Senior Manager - Defense

Key Responsibilities

• Manage cradle-to-grave contract activities for DoD and federal contracts, including RFP analysis, proposal support, negotiation, award, execution, modifications, and closeout.
• Review and interpret complex contractual requirements, FAR/DFARS clauses, Statements of Work, and terms and conditions to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Prepare, review, and issue subcontract agreements, NDAs, and teaming agreements in alignment with prime contract requirements.
• Serve as Cost Volume lead for complex RFPs, composing cost volume narratives and participating in proposal planning, strategy sessions, and color team reviews.
• Ensure organizational adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies including FAR, DFARS, CAS, ITAR, and DoD-specific requirements.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans submitted to the Government; identify contract risks and create mitigation strategies.
• Support DCAA and DCMA audits, Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSRs), and internal compliance activities.
• Design and enforce company compliance policies and procedures for federal contract obligations.
• Maintain the organization's registrations in SAM, the Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement (DD Form 2345).
• Collaborate with finance, program management, and pricing teams on cost proposals, forward pricing rates, incurred cost submissions, and cost impact analyses.
• Review and validate cost volumes, pricing data, and cost narratives for accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor contract funding status, deliverables, and invoicing to ensure alignment with contract requirements.
• Champion routine Government contractual reporting, including Contractor Manpower Reporting, Small Business Subcontracting performance, Government Property status reports, and Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS) submissions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contracting officers, Government representatives, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide clear interpretation of contractual obligations to cross-functional teams including program management, engineering, and operations.
• Provide FAR and CAS guidance and training to employees across the organization.
• Support strategic business development efforts through contractual guidance and proposal input.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, plus 4-6 years of experience in government contract administration, procurement, or government cost accounting. An additional four years of relevant experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Must successfully complete applicable drug screens, background checks, and pre-employment assessments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA).
• Experience in a federal contracting and cost accounting environment across contract types including CR, ID/IQ, T&M, CPFF, CPAF, and FFP.
• Familiarity with SAP and Microsoft Outlook.
• Experience with Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).
• DAWIA accreditation in contracting, program management, logistics, and/or CPMC.
• Knowledge, Skills & Competencies: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail, Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment, Collaborative mindset with the ability to resolve issues across multiple business functions, Self-motivated and capable of working both independently and as part of a team, Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Ability to understand systems and non-system processes, troubleshoot issues, and recommend effective solutions.

Benefits

• Base Salary: 175k - 200k + Bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package
• 401k
• PTO

Contact

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non-profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.