Sr. Contracts Manager

Sparks Group

Fairfax, VA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Communication Skills, Contract Creation, Contract Management, Contract Negotiation, Cross-Functional, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), Deltek Costpoint, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Federal Contracts, Federal Government, Finance, Financial Regulations, Fixed Price Contract, Government, Government Contracts, Government Regulations, Government Requirements, Leadership, Legal, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing Technology, Mentoring, Negotiation Skills, New Drug Application, Process Improvement, Project/Program Management, Property Management, Proposal Development, Purchasing/Procurement, Regulations, Reimbursement, Research & Development (R&D), Risk Management, Team Lead/Manager
LOCATION
Fairfax, VA
POSTED
Today

Sparks Group, partnered with a renowned forward-thinking government contractor. Seeking an experienced Senior Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of federal government contracts, from proposal development and contract negotiation through administration, compliance, and closeout. The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal government contracts, from proposal development and contract negotiation through administration, compliance, and closeout. This role requires extensive experience with FAR, DFARS, and federal acquisition regulations, along with strong expertise in proposal cost volumes, risk management, and contract negotiations. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on contracts professional who can work independently, support complex government programs, and provide leadership on critical contractual and compliance matters. If you’re looking for an exciting opportunity as a new step in your career, apply now!

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead cradle-to-grave administration of federal contracts, including proposal support, contract negotiation, modifications, compliance, and closeout activities.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements including OTAs, CRADAs, NDAs, task orders, subcontract agreements, and commercial contracts.
  • Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, CMMC, and agency-specific regulations while proactively identifying and mitigating contractual risks.
  • Partner with program management, finance, procurement, legal, and government stakeholders to support successful contract execution and performance.
  • Mentor junior contracts professionals, drive process improvements, and serve as a key advisor to leadership on contractual and compliance matters.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Contracts, Finance, Law, or a related field (Master's degree preferred); equivalent experience considered.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience managing federal government contracts within defense, technology, R&D, or related environments.
  • Active Top Secret clearance (at minimum) or TS/SCI clearance with SCI eligibility required.
  • Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, federal acquisition regulations, and hands-on experience with cost-reimbursement, T&M, and firm-fixed-price contracts.
  • Proficiency with Deltek Costpoint or similar ERP/contract management systems, coupled with strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting OTAs, CRADAs, GSA Schedules, and commercial products/services contracting.
  • Familiarity with DCMA, DCAA, and government audit requirements.
  • Knowledge of government property management regulations, including FAR Part 45 and GFP processes.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing, technology, or defense-focused organizations.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, develop contract management processes, and mentor junior staff.

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This job is Hybrid Remote.

We offer several comprehensive benefits package including health and life insurance, paid and unpaid time off, and retirement and savings plans to qualifying employees.

Download the Sparks Group mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play.

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Sparks Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship, family status, genetic information, disability, or protect veteran status.

 

About the Company

S

Sparks Group

Bringing the Best People and the Best Companies Together Since 1970.

Sparks Group (formerly SPARKS, Sparks IT Solutions, and Sparks Personnel) is the Washington DC Area's leading temporary staffing and full-time recruiting services provider. Whether you are seeking your next opportunity or looking to add talent, Sparks Group is the ideal partner for you! Each of our four divisions (Sparks Office, Sparks Accounting & Finance, Sparks IT, and Sparks Creative) specializes in placing professionals in temporary/contract, temporary-to-full-time, and full-time roles across a diverse array of staffing categories, positions and levels including: office/administrative, customer service, human resources and talent acquisition, legal support, government and cleared personnel, mortgage/banking, accounting and finance, contracts and procurement, information technology and creative/marketing.

Sparks Group brings over four decades of experience placing professionals in challenging and rewarding positions at many of the area’s most prestigious organizations. Our primary focus is presenting opportunities that match each candidate’s skill-sets, experience levels, career objectives, and growth needs. Sparks Group has regularly ranked as one of the top US staffing and recruiting firms having been named to Inavero’s Best of Staffing Lists® for Client and Employee Satisfaction (2012-2017). Additionally, Sparks Group is proud to have been recently selected for other awards Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2017 Best Staffing Firms to Work For, Washington Business Journal Best Places to Work (2017), the Washington Post’s Top Workplaces® List (2017, 2014), Forbes® Best Professional Recruiting Firms (2017), and the National Capital Business Ethics Award.

COMPANY SIZE
50 to 99 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1970
WEBSITE
https://www.sparksgroupinc.com