Contract Specialist

About the role

Administers assigned contracts of broad scope and high complexity to ensure fulfillment of contractual obligations. Defines requirements, generates and provides input for proposals, negotiates pricing and terms, monitors contract performance, and ensures compliance with contract requirements. Determines customer contractual requirements for new products and systems, including proposals involving engineering design and system hardware, and other specialized assignments.

Key contributor to new contracting opportunities, including creating Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and supporting bid/no-bid decision-making. Receives, analyzes, and responds to complex issues such as the validity of customer claims and development of Parker assertions. Provides support to assigned programs, conducts contract risk management reviews, and makes recommendations to mitigate potential risks efficiently and cost-effectively. Manages the change control process with the Program Manager and provides contractual leadership to projects and programs.

Responsibilities for Order Management include minimal order entry, schedule changes, portal management, creation of Demand Plan as part of Sales and Operating Plan (S&OP), customer communication, and PO/Contract review and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Administers highly competitive, major contract requirements by analyzing performance requirements and customer purchase order requirements, including those issued against Basic Contract Agreements and/or Long-Term Agreements. Analyses include performance to delivery schedules, pricing, terms and conditions, and other contract provisions.
• Maintains contract files and records of contract change activity.
• Determines technically and commercially compliant complex proposal packages for major customers in response to customer or contract requirements. Evaluates performance requirements, delivery schedules, and estimates of costs of material, equipment, and labor hours.
• Initiates the bid process by identifying requirements and coordinating input from other functions. Develops complex responses to requests for proposal (RFP) by reviewing bid process procedures, material, test, and other requirements, and preparing appropriate responses.
• Prepares and submits complex proposals. Negotiates complex contract requirements in accordance with legal and company regulations and policies, including price, terms and conditions, deliveries, and other business issues.
• Negotiates contract change proposals; statuses progress of contract performance obligations and reports to the customer as needed. Makes proactive recommendations for contract changes for programs or projects of high scope and complexity.
• Focuses on contract risk, ensuring contract provisions are clear and conform to company policy. Investigates and resolves claims or complaints by collecting and analyzing information.
• Coordinates with relevant functions on technical and/or quality issues, data requirements, and other business issues as applicable.
• Monitors contract performance by determining compliance to contract requirements and the need for amendments or extensions. Determines when customer-directed changes are out-of-scope.
• Acts as the point of contact with the customer on assigned contracts and participates in customer presentations.
• Applies and may lead initiatives to improve the efficiency of internal systems and processes within the division and/or with corporate and customer involvement.
• Maintains current professional and technical knowledge and may participate in professional associations (e.g., National Contract Management Association (NCMA), International Association of Commercial Contract Management).
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and aerospace industry regulations; establishes processes for adherence to requirements and implements appropriate actions.
• Acts as a consultant to management on major contractual matters by performing analysis, interpretation of data, and incorporation of decision-making.
• Trains and mentors less experienced employees. May provide leadership to others in the department or to ad-hoc teams. May serve as a functional expert.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Contract management certification required (e.g., National Contract Management Association (NCMA), International Association of Commercial Contract Management (IACCM)) unless JD or MBA.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job, typically acquired through 5+ years of related experience of increasing responsibility.

Benefits

• Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and critical illness insurance with competitive premium costs.
• 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay.
• Company-provided defined-contribution retirement plan with an annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement.
• Paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership, and financial planning assistance at no cost.
• Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness at competitive rates.
• Paid Time Off and Company-Paid Holidays.

Pay

Pay Range: $100,300 to $159,400 annually. Participation in Annual Incentive Program.