Prime Contracts Manager

Strategic Management Solutions (SMSI) provides expert management consulting, program and project management, and technical consulting services to government and private-sector clients. SMSI has built a strong reputation for client-focused performance, delivering innovative solutions and measurable results that help clients achieve their goals, meet critical commitments, and successfully reach key milestones. Position Summary
Strategic Management Solutions, LLC (SMSI) is seeking a Prime Contracts Manager to provide strategic leadership and full lifecycle management of complex federal and commercial prime contracts, with a primary focus on DOE, NNSA, and other government customers. This role serves as a key contractual interface for SMSI, leading negotiations, contract administration, compliance, risk management, and closeout across both federal and commercial agreements. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and skilled at interpreting complex contractual requirements and working effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders. Key Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of federal and commercial prime contracts, including proposals, negotiations, award, administration, modifications, and closeout.
• Serve as a primary contractual point of contact for DOE/NNSA, other federal agencies, commercial customers, prime contractors, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Interpret and apply FAR, DEAR, DOE/NNSA requirements, and applicable commercial contracting principles.
• Lead negotiations involving scope, pricing, schedule, funding, performance requirements, and terms and conditions for both federal and commercial agreements.
• Oversee contract changes, deliverables, funding actions, releases, and associated documentation.
• Identify and mitigate contractual, regulatory, and business risks.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, customer requirements, and company policies across federal and commercial contracts.
• Support proposal development, including contract reviews, compliance assessments, cost/pricing input, and negotiation strategies.
• Collaborate with program, project, and executive leadership, legal, finance, supply chain, and human resources to support successful contract execution.
• Provide contractual guidance and support for audits, customer reviews, disputes, and oversight activities.
• Maintain accurate contract records and reporting.
• Build and maintain strong customer and stakeholder relationships.
• Mentor contract staff and help improve contracting processes and tools.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, contract management, legal studies, engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in federal and/or commercial contract management.
• Significant experience with DOE/NNSA or other federal prime contracts; commercial contract experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FAR, DEAR, federal procurement regulations, and commercial contracting practices.
• Demonstrated success in negotiation, administration, compliance, and contract closeout for both federal and commercial contracts.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with contract management systems; Unanet preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, or CCCM).
• Experience with cost-type, performance-based, IDIQ, or commercial contract structures.
• Experience supporting national security, energy, R&D, environmental, or technical programs.
• Experience leading or mentoring contract teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required.

Work Environment:

• This is a full-time (40 hours per week) salaried exempt position.
• It will be based in an SMSI office, which is a professional office environment with future potential for hybrid work, i.e., a portion of time to be performed remotely. 

Travel

• Occasional travel will be required for this position.

Physical Demands:

• The employee may be required to stand, walk, lift objects, and reach with hands and arms.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer Strategic Management Solutions, LLC (SMSI) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.