Sr. Contracts Director - Huntsville, Alabama

Job Description

Job Description

Davidson is distinguished in the aerospace and missile defense industry, in part, because of its excellence in hiring exceptional experts, engineers and software developers dedicated to delivering advanced, intelligent technology solutions in defense of our nation.

Davidson is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Sr. Contracts Director to lead our contract operations team based in Huntsville, AL. This individual will be a strategic leader responsible for ensuring successful navigation of the complex landscape of federal government contracting. The Sr. Director will play a critical role in protecting Davidson's interests, maximizing revenue opportunities, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, and driving consistent execution across all contractual actions.

Job Requirements:

Key Responsibilities - Leading Contract Excellence & Execution

• Strategic Leadership & Management: Provide vision, direction, and mentorship for the Contracts and Procurement organization. This includes performance management, professional development, and workload balancing to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness within the contracts department.
• Federal Contracting Expertise & Compliance: Lead all aspects of proposal and contract review to guarantee strict adherence to complex federal procurement regulations (FAR/DFARS). Proactively identify potential compliance issues and implement corrective actions. Oversee contracts through their entire lifecycle, from acquisition and performance to closeout, ensuring conformance to legal, governmental, and corporate regulations.
• Procurement Operations: Experience leading a procurement team in a Certified Procurement System to include DCMA Audits, overseeing procurement activities, and managing procurement risks. Provide back-up for purchasing, audits, vendor relationships, etc. Develop sourcing strategies to improve quality, delivery performance, and total cost of ownership. Help manage the procurement lifecycle from requisition through purchase order issuance and receipt.
• Proactive Risk Management & Mitigation: Thoroughly analyze contracts for financial, legal, and operational risks before Develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks, protecting Davidson's financial stability and reputation. Lead the identification, execution, and management of contract risk. Advise executive leadership on business risk associated with proposals, negotiations, subcontracting strategies, intellectual property, data rights, export compliance, organizational conflicts of interest, and other contractual obligations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Alignment: Serve as the central point of contact for all contract-related matters, partnering closely with Business Development , Program Management, Finance, and Legal teams throughout the entire lifecycle - from proposal development to closeout. This includes providing guidance on contract strategies, terms & conditions, and risk assessment. Interface effectively with program and functional organization directors in the execution of contracts.
• Contract Negotiation & Administration: Lead complex negotiations with government customers and subcontractors to secure favorable contract terms that align with Davidson's strategic objectives. Drive contracts to successful award while ensuring profitability and minimizing liabilities. Conduct proposal preparation, contract negotiation, and administration of all domestic and international contracts. Manage the preparation of RFPs for distribution to subcontractors and support cost proposal negotiations. Review and execute non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and teaming agreements (TAs).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Prepare and present management reports and analysis as needed.
• Support the development and/or enhancement of corporate processes related to contracts.
• Review RFQ/RFPs for a comprehensive understanding of the Federal Government acquisition and proposal process.

Expected Qualifications:

• Experience: 10 to 15+ years of progressive experience in federal government contracting, including demonstrated success in leading teams and managing complex contractual actions. Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience required.
• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Acquisition and Contract Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related business field (MBA or Juris Doctorate is preferred).

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Effective leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and talent for accuracy and precision.
• Deep understanding of contracts, contract governance, contractual language, contract types, and the contract lifecycle.
• Critical thinking skills and the ability to research and understand legal and financial implications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of Deltek Costpoint is highly desirable.

Clearance Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.