Contracts Administrator jobs in Knoxville, TN

Job Summary

Manages contracts to ensure fulfillment of contractual obligations. Defines requirements, participates in generating proposals, monitors contract performance, negotiates terms and conditions and ensures compliance with contract requirements.

Job Duties/Tasks/Responsibilities

• Responsible for contract management functions for prime contract and sub-tier government and commercial contracts in accordance with applicable commercial, government and international contract rules and regulations.
• Engages in statements of work and specification reviews for proposals and contracts/orders to identify risks.
• Advises Operations and Business Development teams of contractual risks and obligations and offers solutions to mitigate contractual/program risks.
• Analyzes, reviews, understands, and negotiates contractual terms using FAR, DFAR, and DEAR government regulations.
• Manages contracts to compliance, following procedures, licensing, and applicable regulations/rules.
• Provides corporate contract management across the company's contracts portfolio.
• Manages contract through its lifecycle, including changes and contract closeout activities.
• Controls formal correspondence with internal and external customers. Monitors and ensures compliance with contract terms, special provisions, warranties, deliverables and funding requirements.
• Intervene and resolve problems, delays, and evaluates concerns with internal and external customers.
• Main point of contact with the customer for all contractual matters and is a liaison with customers and internal departments for all matters affecting contracts.
• Negotiates to obtain an acceptable business agreement that achieves the company objectives.
• Oversees all review and approval activities of negotiated contracts/orders with appropriate internal personnel and LOA authorities.
• Subject Matter Expert supporting proposal development and contracts/orders for terms and conditions.
• Provides all required information that supports the company's negotiation position. Prepares documentation to confirm negotiation settlement.
• Ensures proper contractual flowdown clauses from prime contracts are identified and supplied to the company's procurement organization.
• Participates in the daily operations of the project, as applicable, to meet schedules, resolve complex issues and respond to inquiries regarding contractual obligations.
• Engages and communicates with Legal, Financial and Business Development for resolution of contract issues and disputes.
• Mentors and trains less experienced professionals; may have direct reports. Mentors lower level Contracts Administrators on government contracting and the FAR/DFAR/DEAR clauses not used in commercial contracts.
• Strong team member and resource for business development and operations.
• Ensures records are created and properly retained and maintains current contracts, files and records.
• Provides contract compliance guidance and leadership to division leads and senior management.
• Supports in realigning and creating processes and standards for the group.
• Recommends process improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required and Desired Skills

• Is recognized as an expert in own area within the organization
• Develops negotiation strategy and is able to execute the strategy with customer
• Experience working with Project Manager roles and understanding project activities as they pertain to contracts.
• Administers contracts of large scope and greater complexity than lower level roles
• Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends solutions/best practices
• Solves complex problems; takes a broad perspective to identify solutions
• Demonstrated ability to continually improve in contract administration
• Advanced understanding of contracting corporate policies and procedures and ability to accurately interpret contract language
• Expert knowledge of contracting concepts, FARs, and other federal acquisition regulations and applicable public contract acquisition laws and regulations
• Strong analytical and communication skills with customers and senior level management
• Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Office products, particularly Word and Excel
• Strong external and internal negotiation skills
• Effective presentation, leadership and team-building skills. Emerging ability to excel in management environment
• Able to articulate a contract position with all levels of management

Physical/Mental Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit
• Ability to effectively communicate; speaking, reading, understanding, writing and hearing clear English; pass audiogram in hearing conservation program as required by location
• Basic math and computer skills
• Ability to work inside an office
• Ability to perform highly repetitive motions with fingers, hands, wrists, and shoulders
• Ability to work alone, work with others, and interact with the public
• Ability to perform under deadline pressure
• Ability to understand and follow basic instructions and guidelines