Corporate Contracts Negotiator/Manager - Santa Barbara

Contracts Negotiator & Manager

Company Level

Head of Contracting Department

Come join our Fifth Gait Technologies team as a Contracts Negotiator and Manager to support nationally recognized subject matter experts in space and radiation survivability, image processing, real-time systems, and IR sensors.

Who we are: 

Fifth Gait Technologies, Inc. is a minority woman-owned small business founded in 2007. With our team of subject matter experts, we are an industry leader in all aspects of space and nuclear radiation survivability for ground and space-based Defense and commercial assets. From modeling and simulation of radiation environments and effects to the design, test, and evaluation of sensors, electronics, and optical materials, we provide turnkey options to the survivability community. With laboratory facilities in Colorado Springs, CO and Huntsville, AL, our team of engineers and scientists are developing solutions to industry challenges.

About the Position:

Fifth Gait Technologies is a growing company with multiple government contracts. As we continue to grow, we need a high-level contracts negotiator to coordinate with our customers and to organize and manage contracts departments in our offices across the country.

Who will love this job:

A process-driven teammate – you work efficiently to maximize the effort of each team member and are open and thoughtful about giving and receiving feedback.

A big-picture thinker – you consider the impact of the overall outcomes when digging into the details of creating policies and procedures.

A problem solver – you ask stakeholders the right questions to get to the root of the problem and are prepared to tackle challenges.

What you’ll do:

• Analyze, evaluate, and negotiate contractor's proposals for highly specialized research and development requirements for programs/activities of Fifth Gait Technologies.
• Process, analyze, evaluate, perform cost analysis, provide input for the competitive range determinations, and develop a pre-negotiation position for proposals.
• Direct contracts work product such as proposals, contracts, terms and conditions, and modification documents at top management level.
• Review contracts work products generated at group level prior to submission.
• Ensure that contracts are negotiated and administered in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Fifth Gait Technologies policies and procedures.
• Review and evaluate customer requests for proposal and revisions to contracts.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies.
• Prepare and present briefings to management regularly and customers as needed.
• Develop productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Direct organization of proposal, negotiation, and contract files in network server library.
• Implement policies and procedures with the company to streamline our contracts processes.
• Work with current employees in the contracts department and fill in with new hires as necessary.

Basic Requirements:

• Five years of contracting experience or equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., related bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from an accredited college or university). Examples of contracting experience include, but are not limited to:
  • Knowledge and experience with various aspects of the federal contract life cycle including proposals, post-award contract administration, scope management, and contract close-out;
  • Knowledge of and comfort working with various contract types;
  • Experience with U.S. Government procurement regulations (i.e., FAR and DFARS); and
  • First-hand negotiation experience.
• Proficiency in coordinating and managing proposals.
• Background providing inputs to leadership to advise risk assessments by identifying risk areas and offering potential mitigation approaches.
• Ability to communicate and establish strong relationships with internal and external customers.
• Ability to understand core financial and business concepts.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• S. citizenship.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain at least a U.S. Government SECRET security clearance.

Desired Skills/Qualifications:

• Ability to influence positive business outcomes with fact, reason, and the ability to convey the company’s positions through exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Professional certification(s), such as Certified Federal Contracts Manager.
• Negotiation, and administration experience with DoD contracts.
• Proven understanding of the FAR / DFAR and CAS, FMS Contracting.
• Experience working effectively in a complex and multifaceted environment.
• Earned value management experience is recommended.
• Demonstrated ability to develop solutions to a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity.

Our Benefits: 

Fifth Gait offers competitive salaries and outstanding benefits including company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, annual bonuses, and a retirement plan including company matching.

Travel will be required.

The salary range for this position is $115,000-$150,000.