Contract Specialist Location : KALAMAZOO, MI, United States Job Family : Program Management Job Type : Regular Posted : Feb 18, 2025 Job ID : 54693 Back to Search Results Job Description Apply Now > Save JobJob Saved At Parker Aerospace, we develop technologies and innovative solutions that enable reliable, efficient and increasingly sustainable flight for the lifecycle of the aircraft, including aftermarket support. Our passionate people with deep engineering expertise, together with our breadth of differentiated technologies, ensure that we make the extraordinary happen and continue to shape the future of aviation in partnership with our customers. As a member of our team, you are instrumental in fulfilling our mission: 'Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow.' Pursuing a career at Parker presents unlimited opportunities for both professional and personal development. Working with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, your contributions will be pivotal in developing innovative technologies and products, significantly contributing to Parker’s goal of addressing the world’s most pressing engineering challenges. At Parker, our team members belong, matter and make a difference. Position Summary Key contributor to new contracting opportunities and supports bid/no-bid decision making. Conducts Request for proposal review and development, conducts contract risk review, negotiates contract terms and conditions, receives and responds to customer correspondence on complex issues including claims. Provides or supports planning activities for assigned programs, conducts contract risk management reviews and recommendations to efficiently and cost effectively mitigate potential problems, manages the change control process with the Program Manager, and provides leadership to projects and programs. Scope/ Supervision and Interaction ____ Has Direct Reports __X __ Does Not Have Direct Reports Individual contributor role reporting to a Contracts Manager or lead role. Has frequent interaction with program and functional managers, internal teams, and customers or suppliers. Responsibilities Administers highly competitive, major contract requirements by analyzing performance requirements and customer purchase order requirements including those issued against Basic Contract Agreements and/or Long-Term Agreements. Analyses include performance to delivery schedules, pricing, terms and conditions and other contract provisions. Maintains contract files and maintains records of contract change activity. Determines technically and commercially compliant complex proposal packages for major customers in response to customer or contract requirements. Evaluates performance requirements, delivery schedules, and estimates of costs of material, equipment, and labor hours. Initiates the bid process by identifying requirements and coordinating input from other functions. Develops complex responses to requests for proposal (RFP) by reviewing bid process, procedures, reviewing material, test and other requirements, and preparing appropriate responses. Prepares and submits complex proposals. Negotiates complex contract requirements in accordance with legal and company regulations and policies. Negotiates price, terms and conditions, deliveries, and other business issues within a broad scope of responsibility. Negotiates contract change proposals; statuses progress of contract performance obligations and reports to customer as needed. Makes proactive recommendations for contract changes for programs or projects of high scope and complexity. Focuses attention and activity on contract risk mitigation and ensures that resultant contract is executable within the parameters approved by management. Ensures contract provisions are clear and conform to company policy. Investigates and resolves claims or complaints by collecting and analyzing information. Coordinates with relevant functions on technical and/or quality issues, data requirements, and other business issues as applicable. Monitors contract performance by determining compliance to contract requirements and determining the need for amendments or extensions to the contract. Determines when customer directed changes are out-of-scope. Acts as the point of contact with the customer on assigned contracts and participates in customer presentations. Applies and may lead initiatives to improve the efficiency of internal systems and processes within the division and/or with corporate and customer involvement. Maintains current professional and technical knowledge and may participate in professional associations (e.g. National Contract Management Association (NCMA); World Commerce and Contracting, formerly; the International Association of Commercial Contract Management). Ensures compliance with federal, state, and aerospace industry regulations; establishes processes for adherence to requirements and implements appropriate actions. Acts as consultant to management on major contractual matters by performing analysis, interpretation of data, and incorporation of decision making. Trains and mentors less experienced employees. May provide leadership to others in department or to ad-hoc teams. May serve as a functional expert. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Business Administration or a related discipline. Contract management certification required (e.g., National Contract Management Association (NCMA); World Commerce and Contracting, formerly International Association of Commercial Contract Management (IACCM)) unless JD or MBA. Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job typically acquired through eight or more years of related experience of increasing responsibility. Experience managing international customer accounts and contracts, particularly in Asia, is highly preferred. Experience with new product introduction is also preferred. Understands and has demonstrated proficiency as a subject matter expert throughout the Contract Management lifecycle. Ability to negotiate effectively on comprehensive proposal with major business impact. Advanced knowledge of contract administration principles, industry practices, regulations, and policies. Knowledge of complex legal and regulatory requirements related to contract administration and government procurement, if applicable. Maintains thorough knowledge of corporate and division policies and administrative procedures. Proficient in the use of standard business applications software and customer systems. Technical aptitude to learn and master specialized in-house software and systems. Experience with SAP or MRP system implementation is preferred. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex policies and contracts. Ability to both recommend changes to procedures; and to drive process improvements in a collaborative and effective manner. Ability to stay responsive to inquiries of complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, auditors or members of the business community. Ability to effectively communicate and present information to varied audiences including customers and top management. Ability to prioritize multiple conflicting demands, and relentlessly meet deadlines and commitments. Desire for higher level leadership roles, with an openness to mentoring and coaching. We offer a comprehensive and competitive total compensation package. Come join the Parker Aerospace Team! We are proud to offer competitive benefits designed with health, wealth, and well-being in mind. Our competitive package includes: Health and Well-being: • Our benefits start on day 1 of employment! We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one, including Health Savings and Reimbursement Accounts. • Wellness incentive credits leading to reduced healthcare premiums. • Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for health and well-being support. • Access to multiple dental plan options and vision coverage. • Flexible Spending Accounts for both Childcare and Healthcare expenses as well as optional Supplemental Medical Benefits. • Reduced healthcare premiums offered with a wellness incentive credit. • Company provided Life Insurance • Accidental Life & Dismemberment Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability insurance. Additional supplemental benefits include legal protection plan, pet insurance coverage options, and identity-theft protection. Financial Security and Growth: • Competitive salary with an annual bonus incentive plan. • 401k Employer match up to 5% and an annual Retirement Income Account (RIA) contribution of 3%. Overall, 8% company match. Time Away & Work-life Balance: • Accrued generous Paid Time Off. • Up to 15 paid holidays per calendar year. • Parental Leave: 4 weeks at 100% pay for new family additions. • Extras like Adoption Assistance, financial guidance resources, paid jury duty, bereavement time, and time off for citizenship testing, marriage, and birth. Career Advancement and Education: • Career development opportunities with up to $10,000 tuition reimbursement per year. • Support for ongoing education through our Educational Reimbursement program. Parker Purpose Opportunities (Social Responsibility): • Business Resource Groups promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Engagement activities celebrated throughout the year. Examples include Internal Career Day, FYE Celebration, anniversary recognition events, employee appreciation week, veteran appreciation, and more! • Must be an innovator and embrace lean enterprises principles and practices. Additional Benefits: • Employee discounts on various services (car purchases, computer purchases, life adventures, etc.). • Employee Referral program - Refer a family member or friend and receive a generous award for referrals that are hired (up to $4,000). • Dress for Your Day policy, offering flexible work attire options. • A free, on-site, 24-hour Fitness Center available to all active Team Members. • Grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafeteria that provides a wide array of breakfast, lunch, and snacks. We also have vending machines available during scheduled breaks and lunch periods. ***Drug-Free Workplace In accordance with Parker’s policies and applicable state laws, Parker provides for a drug-free workplace. Therefore, all applicants seeking employment with Parker will be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment. ***Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions. ***Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/VEVRAA Federal Contractor. If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc\_self\_print\_poster.pdf and http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc\_gina\_supplement.pdf (06/20/2006) (C/O July 2015). ***This position is subject to meeting U.S. export compliance and/or U.S Government contracting citizenship eligibility requirements.