Senior Subcontracts Administrator

Job Summary

The Senior Subcontracts Administrator is responsible for developing, standardizing, and strengthening subcontracting operations across all CBRE Government & Defense Services portfolios. This full-time, salaried position reports to the Senior Manager of Subcontracts & Procurement and works closely with Operations and cross-functional teams to establish consistent subcontracting practices, manage assigned subcontracts, and ensure compliance with federal contracting regulations and company policies.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in subcontract administration, advanced knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and demonstrated expertise in process improvement and change management.

Serving as the first point of escalation for subcontracting matters, this position provides guidance to subcontract administration staff, proactively identifies risks, and delivers practical solutions to support operational efficiency and compliance.

Primary Job Functions

Subcontracting Strategy and Process Improvement

• Lead change management initiatives to establish and implement standardized subcontracting processes across multiple business lines.
• Partner with Operations leadership to define responsibilities and accountability throughout the subcontract lifecycle.
• Facilitate workshops and process-mapping sessions to improve workflows, clarify handoffs, and strengthen cross-functional coordination.
• Implement consistent intake procedures, documentation standards, approval requirements, and service expectations.
• Collaborate with Operations on subcontract award recommendations, considering technical requirements, commercial considerations, and regulatory compliance.
• Establish effective communication and collaboration practices to support subcontractor performance monitoring, corrective actions, modifications, and closeout.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, reduce risk, and optimize resources.

Subcontract Lifecycle Management

• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned subcontracts, including solicitation, negotiation, award, administration, and closeout.
• Pre-Award and Solicitation: Collaborate with Operations to define requirements, evaluate procurement strategies, strengthen procurement justifications, and prequalify suppliers as appropriate.
• Negotiation: Negotiate subcontract terms and conditions to achieve best value or the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA), as applicable, while ensuring contractual and regulatory requirements are satisfied.
• Award: Execute subcontract awards and associated purchase orders in accordance with established procedures, approval requirements, and funding authorization.
• Administration: Oversee subcontract modifications, invoice inquiries, dispute resolution, subcontractor performance, and contract closeout activities.
• Monitor subcontractor compliance with contractual obligations, performance expectations, and applicable regulations.

Compliance and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a subject-matter expert on FAR, DFARS, the Service Contract Act (SCA), Davis-Bacon Act (DBA), collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and other applicable federal regulations and company policies.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, Compliance, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure subcontractor deliverables align with program requirements and milestones.
• Identify and address contractual, financial, operational, and compliance risks.
• Provide timely guidance and support to resolve subcontract administration challenges and escalated issues.
• Support audit readiness by maintaining accurate, complete, and compliant subcontract documentation.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement

• Mentor junior subcontract administrators and provide technical guidance to cross-functional business partners.
• Provide subcontract administration guidance to mentor-protégé small businesses, as needed.
• Promote consistent application of subcontracting policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Support organizational change initiatives by encouraging collaboration, accountability, and process adoption.
• Apply a continuous-improvement approach to enhance service delivery, conserve resources, and support strategic business objectives.

Education, Experience, and Certifications

Education

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or a related functional discipline.

Experience

• Required: Minimum of six (6) years of end-to-end subcontract administration experience within a government contracting environment.
• Demonstrated experience in subcontract process improvement, standardization, and organizational change management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of federal acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS requirements, and labor laws applicable to government contractors, including the Service Contract Act and Davis-Bacon Act.
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to manage complex subcontract terms and align procurement strategies with program and organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate contractual risks, costs, and performance issues, develop practical solutions, and proactively address potential concerns.
• Strong relationship-building and collaborative leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively across Business Development, Operations, Finance, Legal, and Supply Chain.
• Ability to mentor and support the professional development of junior subcontract administrators.
• Adaptability and sound judgment when managing competing priorities, tight deadlines, audits, and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex contractual matters clearly and provide concise, actionable updates to leadership and program managers.
• Strong project and program management capabilities, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Working Conditions

• Work Arrangement: Remote
• Physical Requirements: Intermittent sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional bending, reaching, and lifting.

Additional Position Information

• Financial Responsibilities: None
• People Management Responsibilities: None
• Travel Requirements: None
• Employment Type: Full-time, salaried

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary Range: $90,000–$110,000 annually

CBRE Government & Defense Services offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Eligible employees may have access to a range of benefits, including medical coverage, well-being programs, financial planning resources, and short-term incentive opportunities.

Benefits and eligibility may vary based on position and applicable company policies.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations associated with the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties or accountabilities.

Job responsibilities and requirements may change based on business needs, and such changes may not be immediately reflected in this document. The qualifications outlined represent the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily.

This document does not constitute a contract of employment between CBRE Government & Defense Services and any employee, nor does it modify or alter the at-will employment relationship between CBRE Government & Defense Services and its employees.