Contracts Manager

Job order - J0626-0882 - Permanent Full Time Title Contracts Manager Category Architecture City Aberdeen, Maryland, United States Job Description CGI Federal is seeking a highly skilled Senior Contracts Manager to lead the full lifecycle of contracts management (strategy, negotiation, execution, and compliance) for a Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) program in Aberdeen, MD. This role is central to ensuring our program's contractual foundation remains solid, audit-ready, and fully aligned with Defense acquisition regulations. The Senior Contracts Manager will guide and manage government‑facing obligations with precision and authority. This leader will not only safeguard contractual integrity but will shape and implement contractual obligations for a highly visible modernization effort. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in Defense contracting, ability to interpret and apply FAR/DFARS requirements, and the confidence to engage with senior government stakeholders. If you excel at turning complex requirements into clear, compliant, and executable contractual frameworks as well as thrive in a fast‑paced environment where accuracy and foresight matter, this role is an opportunity to have a defining impact on a mission‑critical modernization initiative. This position is located in Aberdeen, MD. Responsibilities Strategic Contract Leadership Lead long‑range contract strategy development to support evolving modernization requirements Anticipate acquisition pathways and capability growth across multi‑year program phases Advise senior leadership on strategic contract risks and opportunities Acquisition Innovation & Transformation Implement modern contracting methods such as agile and modular contracting Align contract structures with digital engineering and model‑based systems engineering practices Develop contract frameworks that support rapid prototyping and accelerated fielding Advanced Negotiation & Relationship Management Lead high‑level negotiations with government and industry partners Build strategic, long‑term relationships across the program and supply chain Represent the program in executive‑level reviews and contractual discussions Data‑Driven Contract Oversight Use analytics tools to monitor contract performance and identify risk trends Develop predictive models to anticipate cost, schedule, or compliance issues Drive process improvements using data insights and audit outcomes Regulatory Foresight & Compliance Leadership Stay ahead of changes in FAR/DFARS, cybersecurity requirements, and acquisition policy Recommend updates to internal processes based on emerging federal regulations Serve as the SME for new policies impacting program contracting Enterprise Integration & Knowledge Leadership Mentor and develop future contracting professionals Integrate contracting workflows with program management, engineering, and finance Lead capture of lessons learned and best practices across the enterprise Contract Execution Excellence Standardize tools, templates, and digital workflows for contracting activities Ensure audit‑ready contract documentation and process transparency Maintain flexible contractual frameworks that adapt to new mission priorities Qualifications Education MA/MS/MBA from an accredited college or university in Business, Finance, Law, Contracts, or a related field A BA/BS plus 3 additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the graduate degree Experience 8+ years of experience as a Contracts Administrator or Contracts Manager within a DoD acquisition environment Demonstrated experience negotiating and administering FAR/DFARS‑based government contracts Proven ability to manage contract actions across the full lifecycle (pre‑award through closeout) Experience preparing proposals, modifications, cost/price analyses, and contract briefs Background supporting major defense programs or multi‑year government modernization initiatives Experience assessing contractor performance, monitoring deliverables, and ensuring compliance Experience working cross‑functionally with finance, program management, engineering, and supply chain Knowledge & Technical Skills Deep understanding of FAR, DFARS, and Defense contracting policies Ability to interpret and structure complex contractual requirements Proficiency in contract writing systems, audit requirements, and workflow documentation Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills for contractual risk identification and mitigation Familiarity with cost‑type, fixed‑price, IDIQ, and OTA contracting structures Ability to develop negotiation strategies and secure favorable terms Leadership & Communication Skills Ability to provide contract strategy guidance to senior leadership Strong written and verbal communication skills for high‑level briefings Experience mentoring or coaching junior contract professionals Ability to build collaborative relationships with government customers and prime/subcontractors Additional Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting rapid acquisition, agile contracting, or modernization programs Working knowledge of digital engineering or data‑driven contract management tools DAWIA or FAC‑C certification Desired qualifications/non‑essential skills required Experience supporting large‑scale modernization, digital transformation, or C5ISR programs Familiarity with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital engineering deliverables Understanding of OTAs, IDIQs, competitive task order environments, and consortium‑based contracting Knowledge of cost/price analysis techniques including BOE development and cost realism assessments Tools & Technology Skills Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) platforms or automated workflow systems Proficiency with advanced data analytics or dashboarding tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) Familiarity with electronic contract writing tools such as PIEE, WAWF, or similar systems Leadership & Collaboration Skills Experience leading cross‑functional improvement initiatives or working groups Ability to drive consensus among diverse technical and business stakeholders Strong mentoring capabilities to support growth of junior contracting personnel Strategic & Analytical Strengths Ability to forecast long‑range contract needs and support multi‑year acquisition planning Demonstrated skill in building contract strategies for evolving requirements Strong business acumen with the ability to support capture and proposal development activities Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Experience preparing executive‑level briefings, negotiation positions, and strategy papers Ability to articulate complex contracting topics to non‑contract personnel Experience working directly with senior government customers in a collaborative environment Personal Attributes & Working Style Adaptable to fast‑paced, priority‑shifting modernization environments Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance Proactive problem solver with a mindset for continuous improvement EEO Statement Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status or responsibilities, reproductive health decisions, political affiliation, genetic information, height, weight, or any other legally protected status or characteristics to the extent required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws where we do business. CGI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr