Contracts Administrator

Defense Maritime Solutions Inc; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Defense Maritime Solutions Inc. is seeking a Contracts Administrator to support the Contracts Management team in Chesapeake, VA. You will handle day-to-day contract administration, reviews, and drafting of agreements under guidance, ensuring compliance across the lifecycle.

Candidates should have a BS/BA, 3–6 years in DoD or maritime contracting, knowledge of FAR/DFARS, and the ability to analyze requirements, manage priorities, and collaborate with cross-functional partners.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Business Administration, Finance, Business Law, or related field.
• 3–6 years of experience in contracts management and administration, with emphasis on DoD and/or commercial maritime contracting.
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and federal government contracting requirements.
• Experience supporting government and commercial contracts across the pre-award and post-award lifecycle.
• Ability to analyze and research contractual requirements, identify risks or issues, and develop recommendations for leadership decision.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities while appropriately escalating matters requiring management direction.

Responsibilities

• Assist in administration of prime and commercial contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and other contractual instruments throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Perform initial review of solicitations, awards, purchase orders, modifications, and other contract actions; identify issues and recommend actions for management review.
• Draft standard NDAs, Teaming Agreements, subcontracts, and other contractual documents using approved templates and established positions.
• Research contractual requirements and support negotiations through analysis, draft positions, redlines, and follow-up.
• Track contractual deliverables, milestones, funding, options, periods of performance, reporting requirements, and other obligations.
• Coordinate contract closeout activities.
• Serve as a day-to-day Contracts resource for Program Managers and other internal stakeholders.
• Assist Program Managers with understanding and tracking contractual requirements and obligations.
• Coordinate contract actions with Program Management, Finance, Supply Chain, Business Development, Security, and other stakeholders.
• Identify potential changes in scope, schedule, funding, customer direction, or other contractual requirements and elevate them for review.
• Track open contract actions and coordinate timely completion with responsible stakeholders.
• Support the Manager, Contracts Management in implementing the strategic direction and continued development of the Contracts Management function.
• Assist with development and implementation of contract policies, procedures, templates, tools, workflows, systems, and internal controls.
• Help implement new processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, compliance, and visibility.
• Support contracting training and guidance for Program Management and other stakeholders.
• Adapt to evolving responsibilities, processes, systems, and priorities in a lean environment where specialized functional support may be limited.

Skills

Analytical

Organizational

Written & verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

BA/BS in Business Administration/Finance/Business Law or related field

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Contracts Administrator

QHSE Full Time White Collar Chesapeake, Chesapeake, VA, US

Salary Range: $75,500.00 To $95,500.00 Annually

The Contracts Administrator supports the Manager, Contracts Management in the execution and administration of customer and supplier contracts throughout the contract lifecycle. This role performs day-to-day contract administration, initial contract review and analysis, and preparation of contract actions under the guidance of the Manager, Contracts Management.

The role also supports the continued development of DMS's Contracts Management function and requires adaptability as processes, tools, policies, and responsibilities evolve.

Responsibilities

Contract Administration & Support

• Assist in administration of prime and commercial contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and other contractual instruments throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Perform initial review of solicitations, awards, purchase orders, modifications, and other contract actions; identify issues and recommend actions for management review.
• Draft standard NDAs, Teaming Agreements, subcontracts, and other contractual documents using approved templates and established positions.
• Research contractual requirements and support negotiations through analysis, draft positions, redlines, and follow‑up.
• Track contractual deliverables, milestones, funding, options, periods of performance, reporting requirements, and other obligations.
• Coordinate contract closeout activities.

Compliance & Documentation

• Perform initial contract compliance reviews and support development of contract compliance plans.
• Perform initial FAR/DFARS clause and flow down analysis and prepare recommended subcontract flow downs.
• Administer established compliance plans, flow downs, and recurring contractual requirements.
• Support Small Business Subcontracting Plan administration, including ISR/SSR reporting
• Maintain and complete required representations and certifications and requests for updates.
• Maintain complete and accurate contract files and support audits and reviews.
• Identify contractual or compliance issues requiring management review or action.

Program & Cross‑Functional Support

• Serve as a day‑to‑day Contracts resource for Program Managers and other internal stakeholders.
• Assist Program Managers with understanding and tracking contractual requirements and obligations.
• Coordinate contract actions with Program Management, Finance, Supply Chain, Business Development, Security, and other stakeholders.
• Identify potential changes in scope, schedule, funding, customer direction, or other contractual requirements and elevate them for review.
• Track open contract actions and coordinate timely completion with responsible stakeholders.

Contracts Function Development & Continuous Improvement

• Support the Manager, Contracts Management in implementing the strategic direction and continued development of the Contracts Management function.
• Assist with development and implementation of contract policies, procedures, templates, tools, workflows, systems, and internal controls.
• Help implement new processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, compliance, and visibility.
• Support contracting training and guidance for Program Management and other stakeholders.
• Adapt to evolving responsibilities, processes, systems, and priorities in a lean environment where specialized functional support may be limited.

Requirements

• B.A./B.S. in Business Administration, Finance, Business Law, or related field.
• 3-6 years of experience in contracts management and administration, with emphasis on Department of Defense and/or commercial maritime contracting.
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and federal government contracting requirements.
• Experience supporting government and commercial contracts across the pre-award and post-award lifecycle.
• Ability to analyze and research contractual requirements, identify risks or issues, and develop recommendations for leadership decision.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities while appropriately escalating matters requiring management direction.
• Adaptability and ability to work effectively in a developing, lean organization with evolving processes and responsibilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of Deltek Costpoint preferred.

Selected candidates must successfully complete a pre‑employment background screening and testing for illegal substances prior to employment. Depending on the position and customer requirements, employees may be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.