Manager Contracts

Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.

Business Unit: EOIS
Location: Melbourne
Career Functional Area: Compliance
Telework Type: None
Relocation Available: None
Schedule: 9/80
Shift: 1st

Job Summary

Join Leonardo DRS EOIS as a Manager, Contracts and lead the full lifecycle of complex government contracts supporting advanced electro-optical and infrared solutions for U.S. soldiers, ground vehicles, and airborne platforms. In this hands‑on leadership role, you will guide contract strategy, proposal development, negotiations, administration, compliance, and closeout while partnering closely with program, operations, finance, and senior leadership teams. This is an opportunity for an experienced contracts professional with strong FAR/DFARS expertise to protect company interests, mentor team members, and make a direct impact on mission‑critical defense programs.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct the preparation, administration, and management of government contracts
• Responsible for the negotiation and administration of agreements between the company/customers/subcontractors/vendors ensuring adherence to Company policies and procedures
• Manage, administer, and monitor contract performance and delivery schedules
• Oversee proposal preparation and contract negotiation
• Responsible for reviewing contract solicitation terms, handling contract award confirmations, interpreting agreement terms and conditions and identifying potential issues, reviewing agreement amendments / modifications and incorporating changes
• Review contractual documents to ensure adherence to company policy, government specifications and requirements and provide contractual advice, guidance and support to the contracts lead /program and operations management
• Mentor and provide guidance and direction to (and may manage) less‑experienced contract administrators
• Assist in the development of bid strategy and proposal preparation and review
• Manage the performance requirements and delivery schedules of multiple or complex contracts
• Assist in developing bid strategy and manage contract function for program bid proposals/bid protests
• Track contract performance and manage contract changes, modifications and REAs
• Review proposals and contract actions prior to signature or negotiation to ensure appropriate factors have been considered and all necessary information on contract risk mitigation has been gathered
• Draft/review NDAs, MOUs, MOAs, teaming, consultant and other agreements
• Ensure protection of Company interests and intellectual property during negotiations and fully document negotiation outcomes
• Develop list of prime contract flow-down clauses for inclusion in subcontract requests for quote/proposal
• May evaluate subcontractor proposals for completeness and adherence to compliance with Prime contract flow down requirements
• Provide guidance on contract policies, procedures and other business and contractual or compliance matters affecting the Company and liaise with Group and Corporate staff as required
• Along with senior management team, develop and maintain effective business relationships with government, commercial, foreign and domestic customers
• Administer the contract by executing all change notices and preparing all correspondence to obtain extensions to the period of performance, provide additional funding requirements, and notify of change of key personnel and cost increases
• May provide administrative modifications to subcontractors, as required
• Coordinate contract closeouts and handle audits
• Provide adequate supervision and guidance to assigned staff and ensure they perform their duties properly and in a timely manner
• Support, communicate, reinforce and defend DRS’s mission, values and culture
• Develop specialized knowledge and skills related to formulation and performance of R&D contracts (e.g. CRADAs), grants, cooperative and cost sharing agreements
• May manage the Business Unit portfolio of international agreements (consultants, sales representatives, resellers, etc.)
• Liaise with all departments to capture and facilitate the contract lifecycle from need identification, through drafting, negotiation, execution, performance, to completion and closeout

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field with seven or more years of progressive experience in government contracts
• Proven negotiating skills and the ability to exercise sound business judgment and discretion is critical
• Comprehensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and government procurement/contracting cycle spanning all major contract types (FFP, FPI, CPAF, CPFF, CPIF, T&M, BOA, IDIQ)
• Experience in the management of government contracts
• Detailed knowledge of government intellectual property (IP)/ software and data rights clauses and IP marking guidelines
• Detailed knowledge of source selection / evaluation process including cost and price analysis
• Knowledge of requirements for and experienced in administration of government property
• Detailed knowledge of government contract administration duties including subcontract flow downs, change management, inspection, acceptance, payment, warranty, close‑out and records retention
• Detailed knowledge and thorough understanding of proper drafting, negotiation and use of contracts, subcontracts, POs teaming and other forms of agreements
• Familiarity with general business operations and management functions and principles (business development, finance/accounting, operations, information technology)
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively at all levels of the organization
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• Prefer membership in the National Contract Management Association and CPCM designation highly desirable
• General computer proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires the ability to obtain an active DOD security clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

• Integrity
• Agility
• Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Community & Respect
• Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.