Contracts Manager

Why join the IPS Team? IPS Custom Automation is a leading provider of advanced manufacturing solutions for the defense and energetics industries. We specialize in the design, engineering, and integration of turnkey production lines for energetics materials and munitions. Our solutions serve government agencies, military contractors, and defense OEMs worldwide. Who Our New Team Member Will Be: We are seeking a Contracts Manager to support the company's contracts function in furtherance of both U.S. Department of War (DoW) and commercial programs. This role supports the full contract lifecycle for prime contracts and sub-to-prime agreements, from pre-award strategy through closeout. The Contracts Manager is a subject-matter expert on FAR/DFARS and standard terms and conditions, advises executive and program leadership on contractual risk, and leads negotiations with government contracting officers and defense primes. The role provides input in establishing the function’s policies and procedures, and may support the training of contracts staff and other company personnel. What Our Contracts Manager will do: Essential Job Functions/Duties Lead pre-award, award, administration, and closeout of prime contracts, sub-to-prime agreements, and subcontracts for defense programs Serve as lead negotiator with government Contracting Officers (PCO/ACO) and defense prime contractors, as well as commercial customer counterparts, on terms and conditions, pricing, and modifications Develop contracting strategy for new pursuits, including contract type selection (FFP, FPIF, CPFF, CPIF, CPAF, T&M/LH), IDIQ/task order structures, and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements Draft, review, and negotiate NDAs, teaming agreements, MOUs, basic ordering agreements, licensing agreements, and contract modifications Act as the primary point of contact for contractual matters with customers, government agencies, and primes Performs other job duties as assigned and deemed appropriate by management Travel as required Has the ability to obtain and maintain a USG security clearance Minimum Qualifications Contracts Manager: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Law, Supply Chain, or a related field, with at least 7 years of government contracts experience, with at least 5 of those years in support of DoW programs experience OR High school diploma or equivalent with at least 12 years of progressive contracts administration and management experience in government contracts, with at least 9 of those years in support of DoW programs Technical Skills: Comprehensive, hands‑on knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and commercial terms, including negotiating and administering FAR/DFARS-based contracts as lead negotiator Experience with fixed‑price, cost‑reimbursable, incentive, and T&M contract types, and with IDIQ and task order vehicles Working knowledge of TINA, CAS, FAR Part 31 cost principles, and the DCMA/DCAA audit process Experience with ITAR/EAR export controls and DFARS cybersecurity clauses (NIST SP 800-171, CMMC) Strong negotiation, analytical, and written and verbal communication skills, including briefing leadership and drafting contract correspondence FAR/DFARS & Regulatory Compliance: Subject‑matter expert on FAR, DFARS, other agency supplements, and commercial terms, and interpret clauses for leadership and program teams. Support compliance with the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data statute (TINA), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) where applicable, and FAR Part 31 cost principles. Support compliance with export controls (ITAR/EAR), cybersecurity requirements (DFARS View phone number on click.appcast.io, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC), and supply chain clauses (counterfeit parts, specialty metals, Section 889). Ensure proper flow‑down of prime contract clauses to subcontracts and purchase orders. Support the management of data rights and intellectual property positions (DFARS 252.227 series), including assertions and markings. Proposals & Pricing: Lead the contractual portion of proposals, including RFP/RFQ review, compliance matrices, representations and certifications, and exceptions/assumptions. Partner with pricing and finance on cost/price volumes, basis of estimates, and Certificates of Current Cost or Pricing Data. Lead fact‑finding sessions and negotiations through award. Contract Administration & Risk Management: Administer changes, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), claims, stop‑work orders, terminations, and disputes. Monitor funding, ceilings, period of performance, deliverables (CDRLs), and Government Furnished Property (GFP). Identify contractual risks and recommend mitigation strategies to executive and program leadership. Lead preparation for and responses to DCMA and DCAA audits, purchasing system reviews (CPSR), and customer audits. Team Leadership & Process: Support the establishment and maintenance of contracts policies, procedures, templates, and approval authorities. Maintain contract files and reporting in accordance with government standards and company procedures. Coordinate with finance, supply chain, program management, engineering, and legal on contract performance, invoicing, and change management Cultural Fit: Contracts ownership, sound judgment, and willingness to mentor others Ability to effectively communicate contractual and compliance concepts to multi‑function audiences, both verbally and in written format (i.e., delivering presentations) Proven ability to review work and mentor less experienced personnel Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams High attention to detail Ability to solve problems and identify solutions Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: A desire to continually learn and explore new approaches and technologies Desire for Continuous Improvement: Actively seek opportunities for process improvement, driving change in the organization Preferred Qualifications Master's degree (MBA or MS in Contract Management) or JD NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, or CCCM) or DAU contracting coursework Experience as a contractor to a major defense prime, and with classified contracts (DD Form 254) Experience with OTAs, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts, or Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Experience with ERP systems and contract management software Physical Demands and Work Environment Environment is neutral with low to moderate noise exposure, is semi‑seated position requiring the extended use of a computer and computer equipment The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach, lift with arms and hands (25 lbs or less), climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Our team gains more than just compensation with IPS 401K with company match Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance PTO Life and Accidental Death Insurance Development and Career Growth Opportunities Equal Employment Opportunity IPS and all SONIN, LLC affiliates are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are valued. We are proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We believe that diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to innovation and help us solve real‑world problems. Reasonable Accommodation IPS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the employment application process. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact the Human Resources Team at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr IPS Custom Automation