The Contracts Manager is responsible for leading the full lifecycle of complex government and commercial contracts, from pre-award strategy through execution and closeout. This role serves as a strategic partner to program leadership, ensuring that contract structures, terms, and performance requirements are aligned with organizational objectives while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations.

This role bridges contracting and operations by translating contractual requirements into actionable program deliverables, tracking performance against milestones, and advising leadership on risk, compliance, and execution strategy. A successful Contracts Manager will leverage their deep understanding of government contracting, regulatory frameworks, and program execution to ensure contracts are not only compliant, but strategically structured and effectively executed to drive mission and business success. Specific responsibilities include:

Contract Strategy & Pre-Award Support

Advise leadership on contract structure and pricing strategy based on risk, scope, and customer requirements
Support proposal development by reviewing solicitations, identifying risks, and shaping contract terms
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, subcontracts, NDAs, and teaming agreements
Identify and mitigate contractual risks prior to award

Contract Review & Compliance

Perform detailed reviews of contracts for alignment with FAR/DFARS, company policies, and business objectives
Interpret contract clauses and communicate implications to program and finance teams
Ensure proper flow-down of requirements to subcontractors and partners

Program Integration & Execution

Translate contract requirements into clear deliverables, milestones, and reporting structures, for both EndRun and our subcontractors
Partner with Program Managers to establish execution plans aligned with contract scope
Track contract performance, deliverables, and key milestones to ensure timely and compliant execution
Identify risks to cost, schedule, and performance, and recommend corrective actions

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

Develop and maintain contract performance tracking tools and dashboards
Prepare and deliver regular status reports on contract health, including financials, milestones, and risks
Support internal and external reporting requirements, including customer deliverables

Stakeholder Coordination

Serve as a primary interface with Contracting Officers (COs), Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), and Technical Point of Contacts (TPOCs) on contractual matters
Coordinate with finance, legal, and program teams to ensure alignment across all contract activities
Support audits and reviews, including DCAA/DCMA engagements as applicable

Contract Closeout

Lead contract closeout activities, including verification of deliverables, final invoice, and documentation
Ensure all contractual obligations are met and properly documented
Identify lessons learned to improve future contract execution

External Advisory Support

Advise the companies receiving consulting support with Contract type selection (FFP vs CPFF vs OTA), proposal contract strategy (risk positioning, pricing alignment), reviewing government contracts before signature
Help companies avoid common pitfalls, such as accepting unfavorable terms, misaligned deliverables vs. scope, cash flow traps (especially in CPFF/T&M)
Provide light-touch coaching on FAR basics, working with CO/COR, contract execution readiness

In addition to possessing experience with each area of responsibility listed above, the Contracts Manager will have the following skills:

Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, OTA and federal contracting practices
Experience with multiple contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, OTAs preferred)
Demonstrated ability to manage contracts through full lifecycle (pre-award to closeout)
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Successful candidates applying for this position will also have the following:

A bachelor’s degree in any field
5+ years of experience in government contracting, contract management, or related field
Experience interfacing with DoD or federal agency stakeholders (CO, COR, TPOC)
Experience supporting SBIR/STTR, OTA agreements, or R&D-focused programs
Familiarity with DCAA compliance, cost structures, and indirect rates
Experience in a fast-paced, dual-use or defense technology environment
Military experience (preferred, not required)

Pay: $65.00 - $75.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

Are you a U.S. citizen?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85003

Southwest Mission Acceleration Center

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Contracts Manager