeout. Review solicitations, confirm awards, interpret terms, administer amendments and modifications, and monitor performance requirements and delivery schedules across multiple or complex contracts. Coordinate closeouts and handle audits.
• Lead contract activities for proposals, negotiations, and changes: Assist in developing bid strategy; oversee proposal preparation and contract negotiation; and manage the contracts function for program bid proposals and bid protests. Review proposals and contract actions before signature or negotiation to assess relevant factors and risk mitigation. Track contract performance, manage changes and Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), execute change notices, and prepare correspondence concerning performance-period extensions, funding requirements, key-personnel changes, and cost increases.
• Negotiate agreements and protect company interests: Negotiate and administer agreements with customers, subcontractors, and vendors in accordance with company policies and procedures. Draft and review NDAs, MOUs, MOAs, teaming, consultant, and other agreements; protect company interests and intellectual property; and document negotiation outcomes. Develop prime-contract flow-down clauses for subcontract requests for quotation or proposal, evaluate subcontractor proposals for completeness and compliance as needed, and provide administrative subcontract modifications as required.
• Provide contractual guidance and maintain relationships: Review contractual documents for adherence to company policy and government specifications and requirements. Advise contracts leadership, program teams, and operations management on contract policies, procedures, risks, and other business or compliance matters; liaise with Group and Corporate staff; and work with senior management to maintain relationships with government, commercial, foreign, and domestic customers.
• Develop people and support specialized agreements: Mentor and direct less-experienced contract administrators, manage them as assigned, and ensure assigned staff complete their duties properly and on time. Develop specialized knowledge and skills related to R&D contracts, including CRADAs, grants, cooperative agreements, and cost-sharing agreements. May manage the Business Unit portfolio of international agreements, including those with consultants, sales representatives, and resellers. 

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, with seven or more years of progressive experience in government contracts, including experience managing government contracts and previous management experience.
• Proven negotiating skills, sound business judgment, and discretion; thorough understanding of drafting, negotiating, and using contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, teaming agreements, and other agreements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and the government procurement and contracting cycle across major contract types, including FFP, FPI, CPAF, CPFF, CPIF, T&M, BOA, and IDIQ.
• Detailed knowledge of government intellectual property, software and data-rights clauses, IP-marking guidelines, and source-selection and evaluation processes, including cost and price analysis.
• Detailed knowledge of contract administration—including subcontract flow-downs, change management, inspection, acceptance, payment, warranty, closeout, and records retention—plus knowledge of government-property requirements and experience administering government property.
• Familiarity with business development, finance/accounting, operations, and information technology; ability to work effectively at all organizational levels; excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• National Contract Management Association membership preferred; CPCM designation highly desirable.