Senior Contracts Manager

Crystal Group•Hiawatha, IA

31d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for overseeing the entire contract lifecycle within Crystal Group. This includes reviewing complex, high-value solicitations and leading the development of specialized proposals, bids, and contract responses. Individuals possess expertise in drafting contracts, proactively assessing risk, and negotiating a wide range of agreements while ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARs, export laws, and corporate policies. They serve as a key liaison among legal, finance, and business teams to resolve contract issues and drive strategic decision-making. Senior contracts managers possess a proven ability to lead contract review processes, mentor team members, guide negotiations, and analyze evolving regulations affecting international and government contracting.

Requirements

Must be a US Person (US Citizen, person granted US Permanent Resident Card or any individual who is granted status as a "protected person”)
Bachelor’s degree in business or related legal field
6+ years of contract/administration experience
General business understanding of how accounting, program management, and other parts of the business function
Basic understanding of the processes and functions of an ERP System
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Effectively communicates both verbally and in writing with all stakeholders
Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Office products
Read, analyze, assess, and negotiate contract language
Manage multiple projects at once, prioritize, and meet deadlines
Demonstrated ability to read and analyze regulations and customer documents
Teach and mentor others in core duties
Effectively lead small (1-3 member) teams on well-defined projects with moderate supervision, oversight, and coaching provided
Identify departmental process deficiencies, propose viable solutions, and implement appropriate corrective action(s) with moderate managerial support provided

Nice To Haves

Previous experience managing contracts within the Aerospace and Defense sector
Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
Master’s of Business Administration (MBA)
Familiar with export compliance regulations
General knowledge of ISO9001 and/or AS9100

Responsibilities

Develop and implement efficient contracting processes, including standardized templates and workflows
Review complex solicitations and prepare specialized and/or non-routine responses for proposals, bids, quotes, and contract modifications
Analyze contract requirements, special provisions, and terms and conditions to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, corporate policies and business unit procedures
Draft, assess risk, and negotiate a wide range of agreements required to support all business activities
Lead the contract review process and negotiations, including customer terms and conditions, for the Program Management team or other applicable departments
Demonstrate knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), understand how government regulations affect the company, and have strong working knowledge of acquisition regulations contracting concepts
Manage and demonstrate knowledge of new and changing export and contract laws, regulations and trends
Analyze for potential impact on international business requirements, goals, and objectives
Participate in development of business alliance and partnering, source selection procedures and process, and make or buy determinations
Develop negotiation strategy and lead negotiation team on complex contractual issues
Address contract-related issues, conflicts, and disputes with external partners in a timely and effective manner
Anticipate and resolve issues which may arise during the contract lifecycle
Focal point for all communication with law, finance and business team disciplines for resolution of contract issues and disputes