Contracts Manager

Blue Bird Careers•Plattsburgh, NY

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The FTA Contracts Manager is responsible for managing opportunities and contracts related to the public transit market funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), from identifying requests for proposals (RFPs) through contract execution. The individual ensures alignment between client requirements, contractual commitments, the proposed solution, internal capabilities, and Micro Bird’s business objectives. This strategic role oversees RFI/RFQ/RFP activities, contract governance, and performance monitoring, while ensuring that targeted contracts comply with applicable Buy America Act (BAA) requirements. The individual serves as the central point of contact between internal sales, the Drummondville teams, the external sales team in Georgia, project managers in Plattsburgh, and support functions, including legal, finance, operations, engineering, and compliance.

Requirements

Significant experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or regulated environment, ideally in the transportation, automotive, or rolling stock sectors.
Strong understanding of RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, decision-making governance mechanisms, and the contractual, financial, and operational challenges associated with complex projects.
Proven experience in team management and cross-functional coordination in a multi-site environment.
Bilingualism in French and English is required.
Solid understanding of contractual, commercial, operational, and financial issues.
Ability to manage both the bidding phase and execution monitoring in a constantly changing environment.
Strong political acumen, excellent understanding of organizational and interpersonal issues, and a constructive, solution-oriented approach.
High level of attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and meticulous record-keeping.
Energy, initiative, and a strong ability to drive projects forward with determination and sound judgment.
Excellent communication skills in French and English.
Willingness to travel regularly between Drummondville and Plattsburgh, as well as for certain client visits or industry events.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, law, project management, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in roles related to complex bidding processes, contract management, industrial project management, or business governance.
All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of FTA/BAA environments and a project management certification (PMP, Prince2) are a plus.
Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
Strong project management skills.
Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
Ability to influence stakeholders
Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

Responsibilities

Establish and track the schedule of opportunities, requests for proposals (RFPs), and key deadlines.
Oversee the RFI/RFQ/RFP process, from qualification through submission.
Oversee go/no-go decisions, priorities, deliverables, and timelines.
Ensure the quality, compliance, and competitiveness of bids.
Coordinate the negotiation, administration, and monitoring of contracts, amendments, and contractual changes.
Ensure that contractual, commercial, and compliance requirements are fully integrated into bids and contract execution.
Work in partnership with the legal team, which is responsible for the legal analysis of contracts, to ensure rigorous and consistent management of client obligations.
Ensure compliance with requirements applicable to FTA contracts, including BAA requirements.
Ensure continuity between the bid, award, and execution of the contract.
Coordinate with project managers in Plattsburgh to track commitments, milestones, deliverables, variances, and changes.
Support the resolution of execution issues, claims, and contractual adjustments with the relevant teams.
Oversee the teams involved in bidding, BAA compliance, and contract execution.
Ensure effective collaboration between internal sales, the Drummondville teams, the external sales team in Georgia, operations, engineering, procurement, finance, quality, compliance, and legal.
Serve as a central point of contact for contractual issues and ensure a clear flow of information among stakeholders.
Develop and monitor performance metrics related to bids and contracts, particularly regarding quotes vs. orders, success rates, timelines, and the quality of documentation.
Conduct structured post-mortems of lost bids and capitalize on lessons learned.
Implement and refine management tools, templates, and practices related to bids, contracts, and performance monitoring.
Be regularly present at the Drummondville and Plattsburgh sites to ensure alignment with the teams and proper contract monitoring.
Participate, as needed, in meetings with transportation authorities, clients, or at FTA events and trade shows.