Management Consulting Partner - Government Contracting Advisory Services Contracting

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About the role

The Principal, Consulting role involves leveraging regulatory technical expertise and financial services industry experience to advise clients and develop innovative solutions. This position requires managing multidisciplinary teams, building third-party relationships, and driving business growth through strategic initiatives. As a Managing Consulting Partner/Managing Director in RSM’s growing Management Consulting Government Contracting Advisory Practice, you will draw from your experience and knowledge while maximizing your leadership skills through client exposure, people development, and mentorship in a diverse and inclusive culture. The fast-paced and dynamic environment provides daily challenges and exciting opportunities.

In this practice, professionals weave extensive government contracting experience through each business function to develop compliance solutions and protect business value. Our approach to strategic compliance dives deep into technical regulatory issues, helping government contractors strengthen internal controls and create process efficiencies. We help organizations navigate complex federal compliance issues with confidence while implementing practical business solutions.

Responsibilities

• Model the core RSM values of respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and stewardship in all interactions with clients and team members.
• Lead and contribute to practice and firm-wide initiatives related to recruiting, talent development, technical methodology, engagement economics, and industry leadership.
• Build and lead teams by example, fostering an atmosphere of trust, encouraging improvement and innovation, and providing mentoring.
• Support RSM’s goals around diversity and inclusion by nurturing an environment that values varied perspectives.
• Draw upon demonstrated Government Contracting technical knowledge and advisory skills to become a trusted advisor to clients, incorporating emerging regulatory and global issues into service delivery.
• Increase the firm’s relevance by understanding the client’s culture and strategy and incorporating this into service delivery.
• Maintain responsibility for C-suite, board-level, and key client relationships.
• Review all project deliverables and ensure overall quality and consistency with engagement objectives.
• Maintain overall responsibility for engagement economics, including adjustments to improve financial performance.
• Lead account communication strategy and ensure adherence to defined reporting protocols.
• Handle complex relationship concerns and escalate or seek additional counsel as needed.
• Manage, motivate, and mentor teams to optimize capabilities by cultivating trust, innovation, and diverse perspectives.
• Recruit, develop, and inspire future leaders through mentorship aligned with workforce potential and aspirations.
• Designate appropriate assignments and leverage expertise to help colleagues realize their full potential.
• Give and receive candid feedback in both written and verbal form, committing to self-development.
• Build and develop new connections and leverage your existing network to drive growth for the firm.
• Participate in relevant Government Contracting associations and events to develop relationships and service line focus.
• Contribute to Government Contracting thought leadership and present at industry events.
• Proactively utilize your network and knowledge to deepen existing relationships or form new ones.
• Communicate effectively with prospects, assess needs, and develop clear project parameters, including scoping, delivery plans, and budgets.
• Collaborate with business developers, marketing, communications, and other internal partners to drive pursuits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, accounting, cost accounting, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of Government Contracting experience, either as a specialist within industry or supporting within a professional services firm.
• Systems thinking – ability to creatively think end-to-end with consideration for cause-and-effect on client business and operations.
• Tactical intelligence – quickly grasps organizational dynamics, mitigates resistance, and hustles to deliver for clients.
• Agility – leads dynamic and changing teams of cross-consulting professionals and executes effectively in a client-visible manner.
• Adaptability – trained in multiple disciplines and able to move fluidly between roles (e.g., analyst, strategist, operator, change agent).
• Wisdom – blends experience, services, and process knowledge to deliver coaching, mentoring, and change management.
• Strong technical business acumen – extensive experience as a government contract consultant and leader, providing strategic compliance support to organizations receiving federal contracts, agreements, or grants. A known first-choice advisor for solving challenging cost accounting, pricing, and regulatory compliance matters throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Recent successful experience in cultivating new business and market-facing activities.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills, including interaction with senior management.
• Ability to travel to meet client needs.
• Demonstrated success in high-pressure scenarios.

Skills

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• Agency supplements and directives (e.g., DFARS, HHSAR, AIDAR, DoDGAR, DEAR, AASTHO)
• Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
• Uniform Guidance (UG/2 CFR 200)
• Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS)
• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
• Internal controls (DFARS business systems)
• Service Contract Act (SCA)
• Buy America/Buy American Act
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)/export control
• Other transaction authority (OTA)
• Federal assistance awards (grants/cooperative agreements)
• DFARS business systems – particularly Accounting, Estimating, Purchasing
• DCAA audit programs and associated internal control requirements
• Complex cost allocating structure design and associated cost impacts
• Developing Forward Pricing Rates
• CASB Disclosure statement preparation
• 2 CFR 200 and Federal assistance cost accounting/regulatory requirements
• GSA schedules and commercial pricing

Benefits

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We provide flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands while maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at RSM Benefits.