Senior Contracts Manager – Federal

Company: Maximus Inc.
Location: Schiller Park
Posted on: January 18, 2026

Job Description:

Description & Requirements The Contract Sr Manager will oversee all contractual activities for a major program with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and support engagements with the Defense Health Agency (DHA). This role requires deep expertise in FAR/DFARS-governed federal contracts, strong leadership in contract administration, and active participation in proposal development. The Contract Sr Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters, ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and supporting program success. Key Responsibilities Contract Administration & Compliance: -Manage the full lifecycle of prime contracts and subcontracts for major VA and DHA programs. -Ensure strict compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DFARS, and agency-specific requirements. -Maintain accurate records for audits and reporting. Proposal Support: -Partner with business development and proposal teams to review RFPs, RFQs, and solicitations. -Provide contractual guidance during proposal preparation, including compliance checks and risk assessments. -Assist in developing cost narratives, certifications, and representations. -Program Support & Risk Management: -Serve as the primary contractual liaison with VA and DHA contracting officers and internal stakeholders. -Identify and mitigate contractual risks, ensuring timely resolution of issues. -Support program managers in interpreting contract terms and obligations. Negotiation & Change Management: -Lead negotiations for contract modifications, extensions, and pricing adjustments. -Manage change orders and ensure alignment with program objectives and compliance requirements. Process Improvement: -Develop best practices for contract management and compliance monitoring. -Train internal teams on contract policies and procedures. Skills and Qualifications -Minimum 8 years in federal contract management, with at least 3 years in a leadership or program-focused role. -Proven experience managing FAR/DFARS contracts for major federal programs. -Direct experience with VA and DHA customers is required. -Demonstrated success supporting proposal development and compliance reviews. -Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills-. -Proficiency in contract management systems and Microsoft Office Suite. -Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: - Manage the policies for the company, ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, and other regulations and company directives. - Oversee review of proposals and contract actions processed for the company prior to signature or negotiation, and ensure that all factors have been considered and all necessary information has been gathered. - Implement contract policies, procedures, and other business and contractual or compliance matters affecting the business unit. - Manage and direct subcontract completions and close-out process. - Oversee, manage, and provide guidance and direction to direct reports by reviewing all change notices and amendments to major contracts (including all contracts with development effort) affecting period of performance, funding, cost or changes to technical specifications and ensuring proper risk evaluation and mitigation. - Oversee and monitor negotiation of contractual agreements on terms and conditions that are in the best interest of the company and its client. Minimum Requirements - Manage activities of two or more sections or departments. - Exercise supervision in terms of costs, methods, and staffing. - In some instances this manager may have subordinate supervisors and/or managers. - Work on issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of organizational objectives. - Implement strategic policies when selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. - Establish and assures adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements. - Regularly interact with senior management or executive levels on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers. - Require the ability to change the thinking of, or gain acceptance from, others in sensitive situations, without damage to the relationship. - Establish operational objectives and work plans and delegates assignments to subordinates. - Senior management reviews objectives to determine success of operation. - Involved in developing, modifying and executing company policies that affect immediate operations and may also have company-wide effect. Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) is a plus. EEO Statement Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. Pay Transparency Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidates education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of Maximuss total compensation package. Other rewards may include short- and long-term incentives as well as program-specific awards. Additionally, Maximus provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off. Compensation ranges may differ based on contract value but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. An applicants salary history will not be used in determining compensation. Maximus will comply with regulatory minimum wage rates and exempt salary thresholds in all instances. Accommodations Maximus provides reasonable accommodations to individuals requiring assistance during any phase of the employment process due to a disability, medical condition, or physical or mental impairment. If you require assistance at any stage of the employment process—including accessing job postings, completing assessments, or participating in interviews,—please contact People Operations. Minimum Salary $ 111,605.00 Maximum Salary $ 150,880.00

Keywords: Maximus Inc., Chicago , Senior Contracts Manager – Federal, Engineering , Schiller Park, Illinois