Contracts Manager - Federal Programs (Direct Hire)

Contracts Manager – Federal Programs (Direct Hire)

Location: Lorton, VA (Onsite)

Compensation: ~$160,000 annually

Local candidates strongly preferred

Position Overview

Advantage Technical is seeking a senior‑level Contracts Manager to support a rapidly growing federal contracting organization. This role functions as the right hand to the VP of Contracts, serving as the operational lead for day‑to‑day contract activities and managing a team of four junior contract administrators.

This is a high‑visibility, leadership‑track position ideal for a self‑starter who thrives in complex government contracting environments, can operate independently, and is comfortable advising senior leadership on contractual risk, compliance, and business strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Serve as the second‑in‑command to the VP of Contracts, helping manage daily operations and acting as a buffer for the team.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four junior contract administrators.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and support career development.
• Establish priorities, delegate tasks, and ensure timely execution of contract actions.

Cradle‑to‑Grave Contract Administration

• Lead full lifecycle contract management for federal programs, from pre‑award through closeout.
• Prepare, negotiate, and execute NDAs, Teaming Agreements, and Government contract agreements.
• Manage a high volume of contract modifications, actions, and documentation.
• Provide post‑award guidance to Program Management and internal stakeholders.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Interpret and apply FAR/DFARS and agency‑specific regulations.
• Ensure proper flow‑down of mandatory clauses to subcontractors.
• Identify contractual risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and advise leadership.
• Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and contract file accuracy.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Program Management, Supply Chain, Subcontracts, Engineering, and Finance to ensure alignment with contractual requirements.
• Assist with subcontract development and customization based on prime contract terms.
• Support proposal development, pricing strategy, and negotiation planning.

Strategic & Operational Impact

• Provide contractual input into business decisions, program execution, and risk assessments.
• Support organizational growth by improving processes, templates, and contract governance.
• Represent the contracts function in customer meetings, executive reviews, and program briefings.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10 years of federal government contract management experience, including:
• Proposal support
• Contract development & negotiation
• Prime contract flow‑down implementation
• Contract file management
• Strong experience with T&M, FFP, and Cost‑Reimbursable contract types.
• Deep understanding of FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements.
• Proven ability to negotiate NDAs, Teaming Agreements, and Government contracts.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to stay current with federal regulatory changes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing strategic program‑level quality oversight.
• Strong financial and business alignment skills.
• Cross‑functional leadership experience.
• Experience interfacing with executive leadership and customers.
• Background in process governance and contract operations optimization.