New

Contracts Specialist - U.S. Public Sector

McKinsey & Company
parental leave, paid time off
United States, D.C., Washington
Jun 04, 2026
Legal Contracts Specialist - U.S. Public Sector Job ID: 109144 Washington DC Apply Now Apply Later Do you want to do work that matters, alongside supportive leaders who will help you grow faster than you ever thought possible? Are you a creative problem-solver who is energized by challenges? You've come to the right place. YOUR IMPACT You will work on a range of U.S. public sector proposal partnering and subcontract-related activities, primarily focused on federal and state and local government subcontracts including the pre-award/proposal phase, subcontract negotiation, and subcontract execution. You will support a broad range of subcontracting matters, including overseeing all phases of the subcontract lifecycle, including both pre- and post-award activities. You will develop subcontracting expertise and serve as the primary point of contact to support internal Client Service Teams (CSTs), practice leadership, and external teaming partners on all aspects of subcontract lifecycle management. You will provide business advice on all subcontracting matters to CSTs and other colleagues with guidance from senior colleagues. As applicable, you will review requests for proposal, and all other government solicitations, including amendments, for subcontracting requirements and coordinating inputs from subcontractors. You will lead subcontract and modification negotiations, and negotiate non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements with third parties. You will support the development of systems and processes for subcontract management and advise on federal, agency-specific and state and local subcontracting requirements. You will develop key relationships with contracting personnel of important teaming partners collaborating with firm colleagues to proactively identify and implement continuous service improvements related to subcontract administration. You will support other contracts, legal, and operations colleagues in resolving subcontract-related questions, issues, and challenges; providing ad-hoc support for prime contract and commercial prime agreement negotiations. Your work will directly support the firm's mission to help clients achieve their goals while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and internal practices. You will join our Washington D.C. office and North America public sector practice (USG) to provide proactive full lifecycle subcontract management across a diverse and dynamic portfolio. USG provides management consulting services to governments at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as other public sector entities. Co-location with the Washington D.C.-based CSTs, stakeholders, and legal and contracts professionals is required. YOUR GROWTH You are someone who thrives in a high-performance environment, bringing a growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit to tackle meaningful challenges that have a real impact. In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we'll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help you quickly broaden your expertise, grow into a well-rounded professional, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference. When you join us, you will have: Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast-paced learning experience, owning your journey. A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You'll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes. Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm's diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Exceptional benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well-being for you and your family. YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS US citizenship required Bachelor's degree 3+ years of relevant professional experience in drafting, negotiating, and administering US public sector subcontracts, preferably at a professional services firm Experience working with a range of subcontracts types, preferably across both federal and state and local contracting environments Understanding of the FAR and DFARS, other Federal agency, and State and Local regulations Ability to handle complex situations with moderate supervision from senior colleagues, and awareness of when to engage other colleagues Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills; accustomed to and comfortable with a fast-paced environment Strong influencing capabilities, including willingness to push back and deliver tough messages to senior audiences, and demonstrated track record of leadership in high-performing teams Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word Please review the additional requirements regarding essential job functions of McKinsey colleagues. Our unwavering commitment to integrity drives everything we do, guiding us to always act in the best interests of our clients, our people, and the communities we serve. Industries Capabilities Apply Now Apply Later FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Certain US jurisdictions require McKinsey & Company to include a reasonable estimate of the salary for this role. For new joiners for this role in the United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, a reasonable estimated range is $130,100 - $162,600 USD -to help you understand what you can expect. This reflects our best estimate of the lowest to highest [salary/hourly wages] for this role at the time of this posting, ensuring you have a clear picture right from the start, though it's important to remember that actual salaries may vary. Factors like your office location, your unique blend of experience and skills, start date and our current organizational needs all play a part in determining the final figure. Certain roles are also eligible for bonuses, subject to McKinsey's discretion and based on factors such as individual and/or organizational performance. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave and family planning benefits, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off. FOR NON-U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites. Share This Job