Lead Subcontracts Specialist

Position Overview

The Lead Subcontracts Specialist is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of FAR Part 15 proposals and subcontracts supporting critical aerospace and defense programs. This role supports a Mechanical Assembly Government Sourcing team and serves as a lead resource for assigned commodities while mentoring junior team members.

Responsibilities span from proposal development through contract execution, supplier management, subcontract negotiations, and fulfillment of customer requirements. The position requires strong expertise in FAR/DFARS compliance, supplier negotiations, proposal support, and subcontract administration.

Key Responsibilities

Subcontract Management

• Execute FAR Part 15 subcontracts in compliance with FAR, DFARS, and other applicable regulations.
• Lead subcontract activities from proposal development through contract award and execution.
• Negotiate subcontract agreements and long-term purchase agreements.
• Manage subcontract performance and supplier relationships throughout the contract lifecycle.

Proposal Support

• Develop and deliver compliant FAR Part 15 proposal packages for government customers.
• Partner closely with Pricing and cross-functional teams to ensure proposal compliance and timely submission.
• Support proposal development activities including cost analysis, supplier coordination, and compliance reviews.

Supplier Management

• Manage key program suppliers and subcontractors.
• Develop sourcing and supplier strategies that maximize value, quality, delivery performance, and compliance.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues impacting program execution.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Negotiation & Contracting

• Develop and execute negotiation strategies for subcontract awards.
• Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions, schedules, and contractual requirements.
• Ensure subcontract structures align with program objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Support negotiations involving:
  • Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
  • Cost Plus (CP)
  • Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF)

Leadership & Mentoring

• Train, mentor, and support team members.
• Share best practices related to FAR compliance, proposal development, and subcontract administration.
• Assist with process improvements and continuous development initiatives.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
  • Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
  • Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD) requirements
  • Internal policies and procedures
• Support audits, compliance reviews, and documentation requirements.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Sourcing
  • Procurement
  • Supply Chain
  • Contracts Administration
  • Business Operations
  • Finance

Required Skills

• Experience supporting FAR Part 15 subcontracting activities.
• Strong understanding of government contracting requirements.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Eligibility

• U.S. Person status required due to contractual requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Industry Experience

• Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or government contracting experience preferred.
• Experience supporting subcontractors throughout the full program lifecycle.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of:
  • FAR
  • DFARS
  • Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD)
  • Government proposal compliance requirements

Systems Experience

• Microsoft Office Suite
• SAP
• Subcontract management and procurement systems

Contract Types

Experience negotiating and managing:

• Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
• Cost Plus (CP)
• Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF)

Additional Skills

• Ability to review and negotiate contract terms and conditions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Interview Process

• Interviews will be conducted via conference call.
• Candidate email address must be included when scheduling interviews.

Prescreen Questions

Please include candidate responses at the top of the resume submission.

1. FAR 15 Procurement Experience

Walk me through a recent FAR Part 15 procurement you led, from RFP/proposal through negotiation and award. How did you ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD) requirements while partnering with Pricing and suppliers to deliver a compliant proposal package on schedule?

2. Supplier Negotiation Experience

Describe a complex supplier negotiation involving Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Cost Plus (CP), or Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) subcontracts. How did you develop your negotiation strategy and balance cost, compliance, and supplier relationships?

3. Leadership & Mentoring

Provide an example of mentoring team members during a proposal effort, audit preparation, or other high-pressure project with tight deadlines. How did you ensure compliance, delegate responsibilities effectively, and achieve on-time delivery?