Contract Specialist

Contract Administrator

Administers assigned contracts of broad scope and high complexity to ensure fulfillment of contractual obligations. Defines requirements, generates and provides input for proposals, negotiates pricing and terms, monitors contract performance, and ensures compliance with contract requirements. Determines customer contractual requirements for new products and/or systems (i.e. Proposals that include engineering design and system hardware) and other specialized assignments. Key contributor to new contracting opportunities including creating Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA's) and supports bid/no-bid decision making. Receives, analyzes and responds to complex issues including the validity of customer claims and development of Client assertions. Provides support to assigned programs, conducts contract risk management reviews and makes recommendations to efficiently and cost effectively mitigate potential risks. Manages the change control process with the Program Manager and provides contractual leadership to projects and programs. Has responsibilities for Order Management comprised of: Minimal order entry, schedule changes, portal management, creation of Demand Plan as part of Sales and Operating Plan (S&OP), customer communication, and PO/Contract review and analysis.

Does Not Have Direct Reports Individual contributor role reporting to a Contracts Manager or lead role. Has frequent interaction with program and functional managers, internal teams, and customers or suppliers.

Essential Functions:

• Administers highly competitive, major contract requirements by analyzing performance requirements and customer purchase order requirements including those issued against Basic Contract Agreements and/or Long-Term Agreements. Analyses include performance to delivery schedules, pricing, terms and conditions and other contract provisions. Maintains contract files and maintains records of contract change activity.
• Determines technically and commercially compliant complex proposal packages for major customers in response to customer or contract requirements. Evaluates performance requirements, delivery schedules, and estimates of costs of material, equipment, and labor hours.
• Initiates the bid process by identifying requirements and coordinating input from other functions. Develops complex responses to requests for proposal (RFP) by reviewing bid process procedures, reviewing material, test and other requirements, and preparing appropriate responses. Prepares and submits complex proposals.
• Negotiates complex contract requirements in accordance with legal and company regulations and policies. Negotiates price, terms and conditions, deliveries, and other business issues within a broad scope of responsibility. Negotiates contract change proposals; statuses progress of contract performance obligations and reports to customer as needed. Makes proactive recommendations for contract changes for programs or projects of high scope and complexity. Focuses attention and activity on contract risk. Ensures contract provisions are clear and conform to company policy.
• Investigate and resolve claims or complaints by collecting and analyzing information. Coordinates with relevant functions on technical and/or quality issues, data requirements, and other business issues as applicable.
• Monitors contract performance by determining compliance to contract requirements and determining the need for amendments or extensions to the contract. Determines when customer directed changes are out-of-scope.
• Acts as the point of contact with the customer on assigned contracts and participates in customer presentations.
• Applies and may lead initiatives to improve the efficiency of internal systems and processes within the division and/or with corporate and customer involvement.
• Maintains current professional and technical knowledge and may participate in professional associations (e.g. National Contract Management Association (NCMA); the International Association of Commercial Contract Management).
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and aerospace industry regulations; establishes processes for adherence to requirements and implements appropriate actions.
• Acts as consultant to management on major contractual matters by performing analysis, interpretation of data, and incorporation of decision making.
• Trains and mentors less experienced employees. May provide leadership to others in department or to ad-hoc teams. May serve as a functional expert.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (BA) in Business Administration or a related discipline. Contract management certification required (e.g., National Contract Management Association (NCMA); International Association of Commercial Contract Management (IACCM)) unless JD or MBA.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job typically acquired through 5+ years of related experience of increasing responsibility.