Sr Principal Contract Administrator

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) is seeking a Senior Principal Contract Administrator to join its team of qualified and diverse professionals supporting the Armament Systems Business Unit. This position will be located with the team in Plymouth, MN.  

The Senior Principal Contracts Administrator will interface with all levels of senior management and customer counterparts, including program managers, business managers, capture managers, pricing, and proposal teams to perform the following contract administration responsibilities:

• Conduct proposal preparation, contract negotiations, contract administration, and customer contact activities to provide for proper contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.

• Examine project costs, performance requirements, and delivery schedules to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Take an active role in proposal support; managing contract proposal volumes, supporting fact finding and the negotiation process to ensure proposals are fully responsive to prospective customer requirements.

• Perform risk assessment of proposals and contracts terms and conditions and assist program office in development of risk mitigation strategies

• Develop and process contract sign-off packages, managing the approval process for proposals, contracts and modifications

• Ensure contract performance in accordance with company policies/procedures and legal requirements, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), International Traffic And Arms (ITAR), Risk Work Authorizations (RWAs), Data Requests, Property Requests, Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

• Understand, assess, and evaluate contract provisions, clauses, regulations (including FAR and DFARS clauses), flow-downs and subcontract requirements

• Maintain official program records, including contractual documents and correspondence with customer

• Advise management of contractual rights and obligations and, as needed, provide interpretation of terms and conditions.

Responsibilities:

• Administers, extends, negotiates, and terminates standard and nonstandard contracts.

• Conducts proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract administration, and customer contact activities to provide for proper contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.

• Administer daily contract activities for a variety of contract types, including cost reimbursable and firm fixed price; such activities will include establishing payment terms, initiating, and monitoring invoicing, collections, and funding to support financial objectives.

• Enter and manage data in the Contract Management System, financial and delivery systems.

• Participate in customer meetings, performing and monitoring compliance to contract requirements and leading change management process.

• Ensure non-disclosure agreements and contract terms and conditions are negotiated within company guidelines. 

Basic Qualifications:

• This position emphasizes skills and experience.  Will consider a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) with a minimum of 14 years of applied experience. Will also consider:

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 10 years applied experience in a related field

• Master’s Degree with a minimum of 8 year applied experience in a related field

• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, and other U.S. Federal Government contracting regulations

• Experience with various contract types, including Cost Reimbursable, Firm Fixed Price, and Fixed Price Incentive

• Excellent Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Experience working proposals

• Experience organizing and administering contracts

• Experience reviewing, applying, and analyzing rules, policies, and regulations

• Negotiation experience

• Be able to occasionally travel to customer locations for negotiations or meetings

• Ability to obtain and maintain and DoD Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with contract negotiations

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

• Experience with pricing, project management

• Experience with MRP systems

• Experience as a Contract Administrator in the defense industry

• Ability to manage multiple contracts at the same time of moderate value and risk level, including various contract types such as cost reimbursable and fixed price. 

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written with both internal and external customers.

• NCMA Certification (CPCM, CFCM and / or CCCM)

• MS/MA/MBA/JD

Salary Range: $102,200 USD - $153,200 USD

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.