Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission-critical innovation.

CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.

CED's current salary range for this role is $84,000 to $108,500 / year. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED's benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts, plus a 9/80 work schedule allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.

Job Summary

The Contracts Manager provides responsible advice and counsel on a broad range of contractual, financial, and business matters, from proposal development through contract performance. This role is instrumental in negotiating and defining contract terms that effectively mitigate Chemring's contractual risk while enabling cost-effective program performance, in full compliance with corporate policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.

Essential Job Functions

• Serve as the primary contractual interface with customers (US Government and commercial contractors), supporting fact-finding, proposal development, contract negotiations, contract awards, and ongoing contract communications
• Interpret and apply Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements to ensure full compliance with applicable federal regulations
• Negotiate contract terms and pricing, in alignment with business objectives, and document key discussions, agreements, and outcomes
• Review contractual documents for accuracy, risk, and compliance with terms, conditions, regulatory requirements, and business objectives prior to execution
• Create, update, and maintain contract data within the system of record, ensuring accurate documentation, data integrity, traceability, and alignment with contract requirements and company procedures
• Ensure proper identification and flow down of contractual requirements to subcontracts and internal stakeholders, including FAR/DFARS and customer-specific provisions
• Represent Contract Management on proposal and program teams
• Monitor program performance for scope changes and manage the contract change process in coordination with Program Management, Engineering, Finance, and other stakeholders to mitigate risk
• Provide guidance and support to internal stakeholders on contractual issues and developments
• Identify, assess, and escalate contractual risks and issues, recommending mitigation strategies in alignment with company risk tolerance and governance processes
• Establish and maintain transparent, trust-based customer relationships aligned with CED's business objectives
• Draft and negotiate contractual instruments, as required
• Review contract status reports for accuracy and take appropriate action to correct or validate data in accordance with departmental procedures

Other Job Functions

• Other special projects as assigned
• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ensures 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or similar, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Related contracts/subcontracts coursework is preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years direct contracts experience; alternatively, candidates with at least 1 year of contracts management experience within the Aerospace and Defense industry may be considered

Skills and Qualifications

• Lawful US Person (ITAR restrictions)
• Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) for all employees of Chemring Energetic Devices
• Strong understanding of the contract life cycle, types of contracts and applicable government regulations and contracting requirements
• Ability to use and navigate internal and customer systems, such as D365, Exostar, WAWF, E-Tools, etc.
• Professional certifications: CCMA, CPCM, CFCM, CCCM are preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and D365
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously
• Solid interpersonal skills with ability to easily communicate, interact, and build relationships with others

Physical and Other Requirements

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of weight frequently. Involves sitting much of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Routine use of a computer.

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and/or required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.