Subcontract Manager

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About the role

The Forterra Contracts team seeks a Subcontract Manager with a focus on the full spectrum of U.S. government and commercial subcontracting activities. This includes everything from sourcing and proposal support, to subcontract negotiation and administration, to ensuring compliance and performance management throughout the lifecycle. The team partners closely with project management, engineering, legal, and finance to support Forterra’s growth and day-to-day operations.  

Forterra is a fast-growing company at the early stages of growth. Consistent with this pace, members of our contracts and procurement team must be resourceful, creative, and eager to take ownership of complex matters. The Subcontract Manager role will require creativity and resourcefulness to navigate the U.S. government’s complex subcontracting and compliance rules, with a singular focus on helping Forterra deploy its technology into operational settings. In addition to supporting new subcontract captures and execution, you will work on all other aspects of subcontract management, from strategy and risk mitigation, to performance oversight and compliance. 

What you'll do

• Be a key member of Forterra’s small, dynamic Contracts team. 
• Take responsibility for significant, material subcontracting projects that will directly impact the company’s growth and execution. 
• Drive subcontractor growth and performance by executing new agreements and managing existing ones. Use your expertise in FAR/DFARS and procurement law to help the Business Development, Proposal, and Engineering teams efficiently capture new subcontracts, grow existing ones, and set up opportunities for future work. 
• Manage relationships with subcontractors and government procurement offices. High-trust professional relationships with subcontractors and contracting officials are critical to Forterra’s success, and you will be expected to foster and maintain them. 
• Provide day-to-day management of the subcontract lifecycle. Draft, issue, and manage RFP development, source selection, bid evaluations, negotiations, execution, performance monitoring, modifications, and close-out.  
• Track milestone, deliverables, and invoicing, manage cost and schedule adherence, and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and company policies. 
• Represent the procurement function across the business. Collaborate with legal, finance, engineers, executives, and external vendors to resolve issues, mitigate risks, and ensure smooth subcontract execution. 
• Maintain thorough and organized records and documentation in compliance with audit and review requirements. 

What we're looking for

• Mission-First Mindset – We put the needs of the mission and our customers first and understand that the U.S. and its allies have no preordained right to victory in any future conflict. 
• Ownership Mentality – We’re looking for owners; those who naturally assume responsibility, approach challenges with healthy skepticism, and contribute to a culture of performance. Technical Aptitude and Intellectual Curiosity – We are first and foremost a technology company, working at the leading edge of machine learning, autonomy, distributed networking, and sensor fusion. You must be eager to understand the technical environment that underpins the subcontracts you manage. 
• Structured Thinker and Problem Solver – Managing complex subcontract portfolios requires clear communication and well-thought-out plans. You must be able to distill complexity into essential, digestible components and drive execution to ensure mission success. 
• 360-Degree Leader – Forterra is a non-hierarchical organization with a dynamic matrix structure. You should demonstrate the ability to lead and influence across formal and informal channels, even in ambiguous environments. 

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in subcontract or contract management with experience in defense and Government contracts preferred. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Contract Management, or related field. Master’s degree or MBA preferred. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of contract law (FAR/DFARS ) and procurement regulations/authorities (10 USC 4022 / 10 USC 4023).  
• Exceptional negotiation and communication skills. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and contract management systems (e.g., Salesforce, SharePoint, Netsuite). 
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. 
   

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.  
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption. 
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires. 
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.  

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.