Director of Government Contracts

We currently have a great opportunity for a Director, Government Contracts. We are looking for a Senior Leader who possesses an advanced understanding of the Federal contracts’ domain and compliance best practices to support the continued corporate growth. The role will lead collaboration across multiple functions within the organization to ensure compliance with our federal government contracts and will influence strategic planning sessions to develop programs for Government customers. This position provides advisement of Government contracting activities from offer development / Request for Proposal response submissions to Government contract closeout, including the solicitation, strategy/planning, competitive pre-award disclosure and audits, post-award audits, post-award protest, administration, implementation, and compliance with Government contractual agreements. Supports the sales efforts to ensure compliance throughout buying and contract life cycle.

 

Responsibilities:

 

Governance & Administration

 

• Reviews terms and conditions of all Government contracts, contract modifications, and change orders.
• Leads corporate Government contracting process, including reviewing, negotiating, interpreting, and overseeing the administration of complex government contracts and prime contractor-issued subcontracts.
• Oversees the preparation and submission of Government contract reports, Subcontract Reporting, SAM record updates, and other required reports.
• Coordinates and communicates with Government stakeholders, including Contracting Officers and Representatives.
• Provides client engagement by regularly interacting face-to-face with government officials, attending meetings, and establishing relationships with contracting officers.
• Manages the Government contract and task order closeout process, collaborating with Credit and Collections to secure owed funds before contract closeout.
• Acts as an advisor on Government contract legal, finance, specifications, amendments, regulations, and pricing to sales and internal teams.

 

Quality Assurance and Compliance

 

• Adopts best industry practices in creating and managing Government contracts while maintaining legal compliance.
• Identifies areas of concern and proactively addresses existing and potential risks in Government contracts.
• Reviews Government contracting procedures and documents to ensure compliance with Government regulations and requirements, including FARs and DFARS.
• Ensures Subcontracting Plan compliance and advises Procurement on Government contract requirements, specific goals, and compliance.
• Tracks and maintains Government contract compliance and conducts contract pricing audits.

 

Leadership

 

• Leads modernization efforts by adopting automation and digitalization practices for data and process workflows related to Government contracting.
• Advises and guides business leadership on Government contract processes, procedures, strategy, RFP responses, and operational matters to support business growth while managing risk.
• Educates internal and external stakeholders on Government contractual requirements.
• Develops and evaluates training on Government contract terms for associates in specific business segments, providing subject matter expertise as needed.
• Trains sales and support personnel on Government contract compliance, pricing issues, and other relevant policies and procedures.

 

Request for Proposal (RFP)/Solicitation Negotiation

 

• Reviews all terms and conditions of submissions, serving as a leader and subject matter expert in Government contracting.
• Determines applicable FAR/DFARs and flow-down clauses, ensuring appropriate responses for RFPs and Statements of Work (SOW) requirements.
• Serves as the primary contact for communications with Government contracting officers and other representatives, interfacing with the executive team and legal representation.
• Assesses the impact of applicable Government contract terms on internal business teams and escalates to legal and business units when appropriate.

 

 Experience & Education:

 

• Bachelor’s degree in business or law or related degree is required, with additional training in Contract Administration.  Master’s or legal degree preferred. 
• 10-15 years of government contracting (cradle to grave) and procurement experience with multiple contract types (Cost Plus, Time and Material, Firm-Fixed Price, etc.).
• Domain expertise should include Government Contracts, GSA Schedules, GWACs (Government-Wide Acquisition Contract), and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) management.
• 4 years of leadership responsibility including supporting the executive team.
• Experience working with NIH contracts is highly desired

 

Skills & Knowledge Required:

 

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• Ability to form effective relationships both internally and externally with potential and current customers. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting complex legal and contractual information to executive leadership.
• Agile, self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively to ensure resolutions that benefit Axle.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously; and prioritize/re-prioritize with changing goals
• Must have a strong background in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), GSA Schedules, and other contract supplemental regulations.
• Thorough working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and other supplements. 
• Proven ability to interpret and negotiate large Government solicitations and contracts.
• Highly analytical with the ability to research, evaluate options and make a sound business judgment to solve complex problems. 
• Substantial knowledge of federal and other customer contracting regulations, policies, and practices with requisite skills to provide accurate interpretation and implementation advice to leadership and staff. 
• Highly motivated with good organizational, mathematical, analytical, and reasoning skills and the ability to multi-task. 
• Ability to perform in a complex cross-functional business environment. 
• Joint venture formation and operation experience desirable; as well as strategic partnering, or other highly complex contractual arrangements. 
• Experience in Service Contract Act contracts is desirable.
• Experience mentoring, assisting, advising, and training Contract team personnel.