What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contracts and Subcontracts Manager position at Austal USA?
Job Title: Contract Manager
About Austal USA Advanced Technologies (AT)
Austal USA Advanced Technologies (AT) is a division of Austal USA, a global defense prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defense and commercial ships. Austal USA AT works at the forefront to invent, mature, and implement advanced maritime technologies which enhance operational capacities and improve readiness of our defense systems.
The technology hub in Charlottesville VA works to bring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to scale, and also oversees operation of the U.S. Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM COE) located in Danville, VA. The mission of the AM COE is to operationalize additive manufacturing in the submarine industrial base and provide emergent request support to sustain our Nation's fleet.
Authorities / Responsibilities
- Drafts contracts/sub-contracts, contract/sub-contract modifications, agreements, memorandums of understanding, terms and conditions, and other contract/sub-contract related documents.
- Reviews and represents the company in negotiating subcontracts with major suppliers. Reviews and negotiates any changes to standard agreement templates.
- Acts as primary liaison and point of contact with major subcontractors on formal communications and submittals and leads the negotiations for new subcontracts and subcontract modifications.
- Leads and coordinates day-to-day contract and subcontract administration activities by supervising a team of contract and subcontract specialists in their performance of assigned duties in support of same.
- Acts as primary liaison and point of contact for coordination and communication with all departments on contract and subcontract related issues.
- Responsible for the maintenance of contract and subcontract files (e.g. proposals, contracts, correspondence, modifications) to include values for purposes of validation with other departments.
- Assists 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).
- Leads new business pursuits and change management on existing contracts and subcontracts by developing strategies and reviewing solicitations and change requests which lead to the development of formal proposals, bids, and modifications including negotiating same with the Customer and major subcontractors.
- Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and other requirements applicable to a contract and prepares the representations and certifications associated with same prior to submission to the Customer.
- Functions as domain expert on selected areas and issues (e.g. FAR/DFAR, foreign military sales and organizational conflict of interest).
- Assists all departments on issues of contract interpretation.
- Leads the effort on matters of contract dispute resolution including protests, claims and lawsuits.
- Participates in the formulation, development, implementation, and revision of the Company's Supplier Terms & Conditions.
- Develops, critically reviews, and documents policies and procedures related to area of responsibility and ensures implementation of these policies and procedures, while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
- Maintains compliance with Company policies and procedures.
Qualifications / Knowledge / Experience
- Requires at least a bachelor's in legal, Business Administration or a related field and ten (10) years of in-depth experience covering government contracting.
- Master's degree preferred.
- Familiarity and experience with the Uniform Commercial Code and Federal Government procurement laws and regulations, specifically FAR and DFARS.
- Experience with government compliance issues required.
- Strong contract management experience, including ability to review, interpret and modify written content. Ability to gather, analyze and evaluate facts and to prepare concise oral and written reports.
- Strong mathematical aptitude, problem solving and analytical skills. Ability to analyze issues and suggest solutions; ability to collect, organize, and analyze data for various projects
- Strong aptitude for presenting a concept's full life cycle and providing recommendations to Executive Leadership.
- Must work with a sense of urgency and have the ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner. Can handle demands from multiple customers and has the ability to prioritize.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams/organizations with attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Excellent attention to detail, organization skills a must.
- Flexible and has the capability to deliver results in a fast paced, and high-volume environment.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to train, coach, and mentor.
- Advanced knowledge of Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint.
- Expanded knowledge of contract types.
- Decisive and action-oriented. Capable of making a decision and executing it.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
TOOLS:
N/A
DIRECTION EXERCISED:
Provides direction to subordinates and other employees within the Company regarding Company policies and procedures.
DISCRETION EXERCISED:
Exercises a wide degree of latitude and creativity. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
LIAISES WITH:
Executive Leadership, all levels of Management within the organization, Customer representatives, Government representatives, Supplier representatives, Internal and External Auditors.
Additional Guidelines
- The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of your position responsibilities.
Equal Employment Commitment
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.