1

Contract Administration Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Rail Contract Administration, the position will help manage and lead the department in making, maintaining, and enforcing agreements and amendments regarding the ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Administration Manager information

See salary details

$37K

$98.3K

$161K

How much do contract administration manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract administration manager in the United States is $98,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Contract Administration Managers face when coordinating between internal teams and external partners?

Contract Administration Managers often navigate the complexities of aligning the expectations of multiple stakeholders, such as legal, procurement, finance, and external vendors or clients. Ensuring clear communication and timely approvals can be challenging, especially when managing tight deadlines or complex contractual terms. Proactively building relationships, setting clear processes, and maintaining detailed records helps mitigate misunderstandings and ensures contracts are executed smoothly. Adaptability and strong organizational skills are key to successfully balancing these cross-functional demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Administration Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Administration Manager, you need expertise in contract law, negotiation, compliance, and risk management, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business, law, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management systems (CMS), Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes certifications like CPCM (Certified Professional Contracts Manager) are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong interpersonal and communication skills help you effectively manage contracts and stakeholder relationships. These skills are crucial to ensure legal compliance, mitigate risks, and optimize contract performance for organizational success.

What does a Contract Administration Manager do?

A Contract Administration Manager oversees the creation, execution, and management of contracts within an organization. They ensure that all contract terms are followed, negotiate terms with clients or vendors, and manage any changes or disputes that arise. Additionally, they work closely with legal, procurement, and project teams to minimize risks and ensure compliance with company policies and regulations. Their role is crucial in safeguarding the company's interests and maintaining strong professional relationships.

What is the difference between Contract Administration Manager vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContract Administration ManagerContract Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often certifications like CPCM or NCMABachelor's degree; certifications like CPCM or NCMA are common
Work EnvironmentOversees contract teams, manages complex contracts, strategic planningDrafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, supports contract processes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in construction, government, corporate sectors for contract oversightCommon in government agencies, corporations, and consulting firms for contract execution

The Contract Administration Manager and Contract Specialist roles both require similar credentials and certifications, often work within the same industries, and focus on different levels of contract management. The manager oversees teams and strategic processes, while the specialist handles detailed contract drafting and review. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and find suitable candidates.

More about Contract Administration Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Administration Manager jobs? Cities with the most Contract Administration Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Administration Manager jobs? The most popular types of Administration Manager jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Contract Administration Manager jobs? The top employers for Contract Administration Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Administration Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Administration Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Administration Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Administration Manager jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Administration Manager jobs? For Contract Administration Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Contract Administration Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,295 per year, or $47.3 per hour.
Manager 1 - Contract Administration

Manager 1 - Contract Administration

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Buffalo, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Sector is seeking a Manager 1 - Contract Administration to join our team in Amherst, NY. This position is full-time onsiteand offers the 9/80 schedule.
What You Will Get To Do:
The Manager 1 - Contract Administration will be responsible for the direct supervision and management of a diverse team of professionals within the Amherst CEESIM/JTE Operating Unit (OU) under the Electronic Warfare and Targeting (EWT) Business Unit (BU).
The Manager 1 will be responsible for all aspects of the contract's portfolio delivering strong customer satisfaction, successful financial performance, risk mitigation, change management, and new business strategy within the EA-18G and P-8 portfolio of programs. The Manager 1 will report to the BU Contracts Manager and work closely with the OU Program management team including internal stakeholders such as Global Supply Chain, Business Management, and the Law Department.
Manager 1 responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Review and approve contractual documents for protection of the company's contractual/risk posture, satisfaction of contractual requirements, and adherence to company policies. Therefore, keen attention to detail is essential.
  • Demonstrate commitment and energy to meet customer needs with the ability to provide concise and effective communication through presentation, written documentation, or email format with different levels of Management.
  • Plan and execute successful contract negotiations of complex nature and achieve targeted profit rates as well as favorable terms and conditions to assist in meeting profit and cash goals.
  • Regular and proactive interface and effective collaboration with program, technical, and operations organizations to provide guidance and direction based upon the requirements of the contracts.
  • Ability to make decisions in a timely manner, offer guidance, and work cooperatively with a multitude of organizations ranging from technical, program, finance, supply chain, legal, export, and security.
  • Administer, extend, negotiate, and execute standard and nonstandard contracts.
  • Conduct proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract administration, and customer contact activities to provide for proper contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.
  • Manage, teach, and mentor a geographically diverse team of Contracts Administrators.

As a leader with integrity, you ensure ethical conduct, balanced results, and partner satisfaction. You respect and nurture growth, fostering inclusivity. Skilled in building diverse teams and customer trust, you communicate well, champion excellence, and embrace change.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of industry related experience in contract administration/management - OR - a Master's degree with 3 years of industry related experience as outlined above.
  • Thorough understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
  • Background in US Government contracting with prior experience with the USG and/or major defense contractor customers.
  • Experience negotiating and administering fixed price and cost reimbursable contract types of varying sizes with the US Government and Primes.
  • Experience developing and presenting information to, and negotiating with, both external partners and internal stakeholders.
  • Experience with proposal development and negotiation skills.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to travel domestically up to 25% of time to support our major programs.
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MBA or JD
  • Knowledge of and ability to use SAP
  • Proven leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to mentor and train assigned staff
  • Demonstrated 1+ year(s) of leadership or supervisory experience
  • Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills to resolve complex problems and minimize risk to the company.
  • Current US Government Security clearance

What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more.
MSBSMG
Primary Level Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939