Contracts Manager (Government/Commercial) POST NUMBER: 478237

Contracts Manager (Government & Commercial)

A growing aerospace and defense organization is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of contracts across a diverse portfolio of partners. This individual will be responsible for drafting, negotiating, and managing a wide range of agreements while helping to implement streamlined contract management processes and tools.

As a subject matter expert in Contracts Administration within the aerospace and defense industry, you will develop and refine bid, capture, and negotiation processes, ensuring efficient contract performance throughout the lifecycle, including amendments and interpretations. This role requires strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to risk management. You will partner closely with business development, engineering, product, and leadership teams, navigating complex government and international contracting regulations in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

What You'll Do

• Manage and support contracts across various types including Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Time & Materials (T&M), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs), and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) across government, public sector, and commercial programs
• Support proposal development, contract negotiation, compliance, task order management, modifications, and contract close-out activities
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements including NDAs, teaming agreements, software and technology agreements, reseller agreements, subcontracts, vendor agreements, and strategic partnerships
• Support preparation and submission of RFIs and RFPs in coordination with business development and capture teams
• Oversee the full contract lifecycle from proposal through close-out
• Support public sector contracting activities across procurement vehicles and compliance frameworks (FAR, DFARS, FedRAMP, GSA structures, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with applicable contracting regulations including FAR, DFARS, CAS, EAR, ITAR, and federal procurement requirements
• Analyze contractual obligations, risk, IP considerations, and performance requirements for internal stakeholders
• Generate compliance matrices, support risk assessments, and assist with audits and reviews
• Partner with cross-functional teams including BD, engineering, finance, supply chain, and operations
• Ensure proper flow-down of contract terms and compliance requirements
• Oversee subcontractor, vendor, and partner agreements to align with prime contracts
• Maintain accurate contract records including amendments, deliverables, and compliance documentation
• Track contract performance, milestones, and reporting requirements
• Provide contract briefings, risk summaries, and strategic guidance to leadership
• Support development of internal policies, templates, and contract lifecycle processes
• Assist with compliance documentation including SAM registrations, CPARS support, and related requirements
• Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Manage multiple contracts and deadlines in a dynamic environment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Supply Chain, or related field
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• Minimum 7 years of experience in contract management or related field
• Minimum 4 years of experience in government contracting
• Experience managing full lifecycle contracts including CPFF, FFP, OTA, and T&M
• Experience with complex, multi-year contracts in government and international environments
• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and federal procurement standards
• Experience negotiating terms and managing contract execution and compliance
• Understanding of contract structures, flow-downs, and performance requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Business, Law, or Public Administration
• NCMA certifications (CPCM, CFCM, or CCMA)
• Experience with contract management or CRM systems
• Experience implementing Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools
• Familiarity with international contracting and export controls
• Active DoD clearance (Secret or higher) preferred

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.