Prime Contracts Manager

Strategic Management Solutions, LLC (SMSI); Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Strategic Management Solutions, LLC (SMSI) is seeking an experienced Prime Contracts Manager to provide strategic leadership and full lifecycle management of complex federal and commercial prime contracts, focusing on DOE/NNSA and other government customers.

The ideal candidate will interpret, apply FAR/DEAR, negotiate terms, and collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure compliant, timely contract execution. Occasional travel is required.

Qualifications

• Experience with federal and/or commercial prime contracts; DOE/NNSA experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FAR, DEAR, federal procurement regulations, and commercial contracting practices.
• Demonstrated success in negotiation, administration, compliance, and contract closeout for federal/commercial contracts.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with contract management systems; Unanet preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of federal and commercial prime contracts, including proposals, negotiations, award, administration, modifications, and closeout.
• Serve as primary contractual point of contact for DOE/NNSA, federal agencies, commercial customers, prime contractors, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Interpret and apply FAR, DEAR, DOE/NNSA requirements, and applicable contracting principles.
• Lead negotiations on scope, pricing, schedule, funding, performance requirements, and terms and conditions.
• Oversee contract changes, deliverables, funding actions, releases, and related documentation.
• Identify and mitigate contractual, regulatory, and business risks.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, customer requirements, and company policies.
• Support proposal development, including contract reviews, cost/pricing input, and negotiation strategies.
• Collaborate with program, project, and executive leadership, legal, finance, supply chain, and HR to support execution.
• Provide contractual guidance for audits, customer reviews, disputes, and oversight activities.
• Maintain accurate contract records and reporting.
• Build and maintain strong customer and stakeholder relationships.
• Mentor contract staff and improve contracting processes and tools.

Skills

DOE/NNSA prime contracts

FAR/DEAR knowledge

Negotiation & contract mgmt

Stakeholder collaboration

Contract risk mgmt

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, contract management, legal studies, engineering, or related field

Tools

Unanet

Microsoft Office

Job description

Strategic Management Solutions, LLC (SMSI) provides expert management consulting, program and project management, and technical consulting services to government and private-sector clients. SMSI has built a strong reputation for client-focused performance, delivering innovative solutions and measurable results that help clients achieve their goals, meet critical commitments, and successfully reach key milestones.

Job Summary

Strategic Management Solutions, LLC (SMSI) is seeking an experienced Prime Contracts Manager to provide strategic leadership and full lifecycle management of complex federal and commercial prime contracts, with a primary focus on the Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and other government customers. Serving as a key contractual interface for SMSI, the Prime Contracts Manager will lead all aspects of contract management, including proposal and contract negotiations, administration, compliance, risk management, modifications, and closeout. This position will work closely with internal leadership and cross-functional teams, as well as government and commercial customers, to ensure contractual obligations are effectively managed and business objectives are achieved.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented professional with strong expertise in interpreting and managing complex contractual requirements. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, strong negotiation and communication skills, and the ability to build productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

This position will require occasional travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of federal and commercial prime contracts, including proposals, negotiations, award, administration, modifications, and closeout.
• Serve as a primary contractual point of contact for DOE/NNSA, other federal agencies, commercial customers, prime contractors, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Interpret and apply FAR, DEAR, DOE/NNSA requirements, and applicable commercial contracting principles.
• Lead negotiations involving scope, pricing, schedule, funding, performance requirements, and terms and conditions for both federal and commercial agreements.
• Oversee contract changes, deliverables, funding actions, releases, and associated documentation.
• Identify and mitigate contractual, regulatory, and business risks.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, customer requirements, and company policies across federal and commercial contracts.
• Support proposal development, including contract reviews, compliance assessments, cost/pricing input, and negotiation strategies.
• Collaborate with program, project, and executive leadership, legal, finance, supply chain, and human resources to support successful contract execution.
• Provide contractual guidance and support for audits, customer reviews, disputes, and oversight activities.
• Maintain accurate contract records and reporting.
• Build and maintain strong customer and stakeholder relationships.
• Mentor contract staff and help improve contracting processes and tools.
• Required Skills/ Abilities
• Significant experience with DOE/NNSA or other federal prime contracts; commercial contract experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FAR, DEAR, federal procurement regulations, and commercial contracting practices.
• Demonstrated success in negotiation, administration, compliance, and contract closeout for both federal and commercial contracts.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with contract management systems; Unanet preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Desired Skills

• Advanced degree or NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, or CCCM).
• Experience with cost-type, performance-based, IDIQ, or commercial contract structures.
• Experience supporting national security, energy, R&D, environmental, or technical programs.
• Experience leading or mentoring contract teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, contract management, legal studies, engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in federal and/or commercial contract management.

Physical Demands:

The employee may be required to stand, walk, lift objects, and reach with hands and arms.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Strategic Management Solutions, LLC (SMSI) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.