Robert Hilton
Verified Expert in Management Consulting
Management Consulting Expert
Cheltenham Township, PA, United States
Toptal member since April 22, 2025
With over 20 years of experience in procurement, contracting, and project management, Robert has led critical infrastructure projects, including those at the White House and the Pentagon, during his tenure as a contracting officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His in-depth knowledge of Acquisition Regulations and commercial contracting principles has enabled him to award numerous contracting actions. Robert has effectively managed multimillion-dollar budgets throughout his career.
Career Highlights
Certification Highlights
Case Studies
Budget Analysis
DOD C4ISR Feasibility Study
Classified Military Operations
Expertise
- Acquisition Accounting
- Acquisition Analysis
- Feasibility
- Federal Contracting
- Government Contracting
- Military Operations
- Risk Management
- Strategic Planning
Work Experience
Executive Vice President of Procurement
Rubix Life Science
- Oversaw the procurement office as procurement architect. Managed bidding and planning processes, coordinated administrative actions, and cultivated business opportunities for civilian and government contracts as a subject matter expert.
- Partnered with the CEO to define strategic direction for new business initiatives. Oversaw hiring, budgeting, and management of a team of approximately nine personnel.
- Secured $5 million in contracts within seven months by streamlining procurement processes and developing efficient, reusable procurement templates.
- Served as a subject matter expert in lobbying, securing contracts with multiple Fortune 500 companies through cold calling and virtual Zoom meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanded global reach with contracts in Africa and Europe.
Regional Contracting Officer (Chief)
US Department of Defense
- Led all Pentagon infrastructure projects and White House Military Office and security initiatives.
- Completed high-quality projects within scope through proactive planning and effective communication, consistently balancing accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility.
- Managed a $600 million global power contract for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and a $700 million power generation contract for Afghanistan and Iraq. Recognized for expert management of contract actions on high-value EPA Superfund sites.
- Collaborated with clients, business partners, vendors, contractors, and developers, acting as a liaison between departments and organizations to resolve issues swiftly, drive change, and ensure high-quality deliverables.
- Gained valuable White House and Congressional experience, which equipped me to support any company with effective lobbying efforts.
Operations Chief
Army
- Served as a C-suite executive and US Army officer, gaining over 20 years of experience in operations management and leadership.
- Demonstrated the ability to combine technical, computational, commercial, and business acumen to lead complex initiatives—troubleshooting problems, innovating solutions, inspiring teams, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Performed multiple commands, research and development, project management, and supervisory duties. Oversaw daily operations for three Army companies and prepared monthly operational reports and statistics for senior military and government officials.
- Liaised with representatives from multiple countries and the acquisition officer to coordinate inbound countries' weapons, uniforms, vehicles, pay, and transportation.
- Served as a team leader and logistical and acquisition officer for all Coalition Army forces from 2003 to 2007, supporting incoming countries with training setup, equipment procurement, and movement coordination between Kuwait and Iraq.
- Communicated with each country's ambassador to provide operational updates and coordinated funding with the State Department and the Pentagon.
Education
Instructional Program in Military Leadership
US Army Command and General Staff College - Fort Leavenworth, KY, USA
Instructional Program in Military National Resource Strategy and Policy
Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy - Fort Leavenworth, KY, USA
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (BBA)
Delaware State University - Dover, DE, USA
Certifications
Federal Acquisition Certified Level III
Department of Defense School of Acquisition
Skills
Finance
Budget Controls, Acquisition Accounting, Cost Reduction & Optimization (Cost-down), Feasibility
Output Software
Excel 2016
Other
Military Security, Federal Contracting, Government Contracting, Military, Budget Modeling, Acquisition Analysis, Procurement, Management, RFP Management, RFP Negotiation, Strategic Sourcing, Strategic Planning, Supplier Development, Leadership, Risk Management, Team Development, Restructuring, Military Operations, Development, Contract Negotiation, Windows, Business Management, PDF to Word, PDF, PD2, Congressional Testimony, Strategic Workforce Planning, Integration, Stakeholder Engagement, Negotiation, Acquisitions, Global Sourcing
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