Lead Subcontracts Specialist

Position Overview

The Lead Subcontracts Specialist will lead the end-to-end lifecycle of FAR Part 15 proposals and subcontracts in support of key government programs within the Mechanical Assembly Government Sourcing organization. This role owns proposal development, sales order fulfillment, and the negotiation of FAR-compliant subcontracts and long-term purchase agreements.

The position also serves as a commodity lead, responsible for mentoring and training team members while partnering closely with Pricing, Engineering, Program Management, and suppliers to deliver compliant, value-focused subcontract solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute FAR Part 15 subcontracts in accordance with FAR, DFARS, and applicable regulations

• Lead proposal development, negotiation, award, and subcontract execution activities

• Build and execute strong negotiation strategies to support compliant contract outcomes

• Manage and support key program suppliers

• Lead assigned commodity areas within the sourcing organization

• Mentor and train team members on subcontracting processes, compliance, and best practices

• Partner closely with Pricing to deliver compliant FAR 15 proposal packages

• Negotiate subcontract types including FFP, CP, CPIF, and similar

• Develop supplier strategies that enable best overall value while maintaining regulatory compliance

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in Sourcing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Contracts & Compliance, Business, or Finance

• U.S. Citizen / U.S. Person due to contractual requirements

• Hands-on FAR Part 15 subcontracting experience

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Proven negotiation skills and structured negotiation processes

• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree

• Experience working with subcontractors across all phases of the program lifecycle

• Working knowledge of FAR and DFARS

• Experience with Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TCPD)

• Experience negotiating subcontract types such as FFP, CP, CPIF

• Supply chain and procurement experience within defense, aerospace, or similar regulated industries

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, SAP, and related subcontract management tools

• Ability to interpret and negotiate complex terms and conditions

Interview Process

• Interviews conducted via conference call

• Please include the candidate's email address in the comments section when requesting interview scheduling

Prescreen Interview Questions

1. FAR 15 Compliance & Pricing Partnership

Question:
"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) while partnering with Pricing and suppliers to deliver a compliant package on schedule?

What to Listen For:

• End-to-end lifecycle ownership (RFI/RFP, cost/price analysis, fact-finding, TCPD sweeps, BAFO, award)

• Clear understanding of FAR/DFARS and TCPD documentation requirements

• Cross-functional collaboration with Pricing, Engineering, and Program teams

• Risk identification and mitigation (data gaps, uncertified cost data, timeline risk)

• Measurable outcomes (on-time submittals, audit results, savings or avoidance)

2. Negotiation Strategy & Contract Types (FFP / CP / CPIF)

Question:
"Describe a complex supplier negotiation you led involving FFP, CP, or CPIF subcontracts. How did you build your negotiation position and balance best value with compliance and supplier relationship health?

What to Listen For:

• Use of cost models, should-cost analysis, market intelligence, and historical data

• Contract-type-specific negotiation tactics

• Concessions strategy and escalation handling

• Results tied to price, delivery, quality, and risk mitigation

• Ability to maintain supplier trust while driving value

3. Leadership, Mentoring & Multi-Task Execution

Question:
"This role leads a commodity and mentors others while managing multiple proposals and awards. Share an example where you guided teammates through a tight-deadline proposal or audit prep how did you set standards, delegate work, and ensure compliance?

What to Listen For:

• Structured leadership approach (playbooks, compliance matrices, trackers, templates)

• Coaching and skill development of team members

• Tools and processes used (SAP, Excel cost models, SharePoint, dashboards)

• Outcomes such as reduced rework, clean reviews, and on-time delivery