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We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. For more information, visit Ball Aerospace Career Site or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The Operations Strategic Support Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution – from technologies and investments to supply chain, manufacturing and test operations, facilities management, and information technology services.

SCM Lead - Small Business Liaison Officer

The Small Business Liaison Officer is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the day-to-day operation of the Ball Aerospace Small Business Program. The SBLO will work closely with Program Managers, Purchasing Agents/Commodity Managers, Contracts/Subcontracts Administrators and Senior Management to develop and enhance the Small Business Program. The individual will lead outreach to small businesses and liaison between programs and potential small business suppliers and subcontractors, and ensure compliance with Small Business Master Subcontracting Plan.

Scope of duties includes promoting the utilization of small business concerns for the attainment of Ball Aerospace prime contract goals and ensuring compliance with small business subcontracting regulations.

What You’ll Do:

• Report to the Supply Chain Compliance Manager.
• Interact with all levels of staff, management, and government personnel.
• Coordinate and facilitate Small Business Program Reviews conducted by DCMA and the SBA, as well as any other audits of the program.
• Establish and implement the Master Subcontracting Plan and monitor its overall performance.
• Develop and monitor Individual Small Business Subcontracting Plans.
• Prepare and submit timely semi-annual small business reports to the Government and Ball Aerospace customers.
• Review and approve small business plans and semi-annual small business reports from Lower-Tier Subcontractors.
• Review and report the effectiveness of small business utilization across the corporation to Ball Aerospace upper management; alert them of issues that would preclude the program’s effectiveness.
• Issue and review Ball Aerospace policies and procedures to ensure that they comply with the appropriate statutes and regulations and that regulatory reporting requirements are met.
• Ensure compliance to the Ball Aerospace Master Subcontracting Plan.
• Conduct in-house training to acquaint responsible personnel with the Small Business Program policies and procedures.
• Participate in outreach efforts by attending small business conferences, panel discussion and cultivating good working relationships with local groups that support small businesses.
• Work with proposal/project teams in creating individual Small Business Subcontracting Plans to assure maximum practicable opportunities for Small Business Concerns to participate in contract performance and to establish attainable goals.
• Modify Small Business Subcontracting Plans when applicable.
• Assist Ball Aerospace programs in meeting Small Business Subcontracting goals.
• Work with Integrated Supply Chain personnel to maintain the vendor master database and verify the accuracy of Small Business concerns NAICS codes and business size standards and classifications.
• Review all Small Business Program Checklists on procurements expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold specified in FAR 19-708(a) to ensure adequate documentation of orders placed with Small Business Concerns and “if not” placed with Small Business Concerns, then “why-not” documentation is required.
• Review communications from potential Small Business concerns and make them available to appropriate Ball Aerospace Supply Chain Personnel.
• Directly or indirectly counsel small business concerns on subcontracting opportunities and how to prepare responsive bids when applicable.
• Possess experience and understanding of Small Business Administration (SBA) requirements and Mentor-Protégé programs. Be able to administer Mentor-Protégé Agreements.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Support Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

What You’ll Do:

• BS/BA in a related field plus 6 or more years related experience.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Degree in Business, Finance, or related degree preferred.
• Must possess knowledge in Government subcontracting, Small Business Subcontracting Plans, FAR and FAR supplements, SBA Requirements, and SB Program audits conducted by DCMA and/or SBA.
• Must possess effective leadership, teamwork, organizational and presentation skills.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be proficient with MS Office, specifically excellent Excel/Word skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills both oral and written.
• Ability to establish and nurture beneficial relationships internally and externally.
• Previous SBLO experience for a federal government contractor preferred.
• Applied leadership experience preferably in a government services company preferred.
• Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations preferred.
• Strong marketing and communication skills preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor. 
• Travel and local commute between Ball campuses and other possible non-Ball locations may be required.

Relocation for this position is not available.

Compensation & Benefits:

• HIRING SALARY RANGE: $78,500 - $106,500 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
• This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, copy and paste https://bit.ly/3pNSnxv into your browser or visit our careers site.

US CITIZENSHIP MAY BE REQUIRED 

Ball Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.