Contracts Manager

Position Summary:

Since its inception in 2004, GEOST has been committed to solving mission-critical space domain and ISR challenges for DOD, IC and commercial customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. As we grow our operations in Tucson, AZ and Northern VA, we remain dedicated to the collaborative and innovative culture that is the foundation of our business. GEOST is an operating unit of LightRidge Solutions.

GEOST seeks a highly capable Contracts Manager. In addition to general day-to-day requirements of a Contracts Manager this hire will be responsible for the oversight, direction and management of the Contracts staff and will be responsible for a full range of contract management functions encompassing all phases of the contract lifecycle (pre-proposal – contract closeout).  The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement both for the organization and for their own professional development.  This role requires a person who has excellent communications skills, who is highly organized, and who is a motivated self-starter.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all aspects of contract management function, specific tasks include but not limited to, formal customer communications, contract record review, supporting/conducting contract negotiations and support for future proposals
• Experience in managing complex, engineering design and development contracts with non-standard requirements documents and flow-down terms and conditions
• Reviews all contracts and associated requirements documents to assess risk, implement risk mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with local policies, various federal regulations, and customer specifications
• Candidate will work closely with functional organizations (finance, planning, program management, etc.) to effectively manage a breadth of responsibilities, including contract solicitations / capture, negotiations, and contract terms, including fulfillment of related obligations
• Serve as authorized, empowered representative for the company as interface with customer contracting/subcontracting representatives responsible for building effective relationships and managing contracts/subcontracts to support business goals and objectives
• Coordinate solutions to contractual issues and customer concerns related to company performance
• Ensure contractual compliance with all laws and regulations, and approval requirements for proposals and contractual actions
• Ensures final contract documents are consistent with agreements reached at negotiations
• Signs contractual awards and modifications as appropriate in adherence to delegation of authority levels
• Ensures company contracting policies and procedures required for contract execution, contract terminations and customer relations and negotiations are followed to maintain compliance with all applicable Government laws including: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and other Government regulations

• Contracting lead for audits, as appropriate, with internal and external audit teams and agencies to support contract-related activities and periodically verifies compliance
• Plans for and oversees all training on contract practices and procedures within the company
• Supports International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) compliance activities
• Ensures the effective and efficient resolution of contractual problems and coordinate problem resolution with all interfacing departments and customer contracting representatives to try and mitigate negative contractual impacts
• Promotes positive employee relations and adherence to company policies and procedures

• Develops, Manages and Reports on all Key Performance Indicators for contracting
• Oversees the daily workflow and schedules of the Contracts department
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy
• Mentors and trains the Contracts staff
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Direct contract and/or subcontract management experience with the DoD and major aerospace primes
• Core understanding of the FAR and DFARS
• Strong aptitude for reviewing and successfully negotiating FAR, DFARS and customer contract flow-down requirements
• Oversight of estimating practices and proposal analysis, including pricing and proposal compliancy as prescribed in the RFP and/or FAR/DFARS
• U.S. Government audit support covering requirements as outlined in the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act (Formally TINA)
• Strong aptitude in developing content, grasping difficult concepts, and interpreting technical writing
• Experience in proofreading, editing, and ensuring continuity, clarity, and consistency of writing
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to listen, synthesize and analyze technical solutions
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and communications with all internal and external customers and possess excellent business acumen
• Ability to manage numerous and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment while supporting essential business activities under tight deadlines
• Working knowledge for Earned Value Management and ability to read, understand and interpret monthly program financials
• An active U.S. Government Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a Clearance.  Current SSBI is preferred; please note if applicable

Preferred Skills

• Contracting policy and procedure development, maintenance, and oversight
• Experience reviewing and signing Non-Disclosure Agreements and Proprietary Information Agreements

Experience

• 10 years of hands-on DoD contract administration related experience required
• Experience administering various contract types (Fired Fixed Price, Cost Plus Award Fee/Incentive Fee and Time & Materials)
• Proposal support experience in a DoD services/contracting organization is desired, but not required
• Familiarity with AS 9100 and ISO 9001:2015
• Fundamental understanding of ITAR and EAR controlled data is desired

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.