Contracts Program Manager/Principal Contract Specialist

FedWriters, Inc.; Kittery (ME); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

FedWriters, Inc. seeks a Contracts Program Manager to lead an embedded team at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME. You will manage workload, quality, and Navy relations, while handling complex procurements with FAR/DFARS compliance.

Responsibilities include supervising 7–10 contract specialists, overseeing performance metrics, and mentoring staff. On-site schedule supports standard US federal work hours, with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; no experience substitution.
• 8+ years of government contracting experience including IDIQs and task orders.
• 3+ years of government supervisory experience.
• DAWIA Contracting certification (Contracting Professional) or equivalent.
• DAWIA Program Management Advanced or equivalent.
• Active U.S. government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of 7–10 contract specialists embedded with the shipyard’s contracting office.
• Serve as the Navy’s primary point of contact with full authority over daily contract operations.
• Own the team’s Quality Control Plan, peer review process, and performance metrics.
• Evaluate and oversee telework eligibility and arrangements in coordination with the COR.
• Personally execute or review the most complex acquisitions, source selections, and negotiations.
• Build a culture of knowledge-sharing through training sessions, job aids, and mentoring of Navy and contractor staff.
• Plan and execute contract transition-out activities when required.

Skills

Contract management

Team leadership

Customer/ Navy liaison

Mentoring/training

Quality control

Knowledge of FAR/DFARS

Microsoft 365

Security clearance

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree

DAWIA Contracting certification

DAWIA Program Management certification

Tools

Automated acquisition systems

Job description

Overview

Join our team as a Contracts Program Manager and support Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s Contracting and Logistics Department by leading an embedded team of contract specialists delivering full-lifecycle acquisition support. You will manage workload, quality, and the Navy client relationship while handling the most complex contract actions yourself, ensure every deliverable meets FAR/DFARS standards and the shipyard’s lead-time goals.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

**Position is contingent upon contract award**

Work Schedule and Location:

On-Site: This full-time on-site position will work Monday through Friday. Shifts fall between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM ET (max 8 hours worked per day). Work is performed onsite at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of 7–10 contract specialists embedded with the shipyard’s contracting office: assign work, track performance, and manage timekeeping
• Serve as the Navy’s primary point of contact with full authority over daily contract operations
• Own the team’s Quality Control Plan, peer review process, and performance metrics
• Evaluate and oversee telework eligibility and arrangements in coordination with the COR
• Personally execute or review the most complex acquisitions, source selections, and negotiations
• Build a culture of knowledge-sharing through training sessions, job aids, and mentoring of Navy and contractor staff
• Plan and execute contract transition-out activities when required

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree. No experience substitution is allowed.
• 8+ years of government contracting experience, including commercial and non-commercial supplies and services, IDIQs, and task/delivery orders
• 3+ years of government supervisory experience
• Both of the following certifications:
  • DAWIA Contracting certification (Contracting Professional) or equivalent (FAC-C Professional, FAC-C-DoD, or legacy FAC-C Level III)
  • DAWIA Program Management Advanced, or legacy DAWIA PM Level III, or equivalent
• Demonstrated training, mentoring, or knowledge-sharing experience
• Expert FAR/DFARS knowledge sufficient to plan, lead, review, or audit the most complex procurements
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and automated acquisition systems
• Active U.S. government security clearance
• U.S. citizenship, plus the ability to pass shipyard access vetting

Desired:

• Business degree
• More than 8 years of contracting and/or more than 3 years of supervisory experience
• Prior warranted Contracting Officer or contracting branch/division leadership
• Experience managing a contractor services team, including QC programs and transitions
• Navy/NAVSEA/shipyard contracting background

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Pay Range

Negotiable