Principal Specialist, Contracts (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2024-08-20

Country:

United States of America

Location:

HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE , Cedar Rapids, IA, 52498-0505 USA

Position Role Type:

Onsite

Are you ready to be a driving force behind groundbreaking navigation solutions that serve both the military and commercial sectors? Join Collins Aerospace as a Principal Specialist, Contracts, and become a key player in our Resilient Navigation Solutions (RNS) Portfolio. In this role, you'll be the strategic lead for contractual matters within our Precision Navigation Team (PNS), where you'll directly support the Radio Navigation and Controls group, working primarily on high-stakes Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and subcontracts.
 

As the Principal Specialist, Contracts, you'll use your advanced knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplements (DFARS) to influence critical business outcomes, shape program success, and ensure our contractual strategies align with both customer requirements and our company's financial objectives. You'll collaborate closely with Program Management, the Office of General Counsel, and cross-functional teams to navigate the complexities of contract negotiations, proposal reviews, and program gate reviews. This is your chance to make a significant impact on programs that enhance the resilience and precision of navigation systems, driving innovation in a field where precision matters most. If you're ready to take on this challenge, we want you on our team.

What YOU Will Do:

• Communicate with internal and external customers to establish mutually beneficial relationships and frequently influence business decisions
• Implement strategies to improve acquisition timelines and customer pace of contractual actions
• Investigate and resolve contractual matters by applying critical thinking, gathering detailed information, seeking innovative contracting techniques, and proactively collaborating with relevant stakeholders
• Provide advice and guidance to mitigate risks and unauthorized changes to contract scope
• Review proposals to ensure proposed solutions meet customer requirements, represent a balanced risk/opportunity posture, and deliver a financially sound business case while meeting company policies and standards
• Develop pre-negotiation objectives and implement negotiation strategy reviews as part of the proposal development process

What YOU Will Learn:

• Master the Art of High-Stakes Negotiation: Gain deep insights into negotiating complex Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and subcontracts, sharpening your ability to secure favorable terms and drive impactful business outcomes.
• Strategic Program Management: Develop a comprehensive understanding of how contractual strategies directly influence program success, working alongside top-tier program management teams to navigate critical program gate reviews and business strategy sessions.
• Advanced Regulatory Expertise: Enhance your expertise in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplements (DFARS), learning how to apply these critical frameworks to shape contracting strategies that align with both customer needs and corporate objectives.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Expand your leadership skills by collaborating with diverse teams, including the Office of General Counsel and various cross-functional peers, to resolve complex contractual issues and influence senior leadership decisions.
• Innovative Contracting Techniques: Explore and implement innovative contracting techniques that streamline acquisition processes and improve customer satisfaction, positioning you as a key contributor to the advancement of resilient navigation solutions.

Qualifications We Require:

• Typically requires University Degree and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
• Previous knowledge/experience of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
• Experience in the development of proposals, including sole source and competitive pursuits, as well as intensive fact-finding, negotiations, and certification of Cost or Pricing Data
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Must have or be capable of obtaining a USG security clearance
   

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel to support program needs ~10%
• Ability to shape results in support of objectives, including ability to communicate with and influence senior l