Meet Kathy...
“Always give your 110% in everything you do! You never know what opportunities may present themselves, so you always want to leave a great lasting impression.”
Tell us about what you do for Day & Zimmermann!
My role is a Contracts Administrator for Day & Zimmermann’s MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) Services part of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) within Government Services. I’m responsible for administering and managing our contracts as well as any of our subcontractors. Additionally, I’m involved in the bids and proposals process, by reviewing and preparing portions of our proposal responses.
If you had to explain your position as Contracts Administrator for MRO to a child, how would you describe your daily routine?
My job is to protect the company by making sure we have the written agreement documents needed in place and making sure they are correct. It is important that we follow what is in the agreement, which includes following any Federal laws and regulations. If there are any problems or questions about the agreement, people can come to me for help.
How did you get into this industry?
I received a job within this industry shortly after starting college. I started out as a clerk and worked my way through different areas before Contracts in 2007. My whole career ended up being within this industry!
What do you love most about your job?
I love that each day is unique and never the same. Different projects will come up quickly and priorities will get shifted around. It’s what makes the job challenging and keeps it interesting.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Time management can be challenging at times. Timeliness is essential. Time has to be managed appropriately to ensure all deadlines are met, along with the needs of the company and our customers through day to day contractual activities.
Any advice for someone pursing a similar career path?
Be prepared to review the details! For example, a slight addition or omission of a word or number can have a huge impact. It’s important to review things carefully.
Also, there is not always a clear answer. Sometimes things fall within a gray area that may require research, interpretation and judgment. Regulations are always changing. Therefore continuing education and utilizing available resources to stay current is helpful.