Contracts Manager - Defense (Direct Hire)

Advantage Technical; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Technical in Lorton, VA, is seeking a senior-level Contracts Manager to support day-to-day contract activities for a federal contracting organization. This position offers leadership opportunities and requires extensive experience in federal contract management.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of FAR and DFARS regulations. This is an onsite role with a competitive salary around $160,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of federal government contract management experience.
• Experience with T&M, FFP, and Cost-Reimbursable contract types.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations and support the VP of Contracts.
• Lead a team of junior contract administrators.
• Ensure compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations.
• Provide contractual input for business decisions and program execution.

Skills

Federal government contract management experience

Proposal support

FAR and DFARS knowledge

Negotiation of contracts

Analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Location: Lorton, VA (Onsite)

Compensation: ~$160,000 annually

Local candidates strongly preferred

Position Overview

Advantage Technical is seeking a senior‑level Contracts Manager to support a rapidly growing federal contracting organization. This role functions as the right hand to the VP of Contracts, serving as the operational lead for day‑to‑day contract activities and managing a team of four junior contract administrators.

This is a high‑visibility, leadership‑track position ideal for a self‑starter who thrives in complex government contracting environments, can operate independently, and is comfortable advising senior leadership on contractual risk, compliance, and business strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Serve as the second‑in‑command to the VP of Contracts, helping manage daily operations and acting as a buffer for the team.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four junior contract administrators.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and support career development.
• Establish priorities, delegate tasks, and ensure timely execution of contract actions.
• Lead full lifecycle contract management for federal programs, from pre‑award through closeout.
• Prepare, negotiate, and execute NDAs, Teaming Agreements, and Government contract agreements.
• Manage a high volume of contract modifications, actions, and documentation.
• Provide post‑award guidance to Program Management and internal stakeholders.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Interpret and apply FAR/DFARS and agency‑specific regulations.
• Ensure proper flow‑down of mandatory clauses to subcontractors.
• Identify contractual risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and advise leadership.
• Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and contract file accuracy.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Program Management, Supply Chain, Subcontracts, Engineering, and Finance to ensure alignment with contractual requirements.
• Assist with subcontract development and customization based on prime contract terms.
• Support proposal development, pricing strategy, and negotiation planning.

Strategic & Operational Impact

• Provide contractual input into business decisions, program execution, and risk assessments.
• Support organizational growth by improving processes, templates, and contract governance.
• Represent the contracts function in customer meetings, executive reviews, and program briefings.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of federal government contract management experience, including:
• Proposal support
• Strong experience with T&M, FFP, and Cost‑Reimbursable contract types.
• Deep understanding of FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements.
• Proven ability to negotiate NDAs, Teaming Agreements, and Government contracts.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to stay current with federal regulatory changes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing strategic program‑level quality oversight.
• Strong financial and business alignment skills.
• Experience interfacing with executive leadership and customers.
• Background in process governance and contract operations optimization.