Role Description
Build the contracts function behind the vessels that keep the Pacific Northwest moving. From new ferries, tugs, and commercial vessels at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders to overhauls and dry dock availabilities at Everett Ship Repair, our work runs on contracts that we review early, negotiate well, and administer with discipline. We’re looking for a Contracts Manager to own that work and to build the proposal documentation capability that will provide necessary support for larger federal programs, including U.S. Navy surface ship maintenance.
This is a chance to shape a function, not just maintain one. You’ll set the standard for how we review solicitations, build compliant proposal packages, and manage contracts from award through closeout, with the backing of in-house counsel and direct visibility to executive leadership.
What you’ll do
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Get ahead of contract risk: Review solicitations and terms as soon as they arrive. Draft redlines and risk summaries, build negotiation positions with Estimating, and bring a documented risk assessment to every bid/no-bid decision.
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Own the proposal documentation package: Assemble and submit the forms, reps and certs, compliance matrices, bonding and insurance documentation, corporate data, and past performance content for commercial and government proposals. Build and maintain a controlled submittals library, and manage electronic submissions through SAM.gov, PIEE, MSC, and customer portals.
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Lead our government qualification roadmap: Administer SAM.gov, PIEE, and SPRS; coordinate CMMC with IT and Quality; and help drive our MSRA and ABR qualifications toward eligibility for Navy IDIQ contracts. Support federal and state grant applications, including MARAD small shipyard grants.
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Negotiate and close the deal: After award, lead commercial negotiations on price, payment milestones, schedule, deliverables, and change procedures, partnering with counsel on legal terms and preparing the final execution package for CEO signature.
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Keep contracts on track through closeout: Maintain contract files, modification registers, and risk registers; track deliverables, notices, payment milestones, warranty and bond obligations with Project Managers; and support REA and claim packages with a clean contractual record.
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Manage the everyday essentials: Own NDAs end to end and review purchase order terms and vendor, teaming, and consulting agreements.
Qualifications
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At least seven years in government contracting, including federal work.
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Contract administration and management experience in ship repair, new construction, shipbuilding, marine services, or defense.
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Experience reviewing and redlining contract terms independently.
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Comfortable with FAR, DFARS, NAVSEA Standard Items, flow-down and cybersecurity clauses, export controls, and the full range of contract types (FFP, T&M, cost-reimbursable, IDIQ, and task orders).
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Highly organized and able to meet fixed submission deadlines while coordinating contributors.
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Strong writing and communication skills.
Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree in business, contract management, finance, maritime administration, or engineering (or equivalent experience).
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7+ years of government contracting experience, including federal.
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Working knowledge of SAM.gov, PIEE, SPRS, and MSRA/ABR qualification.
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Proficiency with Word, Excel, Adobe, and SharePoint or comparable document control tools.
Benefits
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401(k) and 401(k) matching
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Medical, dental, vision
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Health savings account (HSA)
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Group life insurance with optional supplemental life and disability insurance programs
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Paid time off (PTO)
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9 paid holidays
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)