Contracts Manager

REPORTS TO:  Senior Director Pricing and Contracts

SUPERVISES:  Contract Administrators and other support staff for the program(s) assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

A Contracts Manager has overall responsibility for all aspects of contract administration for assigned program(s) including but not limited to the following:

• Overseeing and coordinating day-to-day contract administration activities and specifically for supervising a team of contract specialists in their performance of assigned duties in support of same;
• Drafting contracts, contract modifications, agreements, memorandums of understanding, terms and conditions, and other contract related documents;
• Acting as primary liaison and point of contact with the Customer on formal communications and submittals, and specifically for leading the negotiations for new contracts and contract modifications;
• Acting as primary liaison and point of contact with major subcontractors on formal communications and submittals, and specifically for leading the negotiations for new subcontracts and subcontract modifications;
• Acting as primary liaison and point of contact for coordination and communication with all departments on contract related issues;
• Maintaining contract files (e.g. proposals, contracts, correspondence, modifications);
• Maintaining current contract values for purposes of validation and redundancy with other departments (i.e. Finance and Program Office);
• Assisting in the management and resolution of accounting issues that have significant implications to contract performance and payment for same (e.g. contract type, cost accounting standards, cost allowability, payment terms, disclosure statements, certifications, audit requests, and retentions);
• Leading new business pursuits and change management on existing contracts by developing contract strategies and specifically for reviewing solicitations and change requests and developing formal proposals, bids, and contract modifications including negotiating same with the Customer and major subcontractors;
• Developing current, accurate and complete new bid and change proposals that are compliant with all applicable laws, regulations and other requirements and preparing the representations and certifications associated with same prior to submission to the Customer;
• Assisting all departments on issues of contract interpretation;
• Leading the effort on matters of contract dispute resolution including protests, claims and lawsuits;
• Analyzing and interpreting contract requirements, special provisions, and terms and conditions to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and the Company’s practices, policies, procedure and guidelines;
• Analyzing new laws, regulations and contract trends for potential impact on current and future contracts;
• Assisting in the development of business alliances and partnering agreements;
• Functioning as domain expert on selected areas and issues (e.g. FAR/DFAR, foreign military sales and organizational conflict of interest);
• Assisting in the identification, development, implementation and maintenance of Contracts Department practices, policies, procedures and guidelines;
• Managing a staff of contract specialists with responsibility for coordinating with the Senior Director of Pricing and Contracts and Human Resources on hiring, firing, monitoring performance, disciplining, conducting and documenting evaluations, goal setting, approving leave, monitoring attendance, upholding high ethical standards, promoting team work and maintaining an emphasis on accountability and achieving results;
• Mentoring and training support staff to insure professional development within the Contracts Department is consistent with the Company’s and employee’s needs and goals; and
• Maintaining a strong understanding of the Company’s overall business strategy and an appreciation of financial/analytical issues and profit and loss implications for contracting activities.
• Support the Estimating Business System initiative in response to RFP or RFQ requirements to ensure adequate supervision and sound proposals, to protect from duplication and omissions, in accordance with DFARs Cost Estimating System Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

• College Degree in related field required.
• A minimum of 10+ year’s related experience required.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, negotiating skills and the ability to manage and prioritize tasks using available resources effectively and efficiently.
• Must be proficient with the use of standard Microsoft office software (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and other generally used business software (e.g. Adobe Acrobat).
• Must be able to participate in and in many cases lead a team to meet all commitments within a required deadline.

LIAISES WITH: Customers, major subcontractors, executive staff and management level personnel from all departments.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

• The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of your position responsibilities.

• Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:

• 18 years of age or older at time of application
• Able to provide proof of US Person Status
• No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
• No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
• Willing to submit to a drug screen
• Willing to submit to a background check

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.
Austal shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.  Austal’s commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.