Legal
Contracts Specialist - U.S. Public Sector
Job ID: 100278
Do you want to work on complex and pressing challenges-the kind that bring together curious, ambitious, and determined leaders who strive to become better every day?
If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place.
Your Impact
As a Contracts Specialist, you will work on a range of public sector proposal and contract-related activities, primarily focused on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and related organizations, including the pre-award/proposal phase, contract negotiation, and contract execution. In this role, you will support a broad range of contractual matters, including:
- Developing domain expertise over a specific portfolio and serving as the primary point of contact to support internal Client Service Teams (CSTs), practice leadership, and external clients on all aspects of contact lifecycle management. Within your portfolio, you will provide business advice on all contractual matters to CSTs and other colleagues with guidance from senior colleagues.
- Reviewing requests for proposal, and all other government solicitations, including amendments, analyzing solicitation documents.
- Supporting contract and modification negotiations with clients, and negotiating non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements and subcontracts with third parties.
- Advising on federal and agency-specific procurement processes and requirements.
- Providing guidance and advice to teams in the preparation of price proposals.
- Developing key relationships with contracting officers of existing and target clients, and contracting personnel of important teaming partners.
- Collaborating with colleagues to proactively identify and implement continuous service improvements, leveraging technology and process improvements.
- Supporting other contracts and legal colleagues in resolving contract-related questions, issues, and problems, and in negotiating contracts and modifications
Your work will directly support the firm's mission to help clients achieve their goals while protecting the firm from contractual risk. You will join our Washington D.C. office and North America public sector practice (USG) to provide proactive full lifecycle contract management across a diverse and dynamic portfolio. USG provides management consulting services to governments at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as other public sector entities. Within USG, the Defense and Security subsector focuses on the DoD, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, major defense agencies, and military services, as well as members of the National Security Community. Co-location with the Washington D.C.-based CSTs, stakeholders, and legal and contracts professionals is required.
Your Growth
You are someone who thrives in a high-performance environment, bringing a growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to tackle meaningful challenges that have a real impact.
In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we'll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help you quickly broaden your expertise, grow into a well-rounded professional, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference.
When you join us, you will have:
- Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast-paced learning experience, owning your journey.
- A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You'll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes.
- Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm's diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Exceptional benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well-being for you and your family.
Your qualifications and skills
- U.S. Bachelor's degree
- 3+ years of professional experience in drafting, negotiating, and administering US public sector contracts, preferably at a professional services firm
- Experience working with a range of DoD contracts and understanding of the DoD acquisition environment
- Knowledge of government contracting, including understanding of the US government acquisition policies (e.g., the FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements), experience handling various contract types (e.g., Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts) and solicitation types (e.g., FAR Parts 8, 12, 15, and 16)
- Ability to handle complex situations with moderate supervision from senior colleagues, and awareness of when to engage other colleagues
- Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills; accustomed to and comfortable with a fast-paced environment
- Strong influencing capabilities, including willingness to push back and deliver tough messages to senior audiences, and demonstrated track record of leadership in high-performing teams
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word
- US citizenship required
- Clearance preferred
Please review the additional requirements regarding essential job functions of McKinsey colleagues.
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FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Certain US jurisdictions require McKinsey & Company to include a reasonable estimate of the salary for this role. For new joiners for this role in the United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, a reasonable estimated range is $130,100 - $162,600 USD -to help you understand what you can expect. This reflects our best estimate of the lowest to highest [salary/hourly wages] for this role at the time of this posting, ensuring you have a clear picture right from the start, though it's important to remember that actual salaries may vary. Factors like your office location, your unique blend of experience and skills, start date and our current organizational needs all play a part in determining the final figure. Certain roles are also eligible for bonuses, subject to McKinsey's discretion and based on factors such as individual and/or organizational performance. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave and family planning benefits, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off. FOR NON-U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites.
Job Skill Group - N/A
Job Skill Code - CTS - Contracts Specialist
Function -
Industry - Public Sector
Post to LinkedIn - Yes
Posted to LinkedIn Date - Mon Aug 04 00:00:00 GMT 2025
LinkedIn Posting City - Washington DC
LinkedIn Posting State/Province - District of Columbia
LinkedIn Posting Country - United States
LinkedIn Job Title - Contracts Specialist - U.S. Public Sector
LinkedIn Function - Legal
LinkedIn Industry - Management Consulting
LinkedIn Seniority Level - Associate
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