Contracts Manager

This position will be focused on the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) side of Simmonds Precision Products Inc located in Vergennes Vermont.  This role will be well suited for a highly motivated, well-organized person who enjoys working in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment. Your responsibilities will include developing creative approaches to solving problems while employing sound decision making and communication skills.

The Contracts Manager is responsible for the performance of activities relating to the negotiation of contract terms and conditions for new and existing contracts, creation, and negotiation of contracts and special agreements, contract flow down, negotiation of claims, settlements for labor and material costs, and customer account management. This may include audit, control, or liaison functions with both suppliers and customers. The Contracts Manager will provide overall contract compliance oversight to standard procedures.  This position will work with both the Commercial and Military customer contracts.

This position is for an experienced contracts professional that can work well independently. This position is hybrid, but does require some working on-site in the Vergennes, Vermont facility on a regular basis or as required.

Responsibilities to Anticipate:

• Provide contract management to meet customer obligations, achieve company objectives, and comply with company policies
• Professionally represent Simmonds Precision on contractual transactions and work closely with customers to develop business relationships
• Act as a lead for the analysis of Requests for Proposals (RFP), development of proposals, proposal reviews and coordination, negotiation, contractual agreements, contracts execution, as well as general contract administration
• Effectively manage contractual scope and terms and conditions to ensure work is performed to the overall contract scope
• Support Customer Service teams and Program Managers/Business Unit Managers with Contract/Order Review
• Ensures proper internal flow down of contractual obligations and requirements.
• Advises and represents the organization on legal issues concerning contract matters.
• Works with International Trade Compliance (ITC) personnel to ensure compliance with all import/export regulations.
• Coach less experienced staff and other functional areas to help them better understand their relevant contractual obligations
• Prepares documentation for legal and contract negotiations and relationships.
• Conducts Contract Closeouts
• Maintains historical legal/contractual records.
• Identify, mitigate, and drive the resolution of contractual issues as they may arise
• Provide guidance regarding contractual and business issues, advising management of contractual rights and obligations as well as possible mitigation of contractual/program risks
• Understands distinctions between and appropriate use of FFP, CPFF, T&M, and other contract types
• TINA requirements and applicability
• Small Business regulations and compliance considerations
• Prepare, review, and execute Data Rights Assertions
• Draft, review, and negotiate all appropriate contractual instruments.
• Maintain current knowledge of FAR, DFARS, NFARS, and other applicable regulations.
• Verify the use of customer-owned property under contract
• Coordinate and obtain RFNIU (Rent-Free Non-Interference Use) agreements for U.S. Government-owned testers/equipment.
• Support Customer Property administration by assisting with required customer forms.
• Serve as the Simmonds point of contact for DCMA TINA packet audits.
• Support Commercial Item Assertions (CIAs) by:
• Coordinating with Engineering to develop CIAs for qualifying products under FAR 2.101
• Extracting invoice data from SAP or equivalent ERP systems
• Responding to customer inquiries and providing required, appropriately redacted documentation

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires: A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years’ experience bachelor’s degree in business, Finance/Math, or related field
• Experience with US Government contracts; working knowledge of U.S. Government acquisition and related regulations, e.g., FAR, DFARS, and ITAR
• Understanding of contract structures, pricing strategies, policy & procedure, and compliance principles.

Qualifications We Value:

• Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
• Experience managing development contracts
• Experience as a team or program Contracts lead
• Ability to understand the financial aspects of contracts and risk quantification
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships with customers and internal partners based on understanding, teamwork, and trust
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, where prioritization is required to be effective
• Proven record of responsiveness with strong time management and organization skills
• Contractual acumen with proficiency in contracts fundamentals
• Related contract administration experience including hands-on proposal preparation and contract negotiations with the US Department of Defense (DoD)
• Experience with US Government and US Prime Contractor customers as well as end-user communities in the development and acquisition of major systems
• Familiarity with Other Transaction Agreements, Intellectual Property, license agreements, or teaming agreements
• Juris Doctor or MBA a plus

This position is for a repair station customer account manager who is under moderate supervision with the ability to work independently and serves as the main point of contact for repair station customers. Must answer customer inquiries on product availability, maintenance, and the status of orders.

 Core Responsibilities:

• Real-time customer support: Resolves inquiries, complaints, and service requests from high-profile military and commercial clients promptly and effectively.
• Prioritization under pressure: Implements rigorous prioritization skills to manage competing demands and ensure critical issues are addressed first.
• Technology proficiency: Continuously adapts to and effectively uses various internal computer applications, including Microsoft Office, to support daily tasks.
• Communication excellence: Maintains strong, open communication with coworkers, supervisors, and managers to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Compliance and procedure adherence: Stays mindful of and follows all company procedures, policies, and regulations to maintain integrity and legal compliance.
• Problem-solving: Solves issues by gathering relevant information, evaluating options, and making informed decisions.
• Relationship building: Develops strong, lasting relationships with the customer base and key stakeholders to enhance trust and satisfaction.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Works closely with manufacturing and operations teams to validate work, handle warranty dispositions, and provide accurate quotes for assigned customers.
• Documentation accuracy: Consistently and accurately records order and account information in the account management system to ensure data integrity.

Skills & Attributes:

• High productivity with minimal supervision.
• Ability to assess and execute next steps independently.
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires an AA/AS degree (or other 2-year post high school training) with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience
• S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract

Preferred Qualifications:

• Employees with success in this role typically have a combination of technical background and or account management with a 2 year or 4 year degree
• Prior customer service and/or troubleshooting experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred (minimum of 12 months)
• Previous experience working with SAP
• Proficient in MS Office

Compensation & Benefits

We believe great work deserves great support. Our total rewards package is designed to take care of your health, your future, and your everyday life:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus HSA/FSA options, an onsite cafeteria and fitness center.
• Financial Security: Build your future with competitive pay, an annual bonus opportunity, a 401(k) plan with up to 4% company match with an additional annual employer contribution starting at 3% toward you retirement, and company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Time to Recharge: Enjoy four (4) weeks of vacation, five (5) additional days of paid time off during our annual holiday shutdown. We also offer paid sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, giving you time to rest, recharge and focus on the time you need.
• Grow Your Career: Generous tuition reimbursement up to $20,000 annually combined with ongoing professional development opportunities to keep learning and moving forward
• Extras That Make Life Easier: Supplemental insurance options, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), legal services, identity theft protection, discounted auto/home insurance, and pet insurance

$125,000-135,000