Contracts Administrator

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components.  

Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence, and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients.  Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.

Kearfott offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401K, and Tuition Reimbursement.   We offer a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off. 

We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class work force. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service’ provider.

For more information, visit our website at www.kearfott.com

Position Description

The Contracts Administrator will be responsible for serving as primary customer liaison and managing the contracting officer or Buyer relationship for all assigned programs and product offerings, with the focus to:

• Serve as principal negotiator on proposals above and below the TINA threshold.
• Generate written correspondence as required to manage the assigned programs with appropriate interface from engineering and program management demonstrating judgement when to elevate contractual issues or program issues to next-level management.
• Develop internal relationships with Program Managers, Engineers, Finance Analysts, Business Development, and others to successfully support customer programs and orders.
• 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 as needed to support the Contracts Department.
• Actively ensure contractual compliance throughout the lifecycle of the assigned programs.

In addition, this position may have general responsibilities for coordination of functional area activities working with the entire Contracts team, financial reporting, demand management (SIOP), and talent development/training.

Essential Functions

• Act as the first point of contact for all customer related inquiries (phone, email, and fax).  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 as required.  Take appropriate actions to discuss with the customer any discrepancies.
• Develop TINA-compliant pricing proposals, respond to RFPs, and lead negotiations within management-approved guidelines.
• Sufficient knowledge of UCC, FAR/DFARS to conduct terms and conditions reviews and lead customer negotiations within management-approved guidelines.
• Develop, maintain, and administer appropriate pricing on quotations in conjunction with management review and approval.
• Enter and release orders in the ERP system with sufficient detail and support to ensure delivery of the ordered product in accordance with all applicable customer specifications, and in accordance with standard practices and procedures.
• Track customer orders throughout the production phase to assure any delays or design issues that impact quality or delivery are conveyed appropriately and expeditiously to the customer.
• Monitor contracts, agreements, and purchase orders to ensure full compliance with given terms and conditions.
• Monitor customer-provided metrics as well as internal metrics and assure alignment.  Coordinate metric reviews with customers as required to assure actual performance is accurately displayed in customer metrics.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with customer contacts.  Learn customer programs and applications and look for opportunities to encourage additional sales.
• 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.
• Act as leader and mentor to develop core talent on the team and monitor compliance to processes.
• Manage functional area financial reports including bookings, sales, backlog, SIOP, and Board Packages, as required.
• Maintain an awareness of EAR and ITAR compliance regulations and provide contract-related assistance to the Trade Compliance team where needed.

Critical Competencies

• Must be highly organized and thoroughly attentive to detail in all actions.
• Successful candidate will be energetic, outspoken, self-motivated, and constructive in their approach.
• Must have excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills and be able to communicate across all levels and functions of the organization.
• Must possess teamwork and leadership qualities, with the ability to train and mentor others.
• Must be able to function effectively and independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Expected Travel: 10%

Education & Experience

• BA/BS required, Business, Accounting, Communications, or Marketing preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in contracts management, program management, account management, or similar areas of responsibility strongly preferred.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office software Experience with new business system implementation preferred.
• Knowledge of US Government contract administration including all FAR and DFARS regulations preferred.
• Must be a US Citizen.

This position is 100% onsite at our Black Mountain, NC facility. Relocation assistance is not available.

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans