Contracts Administrator

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation is a global Aerospace and Defense supplier with over 100 years of expertise. As a leader in precision motion control products and inertial navigation components, Kearfott is trusted by many global clients and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries.

About the role

The Contracts Administrator will serve as the primary customer liaison and manage the contracting officer or Buyer relationship for all assigned programs and product offerings. Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as principal negotiator on proposals above and below the TINA threshold.
• Generate written correspondence to manage assigned programs with engineering and program management.
• Develop internal relationships with Program Managers, Engineers, Finance Analysts, Business Development, and others.
• Manage strategic initiatives with customers including vendor-managed inventory, kaizen events, SIOP, etc.
• Monitor and manage day-to-day activities related to customer quotes, purchase orders, and shipments.
• Review customer terms and conditions and establish recommendations for management approval.
• Track open contracts, funding levels, export authorizations, and agreement validity.
• Ensure contractual compliance throughout the lifecycle of the assigned programs.
• Coordinate functional area activities, financial reporting, demand management (SIOP), and talent development/training.

Essential Functions

Key responsibilities include:

• Act as the first point of contact for all customer related inquiries.
• Coordinate customer interfaces including conference calls, on-site visits, visits to the customer facility, and communications.
• Coordinate customer forecasts, quotations, and order submissions with customer contacts and internal individuals.
• Take appropriate actions to discuss discrepancies with the customer.
• Develop TINA-compliant pricing proposals, respond to RFPs, and lead negotiations within management-approved guidelines.
• Conduct terms and conditions reviews and lead customer negotiations within management-approved guidelines.
• Enter and release orders in the ERP system with sufficient detail and support.
• Track customer orders throughout the production phase to assure any delays or design issues are conveyed appropriately and expeditiously to the customer.
• Maintain complete and accurate files to facilitate internal administration and audits.
• Evaluate position responsibilities, processes, and tasks for improvements towards a leaner and more efficient workflow.
• Coordinate with the Contracts team on functional area initiatives.
• Manage functional area financial reports including bookings, sales, backlog, SIOP, and Board Packages.
• Maintain an awareness of EAR and ITAR compliance regulations and provide contract-related assistance to the Trade Compliance team.

Critical Competencies

• Highly organized and thoroughly attentive to detail.
• Energetic, outspoken, self-motivated, and constructive in approach.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Teamwork and leadership qualities, with the ability to train and mentor others.
• Effective and independent functioning, meeting deadlines with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) required, preferably in Business, Accounting, Communications, or Marketing.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in contracts management, program management, account management, or similar areas of responsibility.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
• Experience with new business system implementation preferred.
• Knowledge of US Government contract administration including all FAR and DFARS regulations preferred.
• US Citizen.