Contracts Administration Director jobs in Cicero, IL

Description

J. A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we’re known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That’s how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.  

This role is responsible for the overall operational, budgetary, and financial responsibilities and activities of the assigned project team(s) or department. It oversees and leads all activities of the designated project(s) to ensure goals and objectives are fully executed within the required timeframe and budget while exceeding client expectations and optimizing team performance. The Director of Federal Contracts shall lead by example and personify the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values; taking ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. Federal projects can be in a variety of industries including, but not limited to, surface transportation, rail and transit, technology, disaster recovery, specialty projects and any other opportunities within the Federal Contracting sector.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain relationships and drive development of new and existing client relationships with the clients as the primary JWI contact. Responsible for growing team through business development opportunities
• Oversee and manage the project team through the entire project process
• Responsible for high level planning and programming analysis work including preparation of technical documents, testing plans, and proposals
• Define the client’s project scope, budget, and schedule. Consult or negotiate as needed to finalize project specifications
• Contribute to strategic project planning discussions and meetings providing budget, staffing, and cost
• Manage the effective and positive communication between the client and Company
• Review and approve technical documents, design plans, cost estimates, and proposals
• Responsible for ensuring that project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality
• Manage approved budget and monitor actual expenses to ensure project stays within budget
• Communicate project details, including plans, progress, issues, and concerns to executive leadership team on a regular basis
• Develop strategic client capture plan(s) to advance existing and new client relationships
• Secure new business by gathering client intel, identifying opportunities to submit on RFPs/RFQs, developing and negotiating contracts, and integrating contract requirements with business operations
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships to support and cultivate business opportunities by effectively communicating the business’s value to prospective clients and partners through presentations, meetings, and proposals
• Oversee project budgets, create, and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes
• Contribute to the pursuit process by providing a staff plan, project approach, schedule, and fee proposal as well as any additional operational requirements requested in the RFP/RFQ
• Partner with internal teams including Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting/Finance, Contracts Administration, and Safety, in order to augment and facilitate business development and operational practices to effectively lead, staff, and execute project(s) successfully
• Assist with succession planning, team training, employee reviews and development, talent acquisition (including interviews) and support the Human Resources function for department
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees by providing oversight, training, direction, and performance feedback in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
• Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the company’s mission, vision, and core values in every internal and external interaction
• Contribute to the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures
• Attend events and participate in various industry, professional, and networking associations
• Ensure the timely submission, review and approval of timesheets and expense reports
• Perform other duties as required/directed

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of work is preferred. Engineering, Construction/Project Management are typical degrees, but the necessary requirements could vary depending on Federal Projects pursued.
• Highly preferred to have a minimum of 10 years of experience in Federal Contracting Projects with execution success experience and solid relationships within the industry
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective solutions addressing process efficiency, project costs, budget parameters, team development, and client needs, to achieve desired results
• Strong ability to balance multiple priorities, work under pressure and communicate effectively in a team environment and meet deadlines
• Proven success in effectively using industry and professional network(s) to prospect, pursue, and secure new business and partnerships
• Evidence of a high level of ethical behavior in exercising judgment and discretion in matters of significance
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performance team including the ability to negotiate and effectively resolve conflict
• Excellent organizational management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; a persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• General knowledge of various employment laws and practices and employee relations
• Travel may be required depending on project specific needs

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and family
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
• Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Student debt repayment resources available 
• ID Theft protection
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Company-sponsored social events

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.