Government Contract Attorney

FCX Performance; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Industrial Technologies, NYSE: AIT, seeks an experienced commercial attorney to join its Legal Department at the Cleveland headquarters. The role focuses on government contract negotiation, compliance, and related commercial contract matters across multiple business segments.

The candidate will provide timely, business-oriented guidance on FAR/DFARS, assist with proposals and disputes, and help implement risk controls while collaborating with sales, operations, and executives.

Qualifications

• JD required from a recognized law school.
• Bar admission in good standing; Ohio preferred.
• 3+ years of federal government contracting experience.
• Experience drafting/negotiating domestic and international commercial agreements.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, business-oriented legal advice on government contracting in response to solicitations, bids, and contracts.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and related regulations across projects.
• Draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements and handle dispute resolution.
• Advise on risk, training, and post-acquisition integration efforts as needed.

Skills

Federal government contracting

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate

Bar admission (Ohio preferred)

Job description

The Legal Department of Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT), an industrial distributor with a $12.5 billion market cap, seeks an experienced commercial attorney to join its expanding team in this newly created role. This position will be the primary legal team member assisting our businesses on government contract negotiation and compliance, together with other commercial contract matters as applicable, and is located at Applied’s corporate headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.

Essential Duties And Requirements

• Provide accurate, timely, business-oriented legal advice to business associates across all business segments in connection with their responses to Federal, state, and local solicitations, requests for quotations/proposals, bids, and in taking steps to comply with necessary requirements in fulfilling and performing such contracts and subcontracts.
• Have in-depth knowledge of, and the ability to provide clear guidance on compliance regarding, those requirements unique to contracting with the U.S. Government, including FAR/DFARS.
• Experienced in proposal development, negotiations, contract performance and dispute resolution in connection with government contracts at the Federal, state, and local levels.
• Experienced in contracting and regulatory compliance matters, including EAR, FCPA, CMMC, and trade compliance regulations.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments impacting government contracting and advise on required changes to processes, contract positions, and risk controls.
• Be able to clearly and effectively communicate with all levels of business team associates the requirements necessary to comply with a wide range of government contracts and subcontracts.
• Develop and deliver training to sales and other personnel on government contracting requirements.
• Independently draft and negotiate a wide range of agreements to meet business and legal requirements, including sales agreements, supply agreements, distribution agreements, consulting agreements, and various vendor services agreements.
• Provide creative, practical, business-oriented advice and solutions on contract interpretation, dispute resolution, liability risks, regulatory compliance, and other legal matters.
• Work with Applied’s business development team to conduct due diligence and post-acquisition integration efforts in strategic transactions as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from a nationally recognized law school.
• Admitted to practice (preferably in Ohio).
• At least 3 years of experience in federal government contracting.
• Experience drafting and negotiating domestic and international commercial agreements.
• Experience supporting internal investigations, audits, bid protests, contract claims, or government customer disputes.
• Ability to take accountability, appropriately calibrate risk and enable clear decision-making with confidence and professional maturity.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively, develop and maintain positive relationships, and lead a diverse workload.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interface effectively with clients, peers, outside counsel and opposing parties and the ability to communicate legal topics to non-lawyers.
• Experience with EEO laws a plus.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.