Contracts Manager (Government & Commercial)
A growing aerospace and defense organization is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of contracts across a diverse portfolio of partners. This individual will be responsible for drafting, negotiating, and managing a wide range of agreements while helping to implement streamlined contract management processes and tools.
As a subject matter expert in Contracts Administration within the aerospace and defense industry, you will develop and refine bid, capture, and negotiation processes, ensuring efficient contract performance throughout the lifecycle, including amendments and interpretations. This role requires strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to risk management. You will partner closely with business development, engineering, product, and leadership teams, navigating complex government and international contracting regulations in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
What You'll Do-
Manage and support contracts across various types including Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Time & Materials (T&M), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs), and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) across government, public sector, and commercial programs
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Support proposal development, contract negotiation, compliance, task order management, modifications, and contract close-out activities
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Draft, review, and negotiate agreements including NDAs, teaming agreements, software and technology agreements, reseller agreements, subcontracts, vendor agreements, and strategic partnerships
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Support preparation and submission of RFIs and RFPs in coordination with business development and capture teams
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Oversee the full contract lifecycle from proposal through close-out
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Support public sector contracting activities across procurement vehicles and compliance frameworks (FAR, DFARS, FedRAMP, GSA structures, etc.)
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Ensure compliance with applicable contracting regulations including FAR, DFARS, CAS, EAR, ITAR, and federal procurement requirements
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Analyze contractual obligations, risk, IP considerations, and performance requirements for internal stakeholders
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Generate compliance matrices, support risk assessments, and assist with audits and reviews
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Partner with cross-functional teams including BD, engineering, finance, supply chain, and operations
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Ensure proper flow-down of contract terms and compliance requirements
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Oversee subcontractor, vendor, and partner agreements to align with prime contracts
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Maintain accurate contract records including amendments, deliverables, and compliance documentation
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Track contract performance, milestones, and reporting requirements
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Provide contract briefings, risk summaries, and strategic guidance to leadership
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Support development of internal policies, templates, and contract lifecycle processes
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Assist with compliance documentation including SAM registrations, CPARS support, and related requirements
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Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships
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Manage multiple contracts and deadlines in a dynamic environment
Required Qualifications-
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Supply Chain, or related field
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U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
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Minimum 7 years of experience in contract management or related field
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Minimum 4 years of experience in government contracting
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Experience managing full lifecycle contracts including CPFF, FFP, OTA, and T&M
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Experience with complex, multi-year contracts in government and international environments
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Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and federal procurement standards
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Experience negotiating terms and managing contract execution and compliance
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Understanding of contract structures, flow-downs, and performance requirements
Preferred Qualifications-
Graduate degree in Business, Law, or Public Administration
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NCMA certifications (CPCM, CFCM, or CCMA)
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Experience with contract management or CRM systems
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Experience implementing Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools
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Familiarity with international contracting and export controls
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Active DoD clearance (Secret or higher) preferred
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
For residents of Ontario, Canada: Based on Highspring’s discussions with its Client, Highspring’s understanding is that this position for employment is a current vacancy (either through Highspring as a contractor or with the client directly).
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring’s use of AI can be found here (https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client’s use of AI products in hiring.
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.
