Contracts Manager

Synergy Business Innovation & Solutions is a premier implementer of cutting-edge software solutions. Synergy brings the experience and expertise necessary to deliver capability that provides tangible ROI to our customers. Our core areas of expertise are in the fields of Digital Transformation, Cloud Solutions, SaaS and Low-Code/No-Code Solutions, Emerging Technologies, Data Analytics and Visualization, Information Assurance, and Business Process Re-Engineering. Synergy offers its employees a generous portfolio of core and voluntary benefits including: group medical, dental, and vision insurance, company paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k) with company match, PTO & Bonus Leave, 11 paid federal holidays, parental leave, tuition and training reimbursement, a referral bonus program, and well-being programs. At Synergy, you’ll be challenged and given the opportunity to grow in your career path. In fact, growth is such a big deal to us that we have career mentors available for every employee, company-funded certification opportunities, education reimbursement, and a general open-door policy so that you have support when you need it. Our team is eager to learn, fast-paced, and quality-driven. If that sounds like you, Synergy has a position for you! This position is designated as work-from-home.

About the Role:

We are seeking a strategic Contracts Manager to lead our contracts management function. This key leadership position will be responsible for overseeing the development, negotiation, and administration of contracts with federal and state government agencies, teaming partners, prime contractors, and subcontractors. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in federal contracting, strong leadership skills, a history of partnering with operations and growth teams, and a deep understanding of compliance and risk management. This role will also lead the development and implementation of Synergy’s purchasing system, including procurement and subcontracting policies, procedures, internal controls, and supporting technology. An ideal candidate for this role will have experience in managing federal contracts, including firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, and labor-hour contracts, along with a strong understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement contracts management strategies that align with the company’s strategy, business goals, and growth objectives. Provide leadership and direction to the contracts team.
• Contract Lifecycle Management: Manage the full contract lifecycle in collaboration with other teams, including support for proposal preparation, negotiation, execution, modifications, compliance, and closeout of government contracts. Ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing throughout all phases.
• Teaming and Subcontracting Agreements: Negotiate teaming and subcontracting agreements with our partners. Ensure appropriate terms, conditions, and applicable prime contract flowdowns are incorporated.
• Purchasing System Development and Implementation: Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of Synergy’s purchasing system in collaboration with Finance, Operations, and other stakeholders. Establish procurement and subcontracting policies, procedures, approval workflows, and internal controls aligned with applicable FAR and DFARS requirements. Oversee supplier selection, competition and sole-source justifications, cost and price analysis, subcontract flowdowns, and purchasing file documentation. Support the selection and implementation of tools to manage these processes, train employees, and maintain readiness for Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSRs), as applicable.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to applicable provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other relevant government contracting requirements. Stay updated on changes in regulations and adjust internal policies as needed.
• Risk Assessment: Identify, assess, and develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with contractual agreements. Conduct regular contract performance reviews and provide recommendations to address potential issues.
• Contract Funding and Obligations: Monitor contract funding, ceilings, periods of performance, and option dates in coordination with Finance and program leadership. Coordinate timely preparation and submission of required contractual notices, including limitation of funds or limitation of cost notices, as applicable.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Finance, Operations, Business Development, Account Management, and Legal teams to ensure contract alignment with organizational objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with Contracting Officers (COs/KOs), Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs), program and project managers, and representatives from partnering companies to drive successful outcomes.
• Reporting and Analysis: Prepare and present reports on contract performance, compliance, and risk assessments to senior management. Provide actionable insights to support strategic decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of contract management experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role within federal contracting. Proven experience with large and complex federal contracts is strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and other federal contracting regulations. Experience managing the contract lifecycle within a government contracting environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information effectively to senior stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications: Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Cost and Pricing Analysis: Experience conducting subcontract cost and price analysis and partnering with Finance and Growth teams on proposal pricing strategies and contractual risk assessments. Understanding of cost-reimbursement, fixed-price, time-and-materials, and labor-hour contract types.
• Purchasing System Review and Audit Readiness: Experience preparing for and supporting Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSRs), conducting internal compliance assessments, and implementing corrective actions. Experience supporting Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audits and other government contract reviews is also preferred.
• Competitive Contracting Strategy: Experience in developing strategies for contracts transitioning from set-aside to full and open competition.

Education Requirements:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, or a related field.
• Preferred: A master’s degree or JD is preferred.

Citizenship & Clearance Requirements:

• Required: US Citizen required.

Target Salary Range Compensation for roles at Synergy is determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the requirements of the role; level of experience; education and certifications; the individual’s combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities; as well as alignment with market data, federal and state laws, and other business and contract considerations. The estimated pay range for this position is: $150,000 – $170,000. The disclosed range has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and represent just one component of Synergy’s total compensation package for employees. Candidate AI Policy Synergy is committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate evaluation process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly granted. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Synergy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants for employment or its employees on the basis of age, race (including hair texture/style), creed, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, sex, medical condition, pregnancy (childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, personal appearance, organ donation and hair length associated with race, genetic information or characteristics, family responsibilities, familial status, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, status as a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, political affiliation, arrest records and criminal convictions, credit information, matriculation, homeless status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local law. Discrimination or harassment based upon these protected categories is expressly prohibited. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including job selection, assignment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination.