Senior Contracts Manager

Auria is looking to hire a Senior Contracts Manager to join our Corporate Contracts team. This on‑site position is located in Colorado Springs, CO. The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for all aspects of pre‑award and post‑award contract and subcontract management within a government contracting environment. The role serves as a strategic business partner, providing expert guidance on contractual, regulatory, and risk matters across a portfolio of programs. It involves independent judgement in negotiating and administering complex, high‑value contracts, ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, and company policies. The position advises senior leadership on contractual rights and obligations, supports proposal efforts and source selections, and ensures effective contract execution, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. The role also drives continuous improvement in contracting processes and compliance posture. Responsibilities Ensure compliance with Auria policies, processes, and procedures. Ensure all contract and subcontract activities comply with company policies, FAR, DFARS, and CPSR/purchasing system requirements. Draft, review, and maintain process/procedure documentation. Review, edit, and support proposals and contractual documents, including NDA and TAs, Sales/Purchase Agreements, Subcontracts, Consulting Agreements, Licensing Agreements, and Master Agreements. Serve as the primary point of contractual authority and point of contact for customers on contractual matters. Act as liaison between employees and customers to facilitate timely review, approval, and reconciliation of contract variations. Develop negotiation strategies, provide redlined recommendations, negotiate directly with external customers, and finalize contract agreements. Maintain comprehensive contractual records, correspondence, and documentation. Lead training initiatives and provide strategic guidance to project managers and operational staff on contract practices. Develop, implement, and improve contract management procedures and company policy compliance. Monitor employee adherence to procedures and identify recurring issues. Coordinate insurance and finance‑related requirements with Risk Management and Finance teams, including revenue recognition, pricing, discounting, and export controls. Analyze competitive terms, market conditions, customer satisfaction, and recommend improvements to contracting practices. Ensure contract visibility, awareness, and proper implementation across relevant teams. Manage ongoing contract issues, change requests, and compliance with milestones, deliverables, invoices, and Service Level Agreements. Handle contract close‑outs, extensions, and renewals. Participate in drafting solicitations and evaluating contractor performance. Authorize payments, exercise remedies, and resolve disputes. Maintain accurate and complete contract files and documentation in support of audits and reviews, including records of significant events and contract history. Support and utilize contract management and ERP software systems (e.g., JAMIS, Deltek Costpoint, SAP, or similar) to manage contracts effectively. Lead complex negotiations with Government Contracting Officers (COs), Administrative Contracting Officers (ACOs), and prime contractors on high-value or high-risk efforts. Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for FAR, DFARS, and CPSR compliance across programs and functional teams. Provide contractual risk assessments and actionable recommendations to senior leadership to support business decisions. Support or lead CPSR readiness efforts, internal audits, and corrective action planning. Influence proposal strategy, contract structuring, and pricing considerations to optimize business outcomes and mitigate risk. Mentor and provide guidance to junior contracts staff and cross‑functional teams. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) or equivalent experience. 10‑15+ years of progressive experience in managing complex government contracts and subcontracts. U.S. citizenship required and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Advanced knowledge of Federal Regulations (FAR, DFARS, etc.) and their application in complex contracting scenarios. Experience with various contract types (CR, FFP, T&M, etc.). Comprehensive understanding of contracting principles, pre‑ and post‑award actions, and subcontractor evaluation. Ability to make decisions on complex, precedent‑lacking contract actions. Knowledge of legal implications and contract clauses to ensure compliance and monitor performance. Experience with full lifecycle contract and subcontract administration (pre‑ and post‑award, and closeout) activities. Experience with contract negotiations, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. Ability to analyze complex contractual issues and provide sound business guidance. Excellent communication, negotiation, customer relations, and stakeholder management skills. Strong business acumen with the ability to balance compliance and program execution needs. Demonstrated ability to influence senior leadership and drive cross‑functional alignment. Strong organizational and decision‑making skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. Leadership and coaching skills to guide project managers and cross‑functional teams. Strategic thinking and problem‑solving abilities. Self‑starter, detail‑oriented, quick learner, able to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment. Familiarity with contract management software and ERP systems. Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting CPSR or equivalent government purchasing system audits. Experience negotiating directly with U.S. Government customers (e.g., CO/ACO). Demonstrated experience supporting or leading CPSR audits and implementing corrective actions. Experience supporting high‑value, complex programs (e.g., IDIQs, CPFF, T&M, OTA portfolios). Experience providing proposal strategy and source selection input. Pay Transparency $134,000 – $165,000 Benefits Time for What Matters Generous & Growing PTO: Start with a substantial paid time off package that increases every year you’re with us. True Flexibility: Contract permitting, use Flex Time to work in a way that fits your life, not just your 8‑to‑5. 11 Paid Days Off: Enjoy 6 fixed company holidays plus 5 Floating Holidays to use whenever you choose. Invested in Your Future 401(k) Match – Your contributions and the company match are yours from day one with no vesting wait‑period. Industry‑Leading Education Support: Level up with up to $12,000 annually for tuition and certifications. Health & Peace of Mind Premium Healthcare, Lower Costs: High‑quality medical plans paired with a Company‑Sponsored HSA to help you save for the future. Fully Covered Life Insurance: Breathe easy with life insurance up to $50K provided at zero cost to you. Holistic Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial coaching, and more. ...and that's just the beginning! Auria is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action‑Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr