Contracts Manager

Overview LATA is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead the full contract lifecycle for a growing small business, from proposal and capture through execution and closeout. This role is responsible for managing government and commercial contracts, ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and developing company-wide contracts policies, processes, and templates. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands‑on professional with deep contracting expertise, strong regulatory knowledge, and the ability to work independently while partnering closely with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced environment. This is a unique opportunity to build and strengthen the contracts function, influence key business decisions, and support high‑impact government and commercial opportunities. Candidates must be able to work on‑site at LATA's Corporate office. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities: Own and manage end‑to‑end administration of government and commercial contracts, including proposal review, bids, negotiations, award, execution, modifications, and closeout, while ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and company requirements. Serve as the primary contracts authority for the organization, providing interpretation, guidance, and risk‑based recommendations to executive leadership and internal stakeholders. Lead and actively support contract negotiations with customers, subcontractors, suppliers, and teaming partners to achieve sound business outcomes while appropriately balancing risk and compliance. Support business development and proposal efforts, including RFP reviews, contract strategy, compliance assessments, pricing strategy, and review of terms and conditions. Oversee and perform day‑to‑day contract administration activities, ensuring contractual obligations, deliverables, and performance requirements are tracked and met. Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other federal, state, or commercial requirements, as applicable. Develop, implement, and maintain company‑wide contracts policies, procedures, templates, and best practices that scale with company growth. Identify contractual risks and opportunities and proactively recommend mitigation strategies or solutions to protect the company’s interests. Report to executive leadership and work closely with Finance, Operations, Business Development, Program Management, and Legal to support successful program execution and corporate objectives. Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to internal teams on contracting requirements, compliance, and best practices. Support audits, internal reviews, and customer or regulatory inquiries related to contracts and compliance. Contribute to strategic planning and process improvement initiatives that strengthen contract management, risk management, compliance, and operational efficiency. Core Competencies & Skills: End‑to‑End Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) Government & Commercial Contract Negotiation Proposal & Capture Phase Contract Support FAR & Regulatory Compliance Contract Interpretation & Risk Analysis Subcontract & Teaming Agreement Management Policy, Process & Template Development Cross‑Functional Collaboration Independent Judgment & Problem Solving Leadership, Mentorship & Staff Development Ability to Prioritize and Adapt in a Small‑Business Environment Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, Contracts Management, or related field; equivalent experience will be considered. 5+ years progressive experience in both government and commercial contracts with demonstration of supervisory experience. Demonstrated experience supporting contracts from proposal phase through execution and closeout. Prior experience in a small or mid sized business environment, or in a role requiring broad responsibility across the contract lifecycle, strongly preferred. Strong working knowledge of government contracting regulations, including the FAR. Proven ability to independently manage complex and high risk contractual matters with professionalism and sound judgment. Experience partnering with executive leadership and cross functional teams. NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, or CCCM) preferred. High integrity, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, fast paced environment. Pay Range USD $108,067.80 - USD $194,512.20 /Yr. #J-18808-Ljbffr