Federal Contracts Manager III

Calista Corporation•Houston, TX

13d

About The Position

The Federal Contracts Manager III leads and administers complex federal government contracts, with an emphasis on Department of Defense programs, including large IDIQ vehicles, CPFF agreements, and associated task orders. The position manages contractual activities across the full acquisition lifecycle, provides authoritative guidance to internal stakeholders, and supervises entry- to mid-level contracts professionals. It requires independent judgment, advanced negotiation skills, and the ability to resolve complex contractual issues while managing risk, ensuring compliance, and supporting program objectives. The position reports to the Contracts Manager for the Aviation, Systems & Engineering (ASE) Group.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, Finance, or a related discipline.
At least 8 years of progressively responsible business, management, or federal government contracting experience, including direct hands-on DoD contracting experience.
Experience supervising, mentoring, or leading contract professionals and providing guidance to cross-functional business teams.
Demonstrated experience administering complex federal contracts, including IDIQ vehicles, CPFF agreements, and associated task orders.
Excellent knowledge of contracting concepts, public contract acquisition law, FAR, DFARS, applicable regulations, and corporate contracting policies and procedures.
Experience with complex solicitations, proposals, bids, contract modifications, negotiations, and contractual dispute resolution.
Knowledge of federal contract financial requirements, including incremental funding, cost-reimbursement structures, contract ceilings, and fee provisions.
Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication, presentation, leadership, management, and internal and external negotiation skills.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and creativity in resolving complex contract issues, prioritize competing demands, and operate effectively with senior management.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting NASA contracts, including familiarity with the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS).
Experience supporting major DoD programs, including U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, or other defense agencies.
Experience with large, multi-award IDIQ vehicles and complex CPFF task orders.
Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or equivalent certification.
Experience with Deltek Costpoint or comparable government contract management systems.
Experience supporting DCAA/DCMA audits, government compliance reviews, and contract transitions.
Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain a security clearance, as required by assigned programs.

Responsibilities

Supervise, train, mentor, and develop entry- to mid-level contracts professionals; oversee work assignments, quality, and contract administration activities.
Administer complex federal contracts, including DoD IDIQ vehicles, CPFF agreements, and task orders, through solicitation, proposal, negotiation, award, modification, and closeout.
Draft or review complex solicitations and prepare specialized or non-routine responses to requests for proposals, bids, and contract modifications.
Lead or support complex contract negotiations, interpret contract terms and conditions, and resolve contractual issues and disputes using independent judgment and business analysis.
Serve as a primary contractual point of contact with government Contracting Officers, acquisition officials, and internal stakeholders within delegated authority.
Coordinate with Legal, Finance, Program Management, Business Development, and other functions to resolve contract issues and align contractual decisions with business objectives.
Provide authoritative guidance to internal business teams and subordinate contracts professionals on contract interpretation, compliance, and risk mitigation.
Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, applicable agency supplements, corporate policies, and contractual obligations; identify and recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Monitor contract funding, ceilings, cost-reimbursement provisions, deliverables, periods of performance, and other contractual requirements.
Support audits, government inquiries, compliance reviews, and corrective actions; communicate complex contract matters to leadership and external stakeholders.
Prepare and deliver contract-related briefings and recommendations to management; perform other related duties as assigned.
Succeed in an upper-level management environment.