Senior Contract Lead — Lifecycle Expert (Hybrid)

San Diego International; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

14 paid holidays

Vacation 18–33 days (PTO)

Parental/ childcare benefits

Pension plan + 457 plan

Lifestyle Spending Account

Job summary

San Diego International Airport is seeking a Lead Contract Specialist to lead contract life-cycle activities from planning to closeout. The role requires guiding compliance, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize procurement outcomes.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with on-site and remote days. Candidates will mentor Contract Specialists, manage workloads, and support staff development while driving process improvements across the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in acquisition or contract management, business or public administration, or related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible contract development and administration experience, including leadership or supervision; public agency experience is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate routine to highly complex contracting activities throughout the contract life cycle (planning, solicitation, source selection, award, administration, closeout).
• Interpret contracts, identify deviations, and recommend compliance measures.
• Collaborate across departments and stakeholders to support contract execution.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and development to Contract Specialists and Project Assistants.
• Prepare staff performance reports, contract status updates, workload analyses, and related management reports.
• Drive and operate Authority vehicles to job sites for walks and inspections.

Skills

Contract lifecycle management

Leadership

Risk & compliance

Procurement processes

Vendor relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in acquisition or contract management

Tools

Contract management software

Job description

San Diego International Airport is seeking a Lead Contract Specialist to lead contract life-cycle activities from planning to closeout. The role requires guiding compliance, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize procurement outcomes.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with on-site and remote days. Candidates will mentor Contract Specialists, manage workloads, and support staff development while driving process improvements across the department.