Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Cathleen Highsmith

North Bend,WA

Summary

Strong leader and analytical problem-solver with a demonstrated history of leading high performing teams supporting a variety of contract types, both domestic and international. Skilled in all facets of the contract lifecycle with a passion for process improvement and team development. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Contracts Director 1

Northrop Grumman
09.2022 - Current
  • Responsible for leading a team of 19 contract administrators and 4 managers for the Global Mission Readiness & Operations Business Unit, Supporting a geographically diverse portfolio of Prime domestic and international contracts and Internal Work Orders valued over $1B in the Long Range Strategic Plan
  • Cultivates and strengthens lasting customer and stakeholder relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Develops high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.

Contracts Manager 2

Northrop Grumman
04.2019 - 09.2022
  • Responsible for leading a team of 9 contract administrators and 1 manager for the Autonomous Systems OU
  • Led the proposal and successfully negotiated the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance In Service Support Direct Commercial Sale program, valued at $750M over 5 years
  • Successfully negotiated the Republic of Korea Global Hawk Contractor Logistics Support Direct Commercial Sale program.

Contracts Administrator

Northrop Grumman
01.2008 - 04.2019
  • Performed full range of lifecycle contract administration: RFP/RFQ analysis, proposal preparation, aid to pricing, negotiations, contract set up and administration, unbilled analysis, and contract closeouts
  • Experience with multiple contract types (FFP, CPFF, CPAF, CPIF, etc)

Pricing Analyst 2

Northrop Grumman
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • Effectively worked with proposal teams to complete proposals according to company and Government policies and procedures
  • Supported certification sweeps and certification process implementation
  • Reviews task description & Basis of Estimate for compliance and adherence to the program plan (analogous, parametric, CERs and engineering estimates)

Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman
01.2005 - 01.2006
  • Provided technical and programmatic support to Guidance Integrated Product Team supporting ICBM prime contract
  • Responsible for providing parts, logistic and configuration management support for Minuteman III weapon system sustainment program
  • Extensive experience working with appropriate parts databases, drawings, specifications and/or item identification documents
  • Supported technical evaluations, testing, and guidance system repair activities

Education

MBA -

Weber State University
Ogden, UT
05.2013

B.S. Business Administration -

University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
05.1983

Skills

  • Contract Administration, Management & Analysis
  • DoD Contracting
  • International Contracting (Europe & Asia)
  • Team Development & Engagement

Timeline

Contracts Director 1

Northrop Grumman
09.2022 - Current

Contracts Manager 2

Northrop Grumman
04.2019 - 09.2022

Contracts Administrator

Northrop Grumman
01.2008 - 04.2019

Pricing Analyst 2

Northrop Grumman
01.2006 - 01.2008

Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman
01.2005 - 01.2006

MBA -

Weber State University

B.S. Business Administration -

University of Arizona

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Cathleen Highsmith