Contract Manager

The Company Headquartered in Houston, Texas, McLane Global has a growing network of offices and food‑grade logistics facilities in California, Colorado, Texas, and Utah, as well as top international markets including the Middle East, China, Southeast Asia and beyond. As Food Supply Chain Experts, we lead the industry with top brands, products, and services through four key divisions: International Food Sales, U.S. Food Sales, Logistics & Transportation, and McLane Hunger Solutions.

Job Description McLane Global is seeking an experienced and highly organized Contract Manager to oversee and administer large federal contracts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience managing multi‑million dollar USDA or similar federal agency contracts, a solid understanding of FAR, AGAR (Agriculture Acquisition Regulation), and a proven ability to manage risk and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities Manage all phases of the federal contracting lifecycle (pre‑award, award, post‑award, closeout) for USDA contracts, including but not limited to program deliverables, IT services, research support, facility operations, and agricultural programs. Administer and optimize an active USDA contract supporting food distribution, warehousing, and transportation services. Ensure strict compliance with FAR, AGAR, and agency‑specific policies and procedures.

Act as the primary liaison between USDA Contracting Officers and internal teams for all contract matters, including negotiations, modifications, and deliverables. Draft, analyze, and negotiate a wide range of contractual documents including subcontracts, teaming agreements, NDAs, and task orders. Support proposal and pricing teams by reviewing solicitations (RFPs, RFIs, RFQs), providing contractual input, and helping shape compliant, competitive submissions.

Monitor contract performance against deliverables, milestones, and financial benchmarks; identify risks and recommend corrective actions as needed. Monitor contract scope and identify potential scope creep and partner with leadership to document, price, and formalize out‑of‑scope work through contract modifications. Provide guidance to program management and operational staff on contract interpretation and risk management strategies including supporting weekly customer reviews and internal operating reviews with project management, warehouse, transportation, and accounting teams.

Maintain contract files and documentation per USDA records management and audit standards. Track and manage subcontractor performance and ensure flow‑down compliance with USDA‑specific clauses. Serve as a practical problem solver who can work constructively with government stakeholders while protecting McLane Global's contractual and financial interests.

Position Requirements Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, or a related field (Master's or JD preferred). 5+ years of federal contracting experience with a focus on USDA or similar civilian agency contracts. Strong working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR). Demonstrated experience managing large, complex federal contracts including cost‑reimbursement, fixed‑price, and IDIQ vehicles.

Strong documentation discipline and comfort managing exceptions, claims, and compliance‑sensitive data. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills. Ability to work cross‑functionally with operations, project management, IT, and finance/accounting teams.

Proficient in contract management systems and tools (e.g., Unison PRISM, FPDS‑NG, USDA's EZFedGrants or Ag Acquisition). Certifications & Requirements NCMA certification (e.g., CPCM, CFCM) Experience working with USDA agencies such as NRCS, FSA, ARS, FSIS, or US Forest Service Knowledge of USDA grant administration, cooperative agreements, and interagency agreements. Familiarity with agricultural, environmental, or rural development‑related contracting initiatives.

Benefits Role is based at the Houston headquarters with hybrid and remote schedules available, including travel to the Houston HQ and other McLane Global and domestic partner sites. Standard business hours with flexibility for urgent needs across global time zones. Competitive base compensation with an extremely rewarding incentive compensation plan.

Full Benefits including Medical, Dental and Vision effective on the first day of employment. 401(k) with Employer Match. Paid Holidays. Paid vacation, personal, and sick days.

All offers are contingent upon passing a background check and drug screening. No company visa sponsorships. #J-18808-Ljbffr