Government Contracts Specialist

The Opportunity at Altana

As a Government Contracts Specialist, you will empower Altana to navigate the US Government acquisitions lifecycle and ensure the fulfillment of our contractual obligations. As part of Altana's Commercial Deal Team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting our US Government business. You will collaborate with colleagues across Sales, Finance, Engineering, and Leadership, offering your expertise and insights into the government contracting process to keep pace with our expanding portfolio of Government partnerships. Government Contracts Specialists develop acquisition strategies, cultivate relationships, ensure continued compliance with FAR/DFAR obligations, and drive deals to completion—reviewing and finalizing critical contract documentation, devising pricing strategies for proposals, implementing company policies, and supporting various projects as they arise.

Government Contracts Specialists engage directly with our highest-value contracts, both pre- and post-award. This role will be the first dedicated US Government contract specialist and consequently presents opportunities for career growth and significant company impact as the function begins to scale.

You will:

• Develop acquisition and pricing strategies in collaboration with business counterparts to create viable approaches for new contracting opportunities.
• Identify new contract vehicles that can be utilized across the business; support and maintain existing contract vehicles (GSA Schedule); develop the systems and processes to ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Serve as an expert in the entire acquisitions lifecycle, including Quotes, ROMs, and Proposals as a Prime and/or Subcontractor, with a keen attention to detail.
• Facilitate and support proposal preparation and contract negotiations.
• Stay current on relevant legal frameworks, including FAR, DFARS, and OTAs, and quickly learn new frameworks as needed.
• Manage relationships with senior leaders and procurement office representatives at government agencies.
• Assist in strategy development for new business, aligning with short-term and long-term goals.

You have:

• 5+ years of government contracting experience, in government, industry, or both.
• Familiarity with U.S. Government acquisitions, particularly commercial item acquisition
• Availability outside standard business hours to address urgent and time-sensitive matters.
• Active security clearance or eligibility and willingness to obtain a security clearance.
• Familiarity with software/data licensing and pricing models to create innovative pricing concepts and effectively communicate them to customers.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to lead actions to achieve desired outcomes; excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A detail-oriented mindset critical for maintaining an intricate knowledge of the contracts portfolio, and strong organizational skills to navigate a fast-paced environment.
• Strong writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills with an ability to multitask in a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively with teams across the business to achieve desired outcomes.
• Pragmatic, creative legal thinker with excellent judgment and a willingness to take on new responsibilities and challenges.
• Genuine curiosity about the intersection of global trade, data, AI, and geopolitics

This role is based in Washington, DC, USA with hybrid work flexibility and candidates must be within commuting distance from our downtown office.