Job Description

ARS is seeking an experienced Pricing Manager to lead pricing strategy, proposal pricing, and cost/price analysis for our government and defense contracts business. This role is responsible for developing compliant, competitive, and profitable pricing on proposals submitted to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies, while also shaping broader corporate pricing strategy, policy, and procedures. The ideal candidate combines strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to navigate FAR/DFARS pricing regulations, contract types, and government procurement processes. Experience in the DoD/government contracting industry is strongly preferred but not required. Candidates with strong commercial pricing backgrounds and a willingness to learn government contracting regulations are encouraged to apply.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and implement pricing strategies, policies, procedures, and processes aligned with corporate business plans.
• Partner with Business Development, Contracts, Program Management, and Finance to develop cost volumes and pricing models for competitive proposals, task orders, and contract modifications in response to DoD/federal solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs).
• Determine optimal pricing by evaluating internal and external costs, competitive landscape, and regulatory/contractual constraints.
• Build and maintain pricing models supporting various contract types, including Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Plus (CPFF/CPIF/CPAF), Time & Materials (T&M), and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicles.
• Develop and maintain Basis of Estimates (BOEs), labor rate build-ups, and indirect rate application (fringe, overhead, G&A) analyses.
• Ensure pricing proposals comply with FAR, DFARS, CAS (Cost Accounting Standards), and Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA)/Certified Cost or Pricing Data requirements, as applicable.
• Prepare and deliver pricing analysis, risk assessments, and pricing recommendations to Operating Group and CEO-level leadership as part Gate review processes.
• Serve as the pricing subject matter expert in Gate reviews, responding to ad-hoc analysis requests and executive-level questions on pricing strategy, competitiveness, margin, and risk with limited turnaround time.
• Communicate and negotiate pricing, cost, and rate information with teaming partners on bids where the company serves as either prime contractor or subcontractor, ensuring consistency, competitiveness, and compliance across the proposal team.
• Coordinate exchange of pricing data, rate structures, and cost volume inputs with teammate companies, supporting non-disclosure and teaming agreement requirements throughout the bid lifecycle.
• Coordinate with Contracts and Program Management to respond to government pricing questions.
• Manage, mentor, and train Pricing Analysts.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Must be a US citizen
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 8 years of experience in pricing, financial analysis, or cost estimating, with demonstrated leadership or team management experience.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and Excel skills; experience building complex pricing models.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present pricing strategy to executive leadership and support customer-facing negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and present analysis to senior/executive leadership (including Operating Group and C-suite audiences).
• Demonstrated project management and cross-functional leadership capabilities.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting DoD or federal government proposals, including familiarity with FAR/DFARS, CAS, and Certified Cost or Pricing Data requirements.
• Experience with government contract types (FFP, Cost-Plus, T&M, IDIQ).
• Active CAC (Common Access Card) for submittal of pricing packages through government systems.
• Experience negotiating pricing and cost data with teaming partners as either prime or subcontractor, including familiarity with teaming agreements and NDAs.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.