Manager, Subcontracts

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Manager, Subcontracts based in the United States.

The Manager, Subcontracts will lead and develop a team of subcontract professionals supporting complex defense and aerospace programs. This position oversees the entire subcontract management lifecycle, from sourcing and negotiations through contract administration and closeout. You will play a strategic role in ensuring supplier performance, contractual compliance, cost efficiency, and on-time program delivery. Working closely with program leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, you will manage supplier relationships, mitigate risks, and resolve complex contractual challenges. The role also offers the opportunity to strengthen operational processes, improve team capabilities, and drive functional excellence. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced subcontract management leader seeking to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, mission-critical environment.

\n Accountabilities

• Lead and manage a team of subcontract professionals supporting multiple programs, customers, and business areas.

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, performance management, mentoring, and professional development to team members.

• Oversee the complete subcontract lifecycle, including procurement planning, solicitation, supplier selection, negotiations, contract awards, administration, and closeout.

• Develop and execute subcontract strategies aligned with program objectives, technical requirements, budgets, schedules, and regulatory obligations.

• Partner with program managers, finance, engineering, legal, procurement, and other stakeholders to ensure effective subcontract execution.

• Manage escalated supplier, contractual, commercial, and performance-related issues, ensuring timely resolution and minimal program disruption.

• Monitor supplier performance, subcontract risks, contractual documentation, cost commitments, and compliance requirements.

• Ensure audit readiness and adherence to applicable federal procurement regulations, internal controls, and purchasing policies.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, process standardization, and operational efficiency across subcontract management activities.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, workforce planning, and long-term talent development.

• Lead high-visibility subcontract initiatives and represent the subcontract management function in program reviews, stakeholder meetings, and executive discussions.

• Undertake domestic or other required business travel, potentially up to 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least 9 years of relevant experience, including management experience; or a graduate degree with at least 7 years of relevant management experience; alternatively, 13 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Previous experience in a formal people management role, with demonstrated success leading, coaching, and developing professional teams.

• Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or U.S. Government contracting programs.

• Strong knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) expectations, and subcontract compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated expertise across various subcontract types, including firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and time-and-materials agreements.

• Experience with cost and price analysis, negotiation strategy development, supplier selection, and commercial risk management.

• Proven ability to manage complex, high-value, or business-critical subcontract portfolios.

• Experience supporting audits, internal controls, purchasing system reviews, and regulatory compliance assessments.

• Familiarity with earned value management, program funding profiles, program controls, and supplier performance metrics.

• Working knowledge of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and applicable export compliance requirements.

• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to make sound decisions, manage competing priorities, resolve complex challenges, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary, depending on geographic location:

  • $110,500–$205,000 for California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, Greater Washington D.C., Denver, and New York City areas.

  • $95,500–$177,500 for Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York State, Cleveland (Ohio), Vermont, and Virginia.

• Comprehensive health and disability insurance coverage.

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Education and professional development assistance.

• Paid parental leave.

• Paid time off and company-paid holidays.

• Remote working arrangement within the United States.

• Flexible 9/80 work schedule, allowing employees to work nine days over a two-week period (80 hours total) and enjoy every other Friday off.

• Opportunities to lead strategic initiatives, develop high-performing teams, and contribute to important defense and aerospace programs.

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How Jobgether works:

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.

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