Role Overview
The Contracts Operations Manager will manage a team executing day-to-day contract administration — from post-award through closeout while building the operational structure, tools, and processes that let that work scale as Axle expands. This role oversees the team's output and priorities, escalates and resolves issues that cross functional lines, and is accountable for the team consistently delivering even as priorities shift. This role requires an in-person presence in our Rockville, MD office.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Oversight
Oversee day-to-day execution of contract administration work to ensure deliverables, deadlines, and compliance requirements are consistently met
Set team KPIs, conduct performance reviews and coaching, and support hiring, training, and succession planning
Serve as the escalation point for complex contract issues, stepping in hands-on when needed while keeping the team accountable for their own work
Cross-Functional Contract Operations
Coordinate with various Business Units to ensure contract requirements are understood, tracked, and executed across teams
Act as the operational link between Contracts leadership and other functions, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks between proposal, award, and execution
Track contract status, deliverables, and risk across the portfolio, surfacing issues to leadership and cross-functional partners before they become problems
Compliance & Process Support
Ensure the team's work complies with FAR, DFARS, and applicable commercial contract terms
Oversee subcontracting plan compliance, SAM reporting, and other recurring compliance obligations
Maintain and enforce standard operating procedures for contract administration across the team
Systems, Automation & Continuous Improvement
Identify manual, repetitive, or inconsistent contracts processes and implement automation and digitalization to improve accuracy and scale
Build and refine operational infrastructure to support Axle's expansion into commercial contracting
Evaluate and implement contract management systems and tools, training the team on adoption
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Contract Management, or related field
5+ years of contracts administration or contracts operations experience, including Government contracting
At least 2-3 years directly managing or supervising a team
Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and related supplements
Demonstrated ability to coordinate across functions (Business Development, Program Management, Finance, Legal) to drive contract execution
Proven track record of implementing automation or new systems to improve team operations
Comfortable overseeing team output while remaining hands-on on complex or escalated items
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting or transitioning into commercial contracting alongside Government work
Exposure to GSA Schedules, IDIQs, or other Government contract vehicles
Experience with contract management systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, Unanet, GovWin)
What Success Looks Like
The contracts team consistently meets deadlines and compliance requirements without last-minute scrambles
Cross-functional partners view Contracts as a reliable, coordinated partner rather than a bottleneck
Contract processes are increasingly standardized, automated, and scalable
The team is well-managed, developing, and equipped to handle shifting priorities
Ready to help build the operational backbone of a growing contracts function? Apply now to join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values growth, accountability, and innovation.
Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.
The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com
This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.
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Salary Range
$120,000—$140,000 USD
