Advance Your Career: Contracting Manager at NSWC Panama City
Are you a seasoned contracting professional looking to make a significant impact on national security? The Department of the Navy is currently accepting applications for a Manager position within the Contracts Department of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Panama City, Florida. This is a premier opportunity for a high-level leader to oversee complex procurement strategies that keep our military at the cutting edge.
Key Responsibilities
As the Code 023 Division Director, you will hold an unlimited contracting officer warrant. Your daily responsibilities include:
- Managing the full cradle-to-grave contracting lifecycle.
- Leading the planning, solicitation, and negotiation of complex multi-million dollar procurements.
- Acting as the principal contracting advisor to Senior Executive Service (SES) directors and military flag officers.
- Supervising, training, and mentoring a team of contracting professionals.
- Interpreting complex regulatory frameworks including both FAR and non-FAR policies.
Comparison: Standard GS vs. NT Pay Band
| Feature | Standard GS System | NT Pay Band (Demonstration Project) |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Progression | Step Increases | Contribution-Based |
| Banding | Narrow | Broad (GS-14/15 equivalency) |
| Flexibility | Structured | High |
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following baseline criteria to be considered:
- Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the NT-05 (GS-13/14) level.
- Certifications: Must meet DoD qualification standards for 1102 series roles.
- Security: Must be able to maintain a Secret security clearance.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $125,776 to $192,331 per year. In addition to base pay, employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including:
- Robust health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- Professional development opportunities and career advancement pathways.
How to Apply
Applying for federal positions requires precision. Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly outlines your job titles, hours worked per week, and specific accomplishments. Utilize the USAJOBS Resume Builder to minimize errors. Submit all required transcripts and SF-50 documents by the closing date of November 2, 2026.
Leading a contracting division at the Naval Surface Warfare Center is more than a job—it is a responsibility to our service members and the nation. If you possess the leadership skills and contracting expertise to drive excellence, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Manager Job Matters
Take command of mission-critical defense contracts as a senior leader at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division.
Manager Job Overview
The Naval Sea Systems Command is seeking a highly skilled Contracting professional to serve as a Manager (Division Director) at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Panama City, Florida. This senior leadership role, operating within the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project (NT-06 band, equivalent to GS-14/15), places you at the center of complex acquisition processes. You will exercise unlimited contracting authority, guide multidisciplinary teams through the full procurement lifecycle, and serve as a primary advisor to senior leadership on multi-million dollar defense initiatives.
Requirements for Manager
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must meet DoD qualification standards for GS-1102 contracting positions.
- Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the NT-05/GS-13/14 level.
- Must possess an unlimited Contracting Officer warrant.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Completion of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) upon appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Manager
- Extensive background in FAR and non-FAR based contracting.
- Proven experience in resolving high-stakes disputes for flag officers and SES directors.
- Strong leadership capabilities in managing multidisciplinary teams through the full cradle-to-grave contracting lifecycle.
- Demonstrated expertise in cost-plus, firm-fixed-price, and sole-source procurement methods.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Relocation incentives may be authorized for eligible candidates
💡 How to Apply Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Manager Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a concise resume (limited to 2 pages) detailing your relevant experience, duties, and accomplishments.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts and applicable SF-50 forms.
- Click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to complete the questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the deadline of November 2, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information like pay plan, series, and grade is captured.
- Keep your resume strictly to the 2-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Ensure your resume clearly reflects your experience with the full contracting lifecycle.
- Redact sensitive personal information like SSNs from supporting documents before submission.
- Review your application status frequently via the USAJOBS portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay band for this position?
This position is part of the Warfare Centers Personnel Demonstration Project at the NT-06 band, which is equivalent to the GS-14/15 grade levels.
Is relocation assistance available?
Relocation incentives may be authorized for eligible candidates depending on funding and organizational policy.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, the announcement explicitly restricts resumes to no more than two pages.
Job from Naval Sea Systems Command
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division is an integral part of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The organization prides itself on linking civilian talent with military missions. As a civilian employee, you will be part of a workforce that values innovation, professional growth, and mission success in a supportive, mission-driven environment.