Contracts Manager
Ultra Maritime · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $145,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Manage full lifecycle of complex government contracts.
- Interface directly with U.S. Government customers.
- Negotiate terms and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Advise on contractual risks and mitigation.
- Requires 8+ years government/defense contracts experience.
About the role
About Ultra Maritime
Protecting What Matters. Powering The Future Of Naval Technology. Your work here has global impact. From developing sonar and radar systems to advancing unmanned and undersea platforms, our technologies empower the U.S. Navy and allied forces to operate in some of the world’s most complex environments. As the maritime and underwater battlespace evolves, we continue to push boundaries—driven by innovation, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. Join us as we shape the future of naval warfare—safeguarding the seas and strengthening navies worldwide.
Due to the nature of the programs we support, certain roles may require candidates to meet U.S. nationality requirements and be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
Position Summary
Ultra Maritime is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to independently manage the full lifecycle of complex U.S. Government and defense-related contracts. This role is highly customer-facing, requiring direct interaction with U.S. Government customers and/or prime contractors. The ideal candidate is a self-directed professional with strong judgment, deep knowledge of FAR and DFARS, and the ability to negotiate, communicate, and present effectively at all levels of the organization and with external customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently manage the full contract lifecycle, including proposal support, negotiation of terms and conditions, contract administration, modifications, and closeout.
- Serve as the primary contracts interface with external customers, including U.S. Government contracting personnel and prime contractor customers.
- Lead and execute negotiations to achieve favorable business outcomes while ensuring regulatory and contractual compliance.
- Advise internal stakeholders on contractual rights, obligations, risks, and mitigation strategies.
- Review, draft, and negotiate prime contracts, subcontracts, modifications, NDAs, teaming agreements, REAs, and claims.
- Interpret and apply FAR, DFARS, and applicable agency supplements.
- Support proposal development, including RFP/RFQ review, compliance matrices, and contractual volumes.
- Identify contractual risks and communicate clear recommendations to leadership.
- Prepare and deliver written materials and presentations for internal leadership and customers.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of contracts policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Law, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 8+ years of progressive contracts experience supporting U.S. Government and/or defense programs in a customer-facing role.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of FAR and DFARS.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong analytical skills and business judgment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working for a large or mid-tier DoD prime contractor.
- Experience with cost-type, T&M, and fixed-price contracts.
Key Competencies
- Independent decision-making and accountability
- Customer-facing professionalism
- Strategic thinking and risk management
- Executive-level communication and presence
- Attention to detail with business awareness
Typically, a Bachelor Degree (or equivalent) and 5+ years of related experience. May be required to maintain security clearance.
Expected Compensation
The expected compensation range for this role is $116,792.00 - $175,240.00. Ultra Maritime considers multiple factors when determining final compensation, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, a candidate’s relevant experience and education, certifications and training, as well as current business and market conditions.
What Ultra Maritime Offers You
- Climate controlled, well-lit and clean work environment!
- Work/life balance that includes up to 3 weeks PTO for first year
- 8 Paid Holidays, with 3 floating holidays
- 401k Plan with Company Match
- Educational Assistance Program (Tuition Reimbursement)
- Wellness Program and incentives
- Company HSA contributions
- Insurance Benefits that start 1st of the month following hire
- Eligibility in Company Performance-based bonuses annually
- Additional Employee Discounts and Perks
Company-Paid Benefits
- $75 monthly student loan repayment program
- Basic Life Insurance
- Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Voluntary Employee-Paid Benefits
- Medical and Prescription insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance Plans
- Supplemental AD&D insurance for Employee and Family
- Accident Plan
- Critical Illness Plan
- Hospital Indemnity Plan
- Pet Insurance
- Identity Theft
Reasonable accommodation statement
If you need an accommodation for any part of the application process, please email careers@ultra-us-gbs.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ultra Maritime is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace that is fair, respectful, and inclusive, and we make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, citizenship status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a U.S. defense contractor, Ultra Maritime maintains strict standards related to integrity, compliance, and security. We operate a drug-free workplace and, where permitted by law, may conduct pre-employment background checks and substance-abuse screening based on role requirements.
Key skills/competency
- Contracts Management
- FAR and DFARS Compliance
- Government Contracts
- Defense Programs
- Negotiation
- Risk Management
- Proposal Development
- Contract Administration
- Customer Relations
- Legal Compliance
Skills & topics
- Contracts Manager
- Contract Management
- FAR
- DFARS
- Government Contracts
- Defense Contracts
- Negotiation
- Legal
- Compliance
- Proposal Development
- Contract Administration
- U.S. Navy
- Defense Industry
- Business Law
- Finance
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 8+ years of government and defense contract experience, focusing on FAR/DFARS knowledge and customer-facing roles.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Emphasize your negotiation skills, analytical abilities, and understanding of contract lifecycle management.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss specific examples of managing complex contracts, negotiating terms, and advising stakeholders on risks.
- Demonstrate leadership: Showcase your ability to work independently, make sound business judgments, and communicate effectively at all levels.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities of a Contracts Manager at Ultra Maritime?
- The Contracts Manager at Ultra Maritime is responsible for independently managing the full lifecycle of complex U.S. Government and defense-related contracts. This includes proposal support, negotiation of terms and conditions, contract administration, modifications, and closeout. The role also involves serving as the primary contracts interface with external customers and advising internal stakeholders on contractual matters.
- What qualifications are required for the Contracts Manager position at Ultra Maritime?
- Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Law, or a related field (or equivalent experience), and at least 8 years of progressive contracts experience supporting U.S. Government and/or defense programs in a customer-facing role. A demonstrated working knowledge of FAR and DFARS is essential, along with strong negotiation, communication, analytical skills, and business judgment.
- What is the expected compensation for the Contracts Manager role?
- The expected compensation range for the Contracts Manager role at Ultra Maritime is $116,792.00 - $175,240.00 annually. The final compensation will be determined by factors such as the scope of responsibilities, candidate's experience and education, certifications, and market conditions.
- Does Ultra Maritime offer benefits for the Contracts Manager position?
- Yes, Ultra Maritime offers a comprehensive benefits package. This includes a 401k plan with company match, educational assistance, wellness programs, company HSA contributions, and insurance benefits that start on the first of the month following hire. Additionally, there are company-paid benefits like a student loan repayment program and voluntary employee-paid benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- What is the work environment like at Ultra Maritime for a Contracts Manager?
- Ultra Maritime provides a climate-controlled, well-lit, and clean work environment. The company emphasizes work-life balance, offering up to 3 weeks of PTO in the first year, 8 paid holidays, and 3 floating holidays.
- What does 'nationality requirements' mean for this Contracts Manager role?
- Due to the nature of the programs supported by Ultra Maritime, certain roles, potentially including this Contracts Manager position, may require candidates to meet U.S. nationality requirements and be eligible to obtain a security clearance. This is a standard practice for many defense contractors working with sensitive government projects.
Similar roles
Open positions we recommend based on this role.