ASSOCIATE SPECIALIST - SPECIALIST - Contracts

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX seeks a Contracts professional to lead cradle-to-grave contract negotiation and administration for engineering/technical divisions. You will review solicitation packages, identify risks, and communicate positions to internal teams with precision.

The role involves negotiating costs and terms with agencies and clients, coordinating with Legal, and ensuring compliance throughout the contract lifecycle in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business or related field.
• 0-5 years of professional business office and customer service experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to independently multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Review solicitation packages and contractual documents to identify key requirements and risks.
• Work on multiple proposal and project activities with short deadlines.
• Negotiate contract costs, fees, and terms with government agencies and commercial clients.
• Coordinate with Legal and other departments to review terms and conditions.
• Monitor compliance with contractual obligations and respond to inquiries.

Job description

Who We Are:

The Contracts Department is responsible for leading 'cradle-to-grave' contract negotiation & administration activities for SwRI's engineering/technical divisions.

Objectives of this Role:

Conduct prompt and thorough reviews of solicitation packages and contractual documents to identify key requirements, potential risks, and effectively communicate them to various internal departments. Work on multiple proposal and project activities at varying stages, often with short notice and compressed deadlines, while maintaining a sharp attention and focus on fine details. Apply creative problem-solving and customer service skills to effectively present positions to clients and internal stakeholders. Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as organizational skills to independently multi-task in a fast-paced environment as a central member of a cross-functional team. Exercise sound judgement to effectively communicate and apply SwRI's established policies and procedures.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

Work closely with SwRI program managers and pricing staff to analyze cost estimates, develop labor rates, and prepare accurate and compliant cost proposals. Negotiate contract costs, fees, and terms and conditions with government agencies and commercial clients. Coordinate with SwRI Legal and other departments to review contract terms and conditions. Negotiate contract language consistent with SwRI practices and positions. Monitor compliance with contractual obligations and coordinate client inquiries and requests for information pertaining to proposals or active contracts. Submit requests for contract amendments and other authorizations as-needed throughout the life of the contract. Set up projects in SwRI's internal systems to properly align with contract funding structures and comply with accounting, invoicing, and reporting requirements.

Requirements:

Requires a Bachelors degree in Business or related degree field may be considered with relevant contracts experience. 0-5 years years: Professional business office and customer service experience. A capacity to conduct thorough review of moderately complex documents and numbers. Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to independently multi-task. A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations:

San Antonio, Texas

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.