Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Responsible for the identification, solicitation, selection, award, drafting and management of subcontracts.  Develop requirements received in the form of purchase requisitions and project documents into solicitation documents to obtain pricing information, cost, technical and management proposals to establish lowest responsive and responsible bidders or select best value proposers.  Utilize all available information to formulate negotiation strategies and conduct negotiations on delivery, price, technical requirements and subcontract terms.  Manage the cost, schedule and quality of the requirements under the subcontract to ensure compliance with Laboratory requirements and resolve discrepancies.  Manage subcontracts to ensure timely completion of requirements and the closeout of subcontracts, negotiating subcontract modifications as needed. Positions classified in this discipline are required to be in the Acquisitions Division within the Business Operations Directorate.

This is an excellent opportunity to be a Subcontracts Manager in the Communications & Instruments Group of the JPL Acquisition Division which functions as an integral part of all JPL/NASA Missions. This is an Entry Level position for a non-supervisory role. This individual contributor is responsible for managing a portfolio of subcontracts. As a Subcontracts Manager you will execute and manage fixed price, labor hour and cost type subcontracts for commercial items and services, flight hardware, computer hardware & software, fabrication services, technology demonstrations, laboratory and project support and services, instrument and software design and development for potential spaceflight and spacecraft communication applications. 

This individual serves as the primary interface with JPL technical and business partners as well as suppliers in support of project procurement requirements. This individual must use critical thinking skills to develop solutions to unique subcontract issues and autonomously oversee the total supply chain management process, from identification of customer requirements through closeout of the subcontract.

As a Level 1 Subcontracts Manager, you will:

• Be responsible for the identification, solicitation, selection, award, drafting and management of subcontracts.
• Develop requirements received in the form of purchase requisitions and project documents into solicitation documents to obtain pricing and cost information, and technical and management proposals to establish the lowest responsive and responsible bidders or select the best value proposers.
• Utilize all available information to formulate negotiation strategies and conduct negotiations on delivery, price, technical requirements and subcontract terms.
• Manage the cost, schedule and quality of the requirements for assigned subcontracts to ensure compliance with Laboratory requirements and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage subcontracts to ensure timely completion of requirements and the closeout of subcontracts, negotiating and executing subcontract modifications as needed.
• Provide excellent customer service by navigating JPL technical and business partners through the total supply chain process.

Required:

• Typically requires a Bachelors degree in Business Administration or a related discipline with a minimum of 1 year of experience or a Masters degree with 0 years of experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize appropriately
• Ability to think clearly and effectively under pressure
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills

Preferred:

• Work experience utilizing business skills and customer service
• Some knowledge in the procurement process or total supply chain management process
• General understanding and application of standard principles, theories, concepts and techniques in procurement
• Experience with Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system or other ERP systems
• Professional Designation in Government Contracts or Purchasing Management and/or membership to related professional affiliations

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.