Contract Specialist

Job Description

Title: Contract Specialist Reports To: Contracts, Director, US

Department: Programs FLSA Status: Exempt

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.

Job Summary:

The Contract Specialist is a key role within the Contracts team, serving as a primary contract administrator focused on proposal preparation, submission, and administration for multiple contracts. Reports directly to the Contracts & Compliance and supports other cross-functional areas to include Program Management, Engineering, and Finance.

Essential Functions:

• Lead, with limited guidance or supervision, the proposal, negotiation, and management of complex contract related activities adhering to company policies, legal and customer requirements.

• Perform all aspects of assigned contract or purchase order processing including, but not limited to, accuracy of order entry data, contract funding, scope changes, contract amendments, receipts and delivery schedules, legal requirements and other commitments by working closely with Program Management, Engineering, and Finance.

• Compile and maintain all required contractual records and documents by following contract requirements and company policies and procedures.

• Interpret and communicate business commitments and alternatives to program team and management by maintaining regular contact and interaction with the program team and management.

• Act as a subject matter expert by possessing a working knowledge of government and commercial contracting methods, applicable laws and regulations.

• Develop and maintain professional and dependable relationships with both internal and external customers by openly and respectfully sharing information using highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.

• Independently lead and support proposal activities including, but not limited to, analysis of solicitations, preparing summaries and developing strategies and recommendations based on the analysis using in-depth knowledge and working understanding of contracting methods, government regulations, and company policies and procedures.

• Be mindful and attentive to the financial and business risks of the proposed effort by participating in all proposal team meetings.

• Prepare the terms, conditions and assumptions upon which the proposal may be submitted, review the technical and pricing proposals for accuracy and consistency, conduct overall business risk analysis to afford the company the greatest opportunity to obtain the contract award while minimizing associated liabilities and risk, and prepare the proposal documents for submittal to the customer. This is accomplished through use of a working knowledge of government and commercial contracting methods, applicable laws and regulations.

• Provide analysis of solicitations, ensure that bid/proposals are prepared and presented in a manner.

• Support independent proposal reviews (i.e., Red Teams) as requested by the Capture Manager or Contracting Director by coordinating with other company functions to ensure appropriate reviews are conducted, scheduling required reviews, and obtaining required review and approval signatures prior to submittal of proposals or execution of contractual documents.

• Conduct negotiation of contracts, execute proposals and contracts to the threshold delegated by using a high degree of negotiation, proposal and contract expertise.

• Undertake special assignments as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)

• Working knowledge of US Government Acquisition and Procurement environment, FAR/DFARS, commercial contracting methods, export and other applicable laws. Must be able to negotiate contracts and support the development of proposals.

• Strong decision-making abilities using sound business judgment while complying with policies, procedures, appropriate principles and applicable state and federal laws and regulations

• Ability to mentor and train junior staff members

• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in performance of duties set forth above.

• Ability to communicate with all levels of management and staff to establish productive relationships. Sound interpersonal skills involving interfacing, coordinating and negotiating with company personnel, customers and suppliers. Superior consultation, diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills is required. Must possess the ability to explain complex concepts in a way that makes sense to someone less knowledgeable about the topic.

• Exceptional communication skills to effectively convey information oral and written

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (Business Administration desirable) or equivalent work experience

• 1-5 years’ experience in working on teams supporting large complex US Defense programs

• Experience with firm fixed price contracts

• Experience with complex contracts and proposal preparation and execution

• Experience with cost type / cost-plus contracts

• Experience working on prime contracts

Background Prerequisites:

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree (Business Administration or other higher-level business or law related degree)

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodation requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

• Ability to support travel of up to 25%

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the job description for my position. I understand the duties, responsibilities, and expectations of this role and agree to perform them to the best of my ability. I understand that this job description is not a contract and may be amended as necessary.