Senior Manager - Defense

Overview Our client is a global, privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment with an 80-year legacy of innovation. Operating across more than 20 facilities on four continents — including the United States, United Kingdom, India, and Brazil — the company produces a broad portfolio of over 300 product lines, ranging from telescopic handlers and backhoe loaders to excavators, wheel loaders, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors. As a family-owned enterprise, our client answers directly to its customers rather than external shareholders. This independence enables the company to focus on developing cutting-edge technologies and building equipment engineered to perform in the toughest real-world conditions. The organization is deeply committed to its people, its products, and the industries it serves. Role Reporting to the Vice President of Government & Defense, the Senior Manager – Defense will serve as a key leader within the defense contracting function. This individual will oversee the full contract lifecycle for complex government programs, drive compliance activities, and act as the primary liaison with federal agencies — ensuring all contract management activities adhere to company policies, applicable laws and regulations, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). Key Responsibilities Contract Lifecycle Management: Manage cradle-to-grave contract activities for DoD and federal contracts, including RFP analysis, proposal support, negotiation, award, execution, modifications, and closeout. Review and interpret complex contractual requirements, FAR/DFARS clauses, Statements of Work, and terms and conditions to ensure compliance and risk mitigation. Prepare, review, and issue subcontract agreements, NDAs, and teaming agreements in alignment with prime contract requirements. Support and train Contract Specialists and Subcontract Specialists on FAR/DFARS, small business, and subcontract flow-down requirements. Serve as Cost Volume lead for complex RFPs, composing cost volume narratives and participating in proposal planning, strategy sessions, and color team reviews. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure organizational adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies including FAR, DFARS, CAS, ITAR, and DoD-specific requirements. Develop and implement corrective action plans submitted to the Government; identify contract risks and create mitigation strategies. Support DCAA and DCMA audits, Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSRs), and internal compliance activities. Design and enforce company compliance policies and procedures for federal contract obligations. Conduct regular internal audits and reviews to identify compliance risks and ensure adherence to federal standards. Maintain the organization's registrations in SAM, the Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement (DD Form 2345). Financial & Administrative Oversight Collaborate with finance, program management, and pricing teams on cost proposals, forward pricing rates, incurred cost submissions, and cost impact analyses. Review and validate cost volumes, pricing data, and cost narratives for accuracy and compliance. Monitor contract funding status, deliverables, and invoicing to ensure alignment with contract requirements. Champion routine Government contractual reporting, including Contractor Manpower Reporting, Small Business Subcontracting performance, Government Property status reports, and Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS) submissions. Stakeholder Communication & Partnership Serve as the primary point of contact for contracting officers, Government representatives, and internal stakeholders. Provide clear interpretation of contractual obligations to cross-functional teams including program management, engineering, and operations. Provide FAR and CAS guidance and training to employees across the organization. Support strategic business development efforts through contractual guidance and proposal input. Training & Education Design and deliver ongoing compliance training programs for employees, officers, and consultants. Serve as the primary regulatory liaison with federal agencies (DCMA/DCAA), ensuring timely responses to inquiries and audits. Minimum Qualifications U.S. Citizenship required. Bachelor\'s degree in a relevant discipline, plus 4–6 years of experience in government contract administration, procurement, or government cost accounting. An additional four years of relevant experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. Must successfully complete applicable drug screens, background checks, and pre-employment assessments. Preferred Qualifications Strong working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA). Experience in a federal contracting and cost accounting environment across contract types including CR, ID/IQ, T&M, CPFF, CPAF, and FFP. Familiarity with SAP and Microsoft Outlook. Experience with Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF). DAWIA accreditation in contracting, program management, logistics, and/or CPMC. Knowledge, Skills & Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail. Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Collaborative mindset with the ability to resolve issues across multiple business functions. Self-motivated and capable of working both independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to understand systems and non-system processes, troubleshoot issues, and recommend effective solutions. Base Salary: 175k - 200k + Bonus Comprehensive benefits package 401k PTO Equal Employment Opportunity Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations. Additional Information Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location. #J-18808-Ljbffr