Pricing Manager

Applied Research Solutions•Kettering, OH

About The Position

ARS is seeking an experienced Pricing Manager to lead pricing strategy, proposal pricing, and cost/price analysis for our government and defense contracts business. This role is responsible for developing compliant, competitive, and profitable pricing on proposals submitted to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies, while also shaping broader corporate pricing strategy, policy, and procedures. The ideal candidate combines strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to navigate FAR/DFARS pricing regulations, contract types, and government procurement processes. Experience in the DoD/government contracting industry is strongly preferred but not required. Candidates with strong commercial pricing backgrounds and a willingness to learn government contracting regulations are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Must be a US citizen
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
At least 8 years of experience in pricing, financial analysis, or cost estimating, with demonstrated leadership or team management experience.
Strong analytical, financial modeling, and Excel skills; experience building complex pricing models.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to present pricing strategy to executive leadership and support customer-facing negotiations.
Demonstrated ability to prepare and present analysis to senior/executive leadership (including Operating Group and C-suite audiences).
Demonstrated project management and cross-functional leadership capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting DoD or federal government proposals, including familiarity with FAR/DFARS, CAS, and Certified Cost or Pricing Data requirements.
Experience with government contract types (FFP, Cost-Plus, T&M, IDIQ).
Active CAC (Common Access Card) for submittal of pricing packages through government systems.
Experience negotiating pricing and cost data with teaming partners as either prime or subcontractor, including familiarity with teaming agreements and NDAs.

Responsibilities

Define, develop, and implement pricing strategies, policies, procedures, and processes aligned with corporate business plans.
Partner with Business Development, Contracts, Program Management, and Finance to develop cost volumes and pricing models for competitive proposals, task orders, and contract modifications in response to DoD/federal solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs).
Determine optimal pricing by evaluating internal and external costs, competitive landscape, and regulatory/contractual constraints.
Build and maintain pricing models supporting various contract types, including Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Plus (CPFF/CPIF/CPAF), Time & Materials (T&M), and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicles.
Develop and maintain Basis of Estimates (BOEs), labor rate build-ups, and indirect rate application (fringe, overhead, G&A) analyses.
Ensure pricing proposals comply with FAR, DFARS, CAS (Cost Accounting Standards), and Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA)/Certified Cost or Pricing Data requirements, as applicable.
Prepare and deliver pricing analysis, risk assessments, and pricing recommendations to Operating Group and CEO-level leadership as part Gate review processes.
Serve as the pricing subject matter expert in Gate reviews, responding to ad-hoc analysis requests and executive-level questions on pricing strategy, competitiveness, margin, and risk with limited turnaround time.
Communicate and negotiate pricing, cost, and rate information with teaming partners on bids where the company serves as either prime contractor or subcontractor, ensuring consistency, competitiveness, and compliance across the proposal team.
Coordinate exchange of pricing data, rate structures, and cost volume inputs with teammate companies, supporting non-disclosure and teaming agreement requirements throughout the bid lifecycle.
Coordinate with Contracts and Program Management to respond to government pricing questions.
Manage, mentor, and train Pricing Analysts.
Other duties as assigned