Job Title: Contract Manager / Supply Chain Specialist
Job Description
This role serves as a Contract Manager & Supply Chain Specialist supporting government and defense programs from capture and proposal through full project execution. You blend federal contract support, subcontract administration, and procurement execution into a single, accountable position that ensures work is properly contracted, sourced, and delivered in a compliant, efficient, and low-risk manner. You work closely with Program and Project Managers, Business Development, technical teams, subcontractors, and suppliers to translate program requirements into executable Statements of Work, compliant subcontract agreements, and well-managed procurement actions. Your contribution is critical to maintaining contractual clarity, FAR/DFARS compliance, cost control, and on-time delivery of complex, technically advanced defense programs, in a high-visibility role with direct impact on critical U.S. defense and land system initiatives and long-term program stability.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with Program Managers, technical teams, and Business Development to develop and align Statements of Work (SOWs), scopes of work, deliverables, and milestones for government and defense programs.
Draft, review, and support Requests for Proposals (RFPs), subcontract solicitations, and purchase orders, ensuring all required FAR/DFARS and compliance clauses are properly included.
Support proposal and pre-award activities by aligning contractual language with the technical scope, pricing strategy, risk posture, and execution plans.
Manage buyer and supply chain activities for engineering services, equipment and material procurement, and installation services from proposal stage through project execution.
Identify, qualify, negotiate with, and manage subcontractors and suppliers while balancing cost, quality, schedule, and risk to support program objectives.
Administer subcontract agreements, change orders, amendments, and service agreements in coordination with Program and Project Management teams.
Coordinate subcontractor invoicing tied to purchase order or subcontract milestones and support the review, approval, or dispute resolution process.
Ensure contracts and subcontracts comply with federal regulations, FAR/DFARS requirements, security expectations, and data protection standards.
Document subcontract compliance issues, performance concerns, and quality deficiencies through formal written correspondence, engaging Legal support when necessary.
Participate in scope alignment, change management, and risk management activities when project or subcontract changes occur, helping maintain contractual clarity.
Support pricing reviews to help ensure fair and reasonable pricing consistent with FAR requirements and government cost principles.
Jointly evaluate subcontractor performance with Program and Project Management teams, providing input on cost, schedule, quality, and risk.
Serve as a liaison between government contracting functions, Business Development, Program and Project Management, Project Controls, and suppliers to enable cohesive execution.
Enable a smooth transition from contract award to execution by ensuring all stakeholders understand contractual requirements, obligations, and performance expectations.
Proactively engage internal customers regarding subcontractor cost, performance, schedule, and risk, responding with a strong sense of urgency.
Track and report monthly metrics related to contracts, procurement activities, and subcontract management to support program oversight.
Establish, improve, and standardize contracting and supply chain processes to support scalable growth and consistent execution.
Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, reduce contractual and supply chain risk, and enhance program performance.
Provide administrative support related to contract documentation, procurement records, and construction or installation project files as needed.
Apply construction management and subcontract management principles when supporting projects that involve construction or installation activities.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Contract Management, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 6 years of experience in government contracting, subcontract administration, procurement, or supply chain roles.
Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and federal acquisition environments.
Proven negotiation skills with a track record of successful contract and subcontract management.
Demonstrated experience drafting and managing Statements of Work (SOWs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), subcontract agreements, and change orders.
Experience in contract management and contract administration in a government or defense @context.
Hands-on experience with procurement and subcontract administration, including purchasing and buyer activities.
Experience using procurement or ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for documentation, analysis, and reporting.
Ability to manage multiple complex, technically advanced defense programs while maintaining cost, schedule, and quality control.
Strong project management capabilities to support end-to-end contract and supply chain activities.
Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
Detail-oriented approach to ensuring compliance, accurate documentation, and clear contractual terms.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Master's degree in Business Administration or a closely related discipline.
Professional contracting certifications such as DAWIA or similar credentials in defense, aerospace, or national security contracting.
Familiarity with government cost principles and pricing analysis methods.
Experience using tools such as Smartsheet, SharePoint, Salesforce, or similar platforms to support project and contract management.
Background in construction management or supporting construction and installation projects within a defense or industrial environment.
Experience with subcontract management in construction or complex engineering projects.
Strong administrative support skills related to contracts, procurement, and project documentation.
Ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and reduce risk in contracting and supply chain operations.
Comfort working in a high-visibility role with regular interaction with customers and organizational leadership.
Interest in supporting critical U.S. defense and land system programs with long-term program stability.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $67.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Auburn Hills,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
