DIRECTOR OF CONTRACTS AND ESTIMATING

THIS POSITION IS PRIMARILY LOCATED IN NORFOLK AT LS&F

Position Summary

The Director of Contracts and Estimating at Lyon Shipyard is the senior management representative with responsibility and authority for overseeing all functions related to contract negotiations, administration, and cost estimating across commercial and government ship repair and construction projects. This role ensures that all contractual commitments are clearly understood, executed in compliance with regulatory requirements, and financially viable. The director leads a team of estimators, contract managers and administrators, and pricing analysts to deliver accurate bids, manage risk, and maximize profitability. This position holds the responsibility of promoting teamwork, innovation and process improvement throughout the departments and provides the team with appropriate leadership, mentoring, guidance, and advocacy to ensure its long-term success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Serve as the lead company representative in matters pertaining to Contracts and Estimates including but not limited to estimates, review of contracts, change order negotiation, document and data control of drawings and specifications, scheduling and planning of commercial government contracts, MSA/MSRA review and negotiation, development of proposals and works with the Quality Manager to ensure customer satisfaction.
2. Responsible for providing advice and counsel for the development of company proposals and the engagement and development of the pricing and estimating staff.
3. Participate in professional associations in order to project the company image, learning from forums provided by them, and communicating the company's position on any policy matters; participating in maritime industries organizations for the purpose of customer and public relations; providing information on competitor's activities; assisting in identifying new business opportunities; providing recommendations on no bid decisions; management of the company's agents, including the selection, periodic evaluation and replacement of such advertisements.
4. Lead the preparation and submission of proposals, cost estimates, and bids for government, commercial, and private sector projects.
5. Review and negotiate terms and conditions in customer contracts, ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and company policies as required.
6. Manage the full lifecycle of contracts, from initiation through close-out, including change orders and modifications.
7. Collaborate with operations, engineering, legal, QA, and finance teams to assess project scope, cost, and schedule impacts.
8. Establish and maintain estimating standards, cost databases, and pricing models for repeatable accuracy and efficiency.
9. Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related issues with clients, including NAVSEA and other DoD agencies.
10. Conduct risk assessments for all incoming projects and advise executive leadership on mitigation strategies.
11. Supervise, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of contract professionals and estimators.
12. Maintain awareness of industry best practices, regulatory changes, and competitive trends in shipbuilding/ship repair.
13. Support internal and external audits, including DCMA and DCAA engagements.
14. Proficiency in FAR and DFAR requirements.
15. Review, negotiation, and approval of all commercial supply contracts for services and goods within Lyon Shipyard to determine risk vs. reward.
16. Additional duties.

Position Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

1. At least 8 years of job-related experience with 5 years demonstrated in a Lead position and certification/license as required by State and local authorities, Electrician Master experience. (Associate's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of job-related experience.)
2. Bachelor's Degree.
3. Must be capable of obtaining DBIDS, TWIC, Port Authority, and other credentials as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Ability to read and interpret manuals, drawings and other customer provided references.
2. Experience with FAR, DFAR, ABS and Coast Guard requirements.
3. Experience with NAVSEA, MSC and Coast Guard Standard Items.
4. Attention to details, Strategic planning and the Analyzing of information.
5. Ability to multi-task, prioritize, manage time effectively and to identify work priorities in a constantly changing environment.
6. Proficient with corporate productivity and presentation tools.
7. Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
8. Strong listening and presentation skills.
9. Problem solving skills, decision making skills, and strategic Planning abilities.
10. The ability to establish and maintain positive business relationships with internal and external contacts is a key component of this position.
11. Strong analytical ability and strong research capabilities.
12. Ability to work independently within a team setting.
13. Ability to research and interpret contract documents and regulatory publications.
14. Strong customer service skills with vessel owners and industry representatives.
15. Ability to succeed in a diverse team environment.
16. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
17. Possess working knowledge of Shipyard production processes.
18. Ability to identify new processes and procedures required by industry change.
19. Strong understanding of various factors that yield a successful bid.
20. Strong computer skills extremely useful with emphasis on MS Project/P3, CAD, Excel, spreadsheet, and word processing applications.
21. Possess a valid driver's license with satisfactory driving records and safely operate a motor vehicle.
22. Ability to acquire a DBIDS Badge.

Competencies

1. Contract Management and Negotiation Excellence.

2. Firm Fixed Price (FFP), ROM estimating experience.

3. Proficient in cradle-to-grave contract oversight, including performance metrics, compliance, and close-out procedures.


4. Results-Oriented Leadership


5. Drives performance, ensures accountability, and delivers results through proactive decision-making and team empowerment.


6. Ethical Judgment & Integrity


7. Applies the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and regulatory compliance in every contract or estimating activity.


8. Communication & Influence


9. Communicates clearly and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels, including government officials and executive teams.


10. Analytical Acumen


11. Utilizes data-driven approaches to build reliable cost models, forecast margins, and assess proposal viability.


12. Client & Stakeholder Focus


13. Builds trust with customers, partners, and internal teams through consistent delivery and professional engagement.


14. Process Optimization


15. Continuously improves estimating and contracting workflows for efficiency and accuracy.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Primarily office setting with frequent sitting, standing, typing, and computer use. Candidate must be capable of donning

PPE and visiting ships pier side or in dock, climb gangways and ladders, crouch or kneel, and transit locations with low overheads.

This position may require access to U.S. government or military sites. As such, candidates must be eligible to obtain base access clearance, which includes passing a background check and presenting valid government-issued identification. Per federal requirements, acceptable ID must be REAL ID-compliant or an approved form of federal identification, such as a valid U.S. passport.

This document is intended to describe the general content and identify essential functions and requirements to perform this job. It is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. LS&F complies with all laws pertaining to accommodation of disabled individuals and considers reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants/employees to perform essential job functions. This document does not represent a contract of employment and LS&F reserves the right to modify or change this description and/or assign tasks deemed appropriate.