Contracts Manager

Position Summary

The Contracts Manager role exists in supporting complex aviation operations, government programs, and commercial partnerships in the United States and internationally. The Contracts Manager will possess contract negotiation experience, sound business judgment, and a practical approach to managing contractual risk. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a diverse contract portfolio, work directly with business and operational teams, and solidifies processes. The Contracts Manager will oversee assigned government, commercial, and international agreements, collaborating with stakeholders to move opportunities forward while protecting the company's interests. Beyond managing contracts, the Contracts Manager will play a vital role in strengthening the contracts function by incorporating process improvements, developing practical contracting tools, and streamlining the final product.

Key Responsibilities

• Reviews domestic and international solicitations, proposals, statements of work (SOWs), and contractual requirements to identify risks, inconsistencies, required flow downs provisions, and exceptions

• Manages assigned domestic and international government and commercial contracts throughout the contract lifecycle, from proposal review and negotiation through execution, administration, and closeout

• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a variety of agreements, including customer contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), strategic alliance agreements, nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), consulting agreements, and supplier agreements

• Partners with Proposal, Business Development, Finance, Operations, and other internal stakeholders to develop practical contractual solutions that support business objectives

• Identifies and evaluates contractual risks involving liability, indemnification, payment terms, intellectual property, termination, and performance obligations, escalating material matters to the Director of Contracts

• Reviews international contractual considerations, including governing law, dispute resolution, payment security, and cross-border requirements, coordinating with Trade Compliance on applicable ITAR/EAR, sanctions, and import/export obligations

• Coordinates contract modifications, renewals, and extensions, and track key contractual milestones, deliverables, reporting obligations, and representations and certifications

• Maintains accurate contract records, approvals, and documentation within company repositories and tracking systems, coordinating with the Contracts Coordinator as needed

• Supports the Director of Contracts in developing standard terms and conditions, contract risk assessment practices, negotiation resources, and contracting procedures

• Contributes to the development and maintenance of the Contracts knowledge bank, including contract precedents, negotiated positions, and lessons learned, and recommends improvements to contracting processes and consistency

• Maintains positive, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders

•  Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• BA or BS degree (preferably in business, law, or related field)

• 5+ years of experience in contract administration, including reviewing and negotiating government or commercial contracts

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines

• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the aviation or defense industry

• Working knowledge of export regulations (ITAR/EAR)

• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and U.S. government procurement processes

• Experience with international commercial or defense-related agreements is a plus, particularly within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region

• Familiarity with international payment terms, governing law, and cross-border transactions

• Experience with contract risk assessments, standard terms, or process improvements

Additional Requirements

• Candidates may be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

•  Passport or work authorization requirement to work in the US

Working Conditions

• 8 am – 5 pm; flexible based on business needs

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating office equipment

• Ability to view computer screens for extended periods, with close vision and the ability to adjust focus

• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment and on aircraft

• Ability to lift and move items up to approximately 10–20 pounds (e.g., files, office supplies)

• Effective verbal and written communication abilities

• Ability to maintain focus and perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail

• Regularly works in office environment and around aircraft hangars

• Capable of working effectively in a remote, in office, or hybrid environment

• Infrequent travel as needed (to Bridgewater, VA or external trainings)

Pay Band: $100,000-$175,000. Starting pay is determined by experience, qualifications, and internal equity, and typically falls between the minimum and midpoint of the pay range.