Contract Manager - Spark Talent Acquisition : Job Details

Position: Contracts Manager

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Position Summary:

Detail-oriented and experienced Contracts Manager with comprehensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). In this role, you will be responsible for managing, negotiating, and administering contracts with federal government agencies, as well as ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract law, government contracting, and the ability to navigate the complexities of FAR and DFARS.

Position Responsibilities:

Oversee the lifecycle of contracts from proposal stage through to contract close-out. Manage contract modifications, renewals, and amendments.

Ensure compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other applicable government procurement regulations. Provide guidance to internal teams regarding compliance requirements.

Lead negotiations and draft contract terms and conditions with government agencies, subcontractors, and vendors. Ensure terms are favorable and in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Identify and mitigate risks associated with contractual obligations, including but not limited to scope changes, performance issues, and delivery schedules.

Provide training to internal stakeholders (e.g., project managers, finance) on FAR, DFARS, and contract management best practices.

Advise on contract strategy and compliance.

Resolve contractual disputes by working with legal teams, government representatives, and external counsel, if necessary.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of contract performance, compliance, and modifications. Provide regular reports to senior management on contract status, risks, and issues.

SPA for ensuring systems is in place for Sector compliance with CAS/FAR, where necessary.

Work closely with cross-functional teams such as legal, finance, procurement, and project management to ensure alignment on contract terms and compliance.

Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

BS in Business Administration, Law, or related field.

Minimum of 5+ years of experience in contract management, with at least 3 years of experience working with FAR and DFARS regulations in a government contracting environment.

In-depth knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other applicable federal procurement regulations.

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status.

Preferred Qualifications:

A JD or advanced degree is a plus.

Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and administration skills.

Ability to interpret complex legal and contractual language and provide clear guidance to internal stakeholders.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Strong attention to detail, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Proven experience negotiating and administering government contracts, including fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and time-and-materials contracts.

Experience working with government defense contracts or Department of Defense (DoD) contracts.

Knowledge of contract management software and tools (e.g., IFS).

About Spark Talent Acquisition:

Spark Talent Acquisition is a Michigan-headquartered recruiting and staffing company that connects great talent with great employers. We understand that building the right team is vital to success. Listening to our clients and creating customized workforce strategies is at the core of what we do. We pride ourselves in team development as it matches our purpose as an organization to help people grow.