Contract Manager

THE PANTHER GROUP; Franklin (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Panther Group is seeking a Manager, Contracts to lead a 3–5 person contract team supporting hardware development and production programs. You will manage the full contract lifecycle, handle escalations, and drive consistency across programs transitioning to production.

Role requires 10–15 years in U.S. Government contract administration with strong negotiation and communication skills, plus familiarity with FAR/DFARS and contract types. A security clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Legal Studies, or related field.
• 10–15 years of experience in U.S. Government contract administration and negotiation.
• Experience with hardware development and production programs, including delivery, inspection, and acceptance.
• Experience leading or mentoring contract professionals.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS and contract types (T&M, FFP, cost-type).

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of contract administrators supporting development and production programs.
• Partner with Program Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to support hardware development and production efforts.
• Oversee solicitation reviews, RFP analysis, and compliance assessments for development and production programs.
• Lead or oversee negotiations for complex hardware, production, and delivery-driven contracts.
• Oversee contract setup, transition, and administration across development and production programs.
• Ensure adherence to FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and company policies.

Job description

Overview

The Manager, Contracts leads a team of 3–5 contract professionals supporting a major business unit with a strong focus on hardware development and production programs. Reporting to the Director of Contracts, this role provides leadership across the full contract lifecycle, manages a small portfolio directly, and serves as the primary escalation point for the team. The Manager ensures compliance, drives consistency, and strengthens communication flow across programs transitioning from development into low-rate and full-rate production.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of contract administrators supporting development and production programs. Review and approve teamwork products, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and consistency. Serve as the first-line escalation point for contractual issues, customer concerns, and delivery-related challenges. Keep the Director of Contracts informed of risks, issues, and significant program developments.
• Business Partnership & Strategy: Partner with Program Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to support hardware development and production efforts. Provide early contract risk assessments and support capture, proposal strategy, and gate reviews. Recommend contract strategies that balance cost, schedule, technical performance, and production realities.
• Contract Acquisition: Oversee solicitation reviews, RFP analysis, and compliance assessments for development and production programs. Review and approve proposal inputs, cost volume support, and reps & certs. Lead or oversee negotiations for complex hardware, production, and delivery-driven contracts. Ensure award documents are reviewed thoroughly, and contractual obligations are clearly communicated to program teams.
• Contract Administration: Oversee contract setup, transition, and administration across development and production programs. Ensure accurate interpretation of requirements, including delivery, inspection, acceptance, and configuration obligations. Monitor performance, funding, deliverables, modifications, and customer communications at a managerial level. Support resolution of complex issues related to schedule, acceptance, or production changes. Ensure timely and compliant contract closeout.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure adherence to FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and company policies. Monitor regulatory changes and support updates to procedures and training. Oversee OCI reviews and audit support (DCAA, DCMA, customer).

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Legal Studies, or related field. 10–15 years of experience in U.S. Government contract administration and negotiation. Experience supporting hardware development and production programs, including delivery, inspection, and acceptance requirements. Experience leading or mentoring contract professionals. Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS and contract types (T&M, FFP, cost-type). Proven negotiation skills and ability to manage contractual risk. Excellent communication, organization, and decision-making skills. Proficiency in MS Word and Excel; familiarity with Costpoint and ServiceNow preferred. Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required.
• Preferred: Master’s degree or NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, CCCM). Experience with programs transitioning from development to production. Experience improving contract processes or implementing tools.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong judgment and escalation management
• Ability to coach and develop talent
• Clear, proactive communication
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Effective cross-functional collaboration
• Operational discipline and accountability

Pay: $120,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.