Government Contracts Specialist and Project Manager - Ann Arbor, United States - Rydberg Technologies

Description

Rydberg Technologies is a leading U.S. quantum technologies R&D company and product manufacturer for customers in the commercial, government, and defense industries. We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented, and organized Contract Specialist and Project Manager to join our growing team. In this role you will administrate and manage a growing portfolio of government and commercial contracts. You will be responsible for the full contract and project lifecycle, from pre-award management to post-award execution including finding funding, developing effective proposals and budgets, gathering approvals, managing awarded projects and subcontractors, and closing out projects in a manner that meets the financial and compliance requirements of both the customer and company. Ideal candidates are proficient in all aspects of federal government contracting and accounting, will have strong leadership abilities, exhibit keen attention to detail, excellent hands-on problem-solving skills, a strong R&D program management skillset, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory and contractual requirements in government and defense contracting. This position will report directly to a senior executive.

Responsibilities include:

Proposal and Budget Development: Spearhead the creation of proposals and well-structured budgets, demonstrating a deep understanding of project requirements and financial considerations.

-Conduct regular and thorough research to identify potential funding opportunities.

-Pre-Award Management and Administration.

-Collaborate with stakeholders to develop competitive grant proposals.

-Review solicitations and ensure corporate and administrative requirements are met.

-Ensure proposals comply with funding agency guidelines and requirements.

-Review and edit proposal content for clarity, coherence, and adherence to guidelines.

-Coordinate with different departments and staff to gather necessary information for proposals.

-Prepare budget estimates, cost volumes, and justifications for proposed projects.

-Stay updated on solicitations, grant proposal application deadlines, and submission processes.

-Submit completed proposals in a timely manner.

-Post-Award Management and Administration.

-Establish and maintain effective communication with funding agencies.

-Ensure compliance with grant terms, conditions, and reporting requirements.

-Manage budgetary aspects of awarded projects, including tracking expenditures, long-lead time purchases, and supply chain.

-Facilitate project kick-off meetings and communicate award or program details to team members.

-Monitor and manage project progress, anticipate and address any issues that may arise.

-Prepare and submit regular progress reports to funding agencies.

-Coordinate with finance and accounting teams for accurate financial reporting.

-Facilitate audits and site visits by funding agencies.

-Manage sub-awards and contracts associated with awarded projects.

Contract Negotiation and Management: Lead negotiations with clients and partners to secure favorable terms, balancing the needs of all parties involved.

-Draft, review, and or negotiate a wide range of contracts, including R&D contracts and agreements, procurement agreements, service contracts, and vendor agreements, to ensure they align with company goals and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

-Develop and maintain contract templates, standards, and best practices to streamline the contracting process and minimize risks.

-Collaborate with legal counsel as needed to resolve complex contractual issues and mitigate potential legal risks.

-Monitor and manage contract compliance throughout the contract lifecycle, tracking key dates, deliverables, and performance metrics.

Full Lifecycle Management: Oversee contracts and proposals from initiation to completion, ensuring compliance with all terms and conditions, and addressing any issues that arise during the execution phase.

-Maintain and execute schedules to ensure timeliness and execution of project efforts and deliverables

-Maintain accurate records of contracts, projects, and associated documentation, ensuring compliance with record-keeping requirements

-Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, summarizing contract and program status, issues, and performance.

-Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, including regular communication and performance reviews to ensure that vendors meet their contractual obligations.

-Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate and select vendors, conduct due diligence, and negotiate favorable terms and pricing.

-Work with vendors to resolve disputes, enforce contract terms, and optimize vendor performance to maximize value for the organization.

-Identify potential risks associated with contracts and programs, develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans.

-Proactively assess, monitor, and communicate risks to senior management and implement appropriate risk management strategies.

Government Accounting: Possess expertise in government accounting principles and practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and financial standards.

-Support government accounting operations

-Support monitoring and control of expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with DCAA, Federal Acquisition Regulations and its supplements, and GAAP accounting standards.

-Collaborate with stakeholders to develop financial plans, evaluate investment opportunities, and support decision-making processes.

-Implement and maintain effective internal controls and risk management practices.

Project Management: Direct and coordinate multiple contracts and projects simultaneously ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

-Oversee projects, ensuring smooth workflow and timely delivery of R&D efforts and manufacturing for government customers and commercial products/services.

-Plan, implement, and execute, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in line with defined objectives.

-Develop project plans, schedules, and budgets and monitor progress against these plans, making necessary adjustments as needed.

-Manage technical personnel and managers, and administrators, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations.

-Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement measures to streamline project management and execution.

Government and Defense Contracts: Extensive experience in managing government and defense contracts, including familiarity with SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research), STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer), OTA (Other Transaction Authority), and other contract types.

-Experience with government and defense agencies, different award and contract types, regulations, contracting processes, and compliance requirements.

-Prepare and submit government contract proposals and bids.

-Lead contract negotiation, administration, and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

-Collaborate with management, finance, legal, and technical teams to ensure adherence to contractual obligations and resolve any disputes.

-Knowledgeable about various procurement vehicles and methods, detailed understanding of government contracts including FFP and CPFF.

Certification Preferred: Hold relevant certifications, demonstrating proficiency in contract management, such as Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or similar credentials.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, management, or related field. A degree and or experience in physics, engineering, quantum science and technology or related technical field with proven experience in program management and government contracting is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in program and contract management in industry, government, or academia with U.S. Department of Defense and Government Agencies, vendor management, with at least 3 years in a hands-on role.
• Excellent project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• General proficiency in contract law, negotiation techniques, and procurement processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical, hands-on problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in software and IT including project management tools.
• Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and compliance requirements.

Rydberg Technologies Inc. main offices and facilities are in Ann Arbor, Michigan USA. Rydberg Technologies in an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or military status. We offer competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, performance bonus, and benefits. It is not typical to be hired at the top end of the pay range listed for this position, as actual pay is based on factors including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience level.