REPORTS TO: Subcontracts Manager

SUPERVISES: N/A

GENERAL PURPOSE AND SCOPE: As a member of the Supply Chain group at Austal, will play a role in the performance and success of the function and the group. Will ensure Austal’s Material and Service Support needs and requirements are met while maintaining a high level of customer service. Transactions will be variable, highly complex, and involve multi-million dollar negotiations and at times, high levels of risk.

AUTHORITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for planning, controlling and reporting of major subcontracts and long lead time material orders for an assigned shipbuilding platform program.
• Working Individually or as part of a team, negotiates short and long term agreements for raw materials, parts, subassemblies, finished goods, materials, equipment, tooling, supplies and/or services from suppliers.
• Responsible for effective management of project subcontract risks to ensure effective systems and services are delivered through life-cycle approach to the end use on schedule.
• Develops ideas and innovates highly complex multi-million dollar sub-contract types and multiple sub-contract line items.
• Advances sub-contracts, sub-contract modifications, agreements, terms and conditions, correspondence and other sub-contract related documents.
• Tracks and resolves contractual issues with status from inception to closeout.
• Issues purchase orders.
• Develops and implements a strategic approach to vendor selection, considering long-term partnerships, cost efficiency, and innovation.
• Independently lead and conduct complex negotiations for subcontract agreements, optimizing terms and conditions in favor of the organization.
• Take the lead in identifying, assessing, and proactively mitigating risks associated with subcontracting, and development of risk management strategies.
• Oversee the entire subcontract lifecycle, ensuring adherence to compliance, quality standards, and contract performance metrics.
• Act as a mediator in high-stakes conflicts and disputes, employing advanced conflict resolution techniques.
• Provide strategic insights through comprehensive reporting and analysis of subcontracting activities, contributing to executive decision-making
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and cost optimization within subcontracting function.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to junior administrators, sharing expertise and best practices
• Responsible for interfacing with various sub-contractors on related issues, and provide guidance, advise and action on such matters to Project/Program Management and Engineering; Review and submit Requests for Proposals (RFP), Teaming, Non-Disclosure, Long and Short Term sub-contracts and other agreements.
• Responsible for administration of all types of sub-contracts to include proposals, negotiation, award, administration and closeout.
• Reviews and recommends improvements to statements of work material specifications, service contracts, and terms and conditions.
• Serves as the next level of management in the Supply Chain function when Manager not available.
• Acts as representative liaison and point of contact with the Customer/Supplier on formal communications and submittals, and as delegated, leading the negotiations for contract modifications.
• Representative liaison and point of contact with the customer/supplier on formal communications and submittals, and as delegated, leading the negotiations for contract modifications.
• Identifies and leads continuous improvement in the procurement organization.
• Coordinate with all departments on issues of sub-contract interpretation.
• Evaluates the financial stability, technical capability, process control, capacity and continuous improvement techniques of Suppliers when required.
• Follows all Supply Chain policies, procedures, guidelines and instructions including those regarding the procurement of materials and particularly the ability to keep confidential information regarding all purchasing or commodity strategies confidential (and in some cases, within the supply chain function exclusively).
• Coordinate in the management and resolution of accounting issues that have significant implications to sub-contract performance and payment for same (e.g. sub-contract type, cost accounting standards, cost allowability, payment terms, disclosure statements, certifications, audit requests, and retentions).
• Maintains close communication with Supplier account and customer service personnel, and management levels if necessary, so as to minimize risk due to supplier capacity issues, plant shutdowns, and other day to day disruptions that may affect Austal and/or open purchase orders.
• Conduct Supplier site audits and investigations when required.
• Travel as required to complete supplier site assessments, discrepancies, delivery, tooling, quality issues and assessments.
• Works under pressure and in some cases, tight deadlines.
• Works under minimal supervision.
• Support the Estimating Business System initiative in response to RFP or RFQ requirements to ensure subcontract prices are reasonable based on review and analysis, in accordance with DFARs Cost Estimating System Requirements.
• Demonstrate superior knowledge of the Federal Acquisitions Regulation, it’s supplements, and the inherent policies and procedures of subcontracting related to Federally Funded Major Systems acquisitions.
• Other duties as assigned by Managers.

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (degree in Business, Supply Chain or Material Management or advanced degree preferred) and 4+ years of contract management or subcontract management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience; OR
• a minimum of 8+ years of experience with either (1) dedicated work under Navy / Coast Guard / US Government Contracts/Subcontracts and Government Contracts coursework or (2) purchasing (purchasing experience related to commodities and complex systems preferred); or
• an MBA or other masters level degree plus 3+ years of contract management or subcontract management experience.
• US Government defense contracting experience preferred.
• Incumbent individuals are required to complete the requisite courses required to be eligible for promotion to the corresponding levels.
• Preferred work experience includes performing: Material and service sourcing activities (quoting, analyzing, negotiating), reporting supplier rationalization activities (adding/removing suppliers and familiarity with Approved Supplier Lists, Bid Lists, and small business requirements).
• Strong application of excel skills including pivot tables, v-lookups, etc. to manipulate RFQ’s, quotations, presentations, etc.
• The ability to utilize structured thought processes, anticipate consequences.
• Microsoft Office at the intermediate skill level: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet
• Explorer, Outlook; Access a plus.
• ERP/MRP: IFS preferred; others like BAAN, SAP, JD Edwards and Oracle are acceptable.
•  Superior understanding of the Uniform Commercial Code, U.S. Government FAR, DFARS, HSAR, Export Controls and ITAR requirements.
• General understanding of enterprise quality system functionality (e.g., ISO 9000, AS9100, TS16949, etc.).
• General understanding of ERP systems and MRP logic.
• Certifications from the National Contract Management Associations (NCMA) as Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or similar preferred.

DIRECTION EXERCISED: N/A

DISCRETION EXERCISED: Incumbent will be expected to demonstrate creativity and latitude in order to meet goals and objectives established. Will require the capacity to self-direct and reprioritize activity in order to support business needs and meet deadlines. May be assigned discretionary authority to provide work direction and constructive feedback for other employees within the department. May be expected to provide input to management on the performance of team members that may affect employment actions.

LIAISES WITH: Within Austal: Sr. Director Supply Chain, Sr. Management, Materials Program Managers, Material program staff, Senior Logistics Manager, Compliance Coordinator (Supply Chain), engineering program management, document control, and other administrative department personnel. External: Suppliers.

MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT INVOLVED

• Basic office machines, PC, copier\scanner, etc.

HOURS OF WORK

• 40 hours per week with additional time as required or necessary.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

• Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:

• 18 years of age or older at time of application
• Able to provide proof of US Person Status
• No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
• No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
• Willing to submit to a drug screen
• Willing to submit to a background check