Contract Specialist

Position Summary

The Contract Specialist is responsible for administering assigned contracts of broad scope and high complexity to ensure fulfillment of contractual obligations and compliance with customer requirements. This role supports proposal development, contract negotiations, pricing and terms administration, contract performance monitoring, risk management, and customer communications.

The position plays a key role in new business pursuits, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), bid/no-bid evaluations, proposal development, contract risk assessments, and change management activities. The Contract Specialist partners closely with Program Managers, functional leaders, customers, and suppliers to provide contractual guidance and support throughout the contract lifecycle.

Additionally, this role supports order management activities including customer communications, schedule management, portal administration, demand planning, purchase order review, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.

Reporting Structure

• Individual Contributor Role
• Reports to a Contracts Manager or Contract Lead
• No Direct Reports
• Frequent interaction with Program Managers, functional leaders, internal teams, customers, and suppliers

Key Responsibilities

Contract Administration

• Administer highly competitive and major contracts by reviewing customer purchase orders, Basic Contract Agreements, and Long-Term Agreements.
• Analyze contract requirements including pricing, delivery schedules, terms and conditions, and performance obligations.
• Maintain contract files and records of contract modifications and change activity.
• Monitor compliance with contractual obligations and ensure fulfillment of contract requirements.

Proposal Development & Business Pursuits

• Develop technically and commercially compliant proposal packages for major customers.
• Evaluate customer requirements, delivery schedules, labor estimates, material costs, and equipment requirements.
• Support new business opportunities through NDA creation and bid/no-bid decision-making processes.
• Coordinate proposal inputs from engineering, operations, finance, quality, and other departments.
• Develop and submit complex responses to Requests for Proposal (RFPs).

Contract Negotiation & Risk Management

• Negotiate contract pricing, terms and conditions, delivery schedules, and contract modifications.
• Negotiate contract change proposals and support customer-driven changes.
• Provide contractual leadership to programs and projects.
• Conduct contract risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Ensure contract provisions are clearly defined and aligned with company policies and legal requirements.
• Focus on proactive identification and mitigation of contractual risks.

Customer & Program Support

• Serve as the primary customer contact for assigned contracts.
• Participate in customer meetings and presentations.
• Support assigned programs with contractual guidance and leadership.
• Partner with Program Managers to manage contract change control processes.
• Provide status updates regarding contractual obligations and program performance.

Claims Resolution & Problem Solving

• Investigate and resolve customer claims, disputes, and complaints.
• Collect and analyze information to determine appropriate resolutions.
• Develop company positions and contractual assertions regarding customer claims.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, operations, and other stakeholders to address contract-related issues.

Contract Performance Management

• Monitor contract performance and ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
• Identify when amendments, modifications, or contract extensions are required.
• Determine when customer-directed changes fall outside the original contract scope.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Lead or support initiatives to improve contract administration processes and internal systems.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and aerospace industry regulations.
• Establish and maintain processes that support regulatory and contractual compliance.
• Participate in process improvement efforts involving corporate functions and customers.

Order Management & Planning

• Support order management activities including:
  • Limited order entry
  • Schedule changes
  • Customer portal management
  • Demand plan creation
  • Customer communication
  • Purchase order and contract review
• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Train and mentor junior contract professionals.
• Provide guidance to department personnel and cross-functional teams.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on contractual matters.
• Support management with contractual analysis and strategic recommendations.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a related field required.
• Contract Management Certification required unless candidate possesses a JD or MBA:
  • NCMA (National Contract Management Association)
  • IACCM (International Association of Commercial Contract Management)

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive contract administration experience.
• Experience managing complex commercial and/or government contracts.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating contract terms, pricing, and contractual changes.
• Experience supporting proposal development and responding to RFPs.
• Experience conducting contract risk assessments and mitigation planning.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of contract administration principles, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Ability to interpret and analyze contracts, terms and conditions, and legal requirements.
• Strong negotiation and risk management skills.
• Experience resolving contractual disputes and customer claims.
• Ability to influence business decisions through contractual analysis and recommendations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong customer relationship management capabilities.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and business software applications.
• Experience with ERP systems, contract management systems, and customer portals preferred.
• Ability to work with complex internal and customer systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or government contracting experience.
• Experience supporting engineering-based products, systems, or hardware programs.
• Knowledge of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.
• Experience with NDA management, bid/no-bid reviews, and contract change management.
• NCMA or IACCM certification.