Senior Subcontracts Manager

Job Description

Job Description

At Areté, we are on the forefront of developing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee- owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

We are seeking a Senior Subcontracts Manager with extensive experience in subcontract management to include cost and price analysis to support critical subcontract activities across multiple programs. This role includes leading complex subcontract negotiations, advising senior management on subcontract strategy, developing solicitations, evaluating detailed cost proposals, and administering subcontracts and service agreements. This position is based in our Northridge, CA office and is an exempt, non-supervisory full-time role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the full lifecycle of subcontracts from initiation to subcontract close out across all company business areas in compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and prime contract requirements. Subcontract scope includes goods and services in research, development, limited rate production, and full‑rate production. Items range from R&D support to complex custom systems for U.S. Federal Government and commercial clients.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and company Purchasing Manual Policies and Procedures. Maintain Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR)-compliant subcontract files and recommend updates to internal subcontract procedures as needed.
• Perform, lead, and document detailed cost and price analyses of subcontractor proposals, including cost breakdown evaluation, cost reasonableness assessments, price analysis techniques, and FAR Part 15 cost principles compliance. Coordinate fact‑finding and technical evaluations with subcontractors.
• Lead and execute subcontract negotiations and awards, including modifications, in accordance with purchasing policies. Administer subcontracts throughout execution, monitor performance, and perform closeout activities. Maintain comprehensive subcontract documentation consistent with company requirements.
• In collaboration with the Procurement Manager and Manufacturing VP, refine and adjust subcontract policies and procedures in response to evolving program needs, pricing trends, and regulatory changes.
• Issue Purchase Orders and Subcontracts in Costpoint based on approved Purchase Requests.
• Serve as a strategic business advisor to Program Management throughout the subcontract lifecycle. Monitor subcontractor performance with Program Management and Production Management and provide performance assessments to leadership.
• Conduct and lead market research activities. Collaborate with Program Managers and Contracts Managers to develop statements of work, specifications, evaluation criteria, and solicitations.
• Support external audits. Update FAR/DFARS flow-downs for subcontract packages.
• Work with the Export Administrator to maintain export control compliance within the subcontracting function.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Generous PTO and Leave Times

• Flextime Scheduling
• Bereavement
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave

Financial Benefits

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• Bachelor's degree and 8-1O years of experience in subcontract management under federal prime contracts in a CPSR-compliant procurement system.
• Experience with full life-cycle management of Firm Fixed Price, Cost-type, and Time & Materials subcontracts for research and development services and products in science and technology domains.
• High level of knowledge of U.S. Federal government procurement regulations including market research, competition, source justification, cost/price analysis, negotiation, and closeout.
• Experience and knowledge in CPSR audits and maintaining a CPSR-approved Purchasing System.
• Experience in performing internal audits/reviews of company-issued Purchase Orders/Subcontracts.
• Knowledge of ITAR and EAR.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with colleagues, management, and executives.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access).
• Proficiency in working within an MRP / Materials Management System with a preference for experience with Deltek Costpoint.

The salary range for this role is $115,000 to $125,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills .

Other Considerations

Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com for assistance.