Contracts Administrator

Job Description

Job Description

Contracts Administrator

Industry: Shipbuilding & Marine Defense

Location: San Diego, CA

Shift: 1st Shift

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a detail-oriented  Contracts Administrator to join our Contracts team. In this role, you will manage all aspects of contracts from "cradle to grave"—including RFP distribution, proposal development, customer negotiations, compliance matrix creation, and risk identification and mitigation.

Reporting to the Contracts Manager under the general supervision of the Director of Contracts, you will serve as the primary point of contact for assigned contracts, collaborating closely with both internal stakeholders (Program Management, Engineering, Legal, Cost Engineering) and key external customers (SUPSHIP, NAVSEA, and commercial clients).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contract Administration & Leadership: Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned contracts; lead routine meetings, manage contract modifications, and handle complete contract close-out activities.
• Proposal & RFP Management: Review initial RFPs, customer change requests, and proposal packages. Coordinate with Proposal, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Cost Engineering teams to assemble, review, approve, and submit high-value proposal packages and change proposals.
• Negotiation & Risk Mitigation: Draft complex contract letters, incorporate technical/business clarifications, and negotiate contract changes and new high-value contracts. Identify contractual risks and present risk-avoidance solutions to management.
• Compliance & Claims: Conduct FAR/DFAR clause reviews, develop compliance matrices, and manage Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), insurance claims, and other contractual remedies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Business Development to draft commercial agreements and advise internal teams on contract terms, profitability impacts, schedule alignment, and overall risk.
• Deadline & Documentation Tracking: Maintain organized, up-to-date contract files, track contractual milestones, monitor payments, and ensure quality/schedule commitments are consistently met.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Business, Engineering, a Marine Field, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in contracts administration or a related field.  Marine/shipbuilding industry experience is strongly preferred.

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• Operational knowledge of  FAR and  DFARs regulations.
• Proficiency in standard office systems: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Zoom.
• Familiarity with  Jira Software workflow systems is preferred.
• CPCM (Certified Professional Contract Manager) or  CFCM (Certified Federal Contract Manager) certification is a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to senior staff and external customer representatives (e.g., NAVSEA, SUPSHIP).
• High attention to detail with proven ability to catch inconsistencies and maintain detailed contract files.
• Excellent organizational skills to independently plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks under limited supervision.
• Strong collaborative mindset with a positive, team-oriented attitude.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primary work is performed in a professional office environment.
• Occasional movement throughout the shipyard and onboard marine vessels is required, adhering strictly to company safety policies and PPE guidelines.

Benefits: 

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave

 

*The benefits listed above are subject to eligibility requirements*

To see a list of more available jobs, please visit

About LEAD Staffing 

Lead Staffing, established in 2010, specializes in Construction, Industrial and Marine Staffing of Skilled Tradespeople throughout the United States of America. Our goal is to work with regional and national contractors that share our commitment towards safety and to provide long term rewarding work assignments for our valued employees.

LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

LEAD is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a growing national company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.