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):
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85003
