Job Details

Lead Contracts Administrator

CDM Smith delivers advanced solutions that enable the U.S. government civilian and military to protect lives, communities, and the environment. We have served the federal government since our founding more than 75 years ago, helping to address some of the nation's highest-priority needs: revitalization of aging facilities and infrastructure, restoration of contaminated lands and waterways, redeployment of our armed forces, and enhanced preparedness for natural and manmade hazards from coast to coast, Alaska to Puerto Rico, Germany to Afghanistan, and Djibouti to Guam. The position can be based out of any CDM Smith office, in the U.S. nationwide. We offer in office, hybrid, or remote working environments allowing for flexible work options.

We currently have an opening for a Lead Contracts Administrator in our Federal Group. This position will focus on ensuring compliance with both corporate policies and procedures as well as government regulations as defined in our contract requirements. The Lead Contract Administrator supports CDM Smith's Federal Group by serving as a subject-matter expert on federal contract administration and by leading the management of complex, moderate-to-high-risk prime and subcontract agreements across the full contract lifecyclefrom pre-award through closeout. This position ensures compliance with corporate policies and procedures as well as applicable statutes, regulations, and agency-specific acquisition requirements. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting Department of Defense/War (DoW) agencies and possess strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific acquisition regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Contract Leadership & Compliance

• 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.

Pre-Award & Proposal Support

• 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.

Post-Award Administration

• 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).

Risk Management, Training & Collaboration

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family. Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Skills and Abilities

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.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information