GENERAL FUNCTION
The Senior Subcontracts Administrator (SSCA) is responsible for independently administering complex subcontract actions from acquisition planning through subcontract closeout in support of U.S. Government and commercial programs. The SSCA serves as a subject matter expert in Federal procurement regulations and business practices, applying extensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and sound business judgment to develop compliant subcontracting strategies and achieve best value for the company. The SSCA leads all phases of the subcontract lifecycle, including acquisition planning, market research, supplier qualification, solicitation development, proposal evaluation, cost and price analysis, negotiations, subcontract award, administration, modifications, performance management, and closeout. This position exercises independent judgment in interpreting contractual requirements, evaluating supplier proposals, assessing risk, and resolving complex contractual issues while ensuring compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable government regulations. The Senior Subcontracts Administrator works closely with Program Management, Engineering, Estimating, Legal, Finance, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain leadership to develop acquisition strategies that support cost, schedule, technical, and contractual objectives. This position is expected to mentor junior procurement personnel, provide guidance on subcontracting best practices, and contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes and business systems. The SSCA may be delegated signature authority consistent with company policies.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following statements describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.
- Independently manage complex subcontract procurements from acquisition planning through subcontract closeout.
- Develop acquisition strategies that support program objectives while ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, customer requirements, and company policies.
- Conduct comprehensive market research to identify qualified sources and evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, financial stability, technical qualifications, and overall risk.
- Prepare Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Statements of Work (SOWs), technical specifications, bid packages, and subcontract documentation.
- Lead supplier conferences, technical discussions, clarification requests, and negotiations.
- Perform detailed cost and price analyses using accepted procurement techniques to determine price reasonableness and support negotiation objectives.
- Evaluate supplier proposals for technical, contractual, schedule, quality, and commercial compliance while documenting procurement decisions.
- Lead negotiations involving pricing, terms and conditions, delivery schedules, intellectual property, warranties, technical requirements, payment terms, and other contractual provisions.
- Draft, negotiate, award, and administer fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, time-and-material, labor-hour, and other subcontract types as appropriate.
- Prepare subcontract modifications resulting from engineering changes, funding actions, schedule revisions, equitable adjustments, claims, and contract changes.
- Administer subcontract performance by monitoring supplier compliance with contractual requirements, deliverables, schedules, quality requirements, and funding limitations.
- Resolve complex subcontract administration issues including requests for equitable adjustment, supplier performance concerns, schedule recovery efforts, and contractual disputes.
- Coordinate with Program Management, Engineering, Estimating, Finance, Legal, Manufacturing, and Quality throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
- Prepare procurement documentation supporting Commercial Item Determinations (CID), source selection decisions, sole source justifications, competition analyses, subcontract file documentation, and other required procurement records.
- Support Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), DCMA, DCAA, and internal audits by maintaining complete, compliant procurement files.
- Monitor supplier performance using key performance indicators and initiate corrective actions when performance expectations are not met.
- Conduct supplier visits, capability assessments, audits, and performance reviews as required.
- Identify procurement risks and develop mitigation strategies that minimize cost, schedule, quality, and contractual impacts.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to Subcontracts Administrators and junior procurement personnel.
- Recommend improvements to procurement policies, procedures, templates, and business processes that improve efficiency, compliance, and supplier performance.
- Exercise sound business judgment while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
- Extensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS), and government subcontracting principles.
- Strong understanding of government contract flow-down requirements, commercial item acquisitions, cost principles, competition requirements, and procurement compliance.
- Demonstrated experience performing complex cost and price analyses and leading supplier negotiations.
- Working knowledge of Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) expectations and procurement documentation requirements.
- Ability to independently interpret contract requirements and develop compliant acquisition strategies.
- Strong analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to negotiate effectively and communicate with executive leadership, customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex procurements simultaneously while meeting aggressive schedule requirements.
- Experience evaluating supplier financial condition, technical capability, production capacity, quality systems, and overall business risk.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, ERP/MRP systems, and procurement software.
- Ability to mentor others and provide technical leadership within the procurement organization.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality.
- Willingness to travel for supplier meetings, audits, negotiations, and program support when required.
Physical Requirements
The work environment is approximately 90% indoors and 10% outdoors. The position may require occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, extended periods of sitting or standing, climbing, and other physical activities associated with supplier visits or shipyard operations. Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required to support business needs. Visual acuity, hearing, and effective English communication skills are required.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & TRAINING
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Contract Management, Engineering, or a related discipline maybe substituted for two (2) years of experience.
- A Master's degree may be substituted for four (4) years of required experience.
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in government procurement, subcontract administration, purchasing, or contract management. Significant directly related experience may be substituted for formal education.
- Demonstrated experience independently administering complex FAR and DFARS subcontracts throughout the complete procurement lifecycle.
- Demonstrated experience leading supplier negotiations involving complex technical and commercial requirements.
- Working knowledge of cost and price analysis techniques, proposal evaluation, source selection documentation, and subcontract administration.
- Experience supporting Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSR), government audits, or equivalent procurement compliance activities is highly desirable.
- Professional certifications such as NCMA Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or CPSM are preferred but not required.
Bollinger is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans and disabled individuals, and without regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
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