Lead Contracts Specialist (fully remote work options) jobs in United States
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CDM Smith · 7 hours ago

Lead Contracts Specialist (fully remote work options)

CDM Smith is a company dedicated to providing advanced solutions for the U.S. government to protect lives, communities, and the environment. The Lead Contracts Specialist will oversee federal contract administration, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and government regulations while managing complex contracts throughout their lifecycle.

Civil EngineeringConstructionEnergyTransportationWater
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Growth Opportunities
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Responsibilities

Serves as the lead on complex contracts of moderate to high risk
Applies expert knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and agency- and DoW/Army-specific acquisition regulations to support company compliance and risk management
Provides strategic contractual and regulatory advice to project managers, program managers, business line leadership, and executives
Performs detailed reviews of solicitations, contracts, task orders, modifications, and other agreements to identify risk, compliance, and business issues
Advises management on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies
Ensures organizational compliance with contract terms, applicable laws, and regulations
Maintains accurate and complete contract files in the Contracts Lifecycle Management (CLM) System in accordance with company policy and audit requirements
Supports pursuits and proposals by reviewing solicitations, identifying risks, and advising on compliance and pricing strategies
Assists with drafting questions to the Government regarding identified solicitation and contract risks
Prepares and reviews teaming agreements (TAs), joint venture agreements, master service agreements, and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
Assists in preparing contract-related sections of proposals, including representations and certifications, fee determinations, and cost/price narratives
Participates in negotiations of prime contracts, subcontracts, task orders, and modifications
Leads or supports pre-award internal kick-off meetings and transition from sales to execution
Supports project teams in complying with contractual and administrative requirements throughout the project lifecycle
Assist with project enrollment in internal financial and contracting systems
Coordinates with client contract administration staff (e.g., Contracting Officers, Contract Specialists, DCMA) to process authorizations, modifications, and amendments and to resolve contractual issues
Tracks funding ceilings, deliverables, options, and performance milestones
Prepares and reviews contractually significant correspondence and notices
Assists in the preparation and submission of Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), claims, and other complex contract actions
Partners with finance and project controls to monitor contract performance, burn rates, and funding status
Supports audits, internal reviews, and government reporting requirements (e.g., DCAA, DCMA)
Coordinates with Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, Insurance, HR, IT, Sales, Finance, and Project Controls to address contractual issues
Participates in compliance with Truthful Cost or Pricing Data and Services Contract Act requirements, as applicable
Assists with subcontracting compliance, flow-downs, and consent requirements in coordination with subcontract administrators
Develops and delivers federal contracts training and guidance for internal stakeholders on a periodic basis
Contributes to continuous improvement of contract administration policies, procedures, and best practices
May provide functional guidance or mentorship to Contracts Specialists or junior staff

Qualification

Federal contract administrationFARDFARS knowledgeContract negotiationCLM systems experienceRisk managementTrainingCommunicationProblem-solving skillsTeam collaborationMentoring

Required

Bachelor's degree
7 years of related experience
Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands
Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
Experience managing federal service-based contracts with agencies such as FEMA, EPA, USACE, and/or Department of Defense (DoD) components (e.g., U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, or other military departments)
Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific supplements
Experience negotiating and administering multiple federal contract types (e.g., IDIQ, MATOC, cost-reimbursable, fixed-price)
Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
Proven ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
Demonstrated strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate complex contractual issues and develop practical, business-focused solutions. Ability to think creatively and exercise sound judgment when addressing novel or ambiguous contracting scenarios
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team player within the contracts function and cross-functionally with project, legal, finance, compliance, and operations teams. Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive team culture
Strong collaboration skills and a customer-service orientation when supporting internal and external stakeholders
Proven experience developing and delivering training or mentoring others in federal contract compliance and best practices. Demonstrated commitment to continuous knowledge-sharing across the enterprise

Preferred

Experience with CLM systems and enterprise systems (e.g., Oracle, Salesforce). Demonstrated ability to leverage technology, including CLM tools, automation, and emerging AI-enabled solutions, to improve contract administration efficiency, accuracy, and risk management
Familiarity with DCMA and DCAA processes
NCMA Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), or ability to obtain certification within one year of onboarding
Interest in or experience supporting innovation in contract processes, templates, workflows, or knowledge management

Benefits

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Company

CDM Smith

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CDM Smith is an engineering and construction firm that offers environmental, transportation, and energy-smart solutions and facilities.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage

Leadership Team

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Timothy Wall
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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Jennifer Prescott
SVP, Chief Digital and Information Officer
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Company data provided by crunchbase