Contract Manager

McLane Global • Houston, TX

40d • Hybrid

About The Position

McLane Global is seeking an experienced and highly organized Contract Manager to oversee and administer
large federal contracts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The ideal candidate will have at least
5 years of experience managing multi-million dollar USDA or similar federal agency contracts, a solid
understanding of FAR, AGAR (Agriculture Acquisition Regulation), and a proven ability to manage risk and
ensure regulatory compliance throughout the contract lifecycle

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, or a related field (Master’s or JD preferred).
• 5+ years of federal contracting experience with a focus on USDA or similar civilian agency contracts.
• Strong working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR).
• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex federal contracts including cost-reimbursement, fixed-price, and IDIQ vehicles.
• Strong documentation discipline and comfort managing exceptions, claims, and compliancesensitive data.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, project management, IT, and finance/accounting teams.
• Proficient in contract management systems and tools (e.g., Unison PRISM, FPDS-NG, USDA’s EZFedGrants or Ag Acquisition).

Nice To Haves

• NCMA certification (e.g., CPCM, CFCM).
• Experience working with USDA agencies such as NRCS, FSA, ARS, FSIS, or US Forest Service.
• Knowledge of USDA grant administration, cooperative agreements, and interagency agreements.
• Familiarity with agricultural, environmental, or rural development-related contracting initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of the federal contracting lifecycle (pre-award, award, post-award, closeout) for USDA contracts, including but not limited to program deliverables, IT services, research support, facility operations, and agricultural programs.
• Administer and optimize an active USDA contract supporting food distribution, warehousing, and transportation services.
• Ensure strict compliance with FAR, AGAR, and agency-specific policies and procedures.
• Act as the primary liaison between USDA Contracting Officers and internal teams for all contract matters, including negotiations, modifications, and deliverables.
• Draft, analyze, and negotiate a wide range of contractual documents including subcontracts, teaming agreements, NDAs, and task orders.
• Support proposal and pricing teams by reviewing solicitations (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs), providing contractual input, and helping shape compliant, competitive submissions.
• Monitor contract performance against deliverables, milestones, and financial benchmarks; identify risks and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Monitor contract scope and identify potential scope creep and partner with leadership to document, price, and formalize out-of-scope work through contract modifications.
• Provide guidance to program management and operational staff on contract interpretation and risk management strategies including supporting weekly customer reviews and internal operating reviews with project management, warehouse, transportation, and accounting teams.
• Maintain contract files and documentation per USDA records management and audit standards.
• Track and manage subcontractor performance and ensure flow-down compliance with USDA-specific clauses.
• Serve as a practical problem solver who can work constructively with government stakeholders while protecting McLane Global’s contractual and financial interests.

Benefits

• Competitive base compensation with an extremely rewarding incentive compensation plan.
• Full Benefits including Medical, Dental and Vision effective on the first day of employment.
• 401(k) with Employer Match.
• Paid Holidays.
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees