Head of Contracts

Job Description

THE ROLE

***Open to Dallas or Washington, DC Area***

We are seeking an experienced Contracts & Pricing Specialist to support the capture, negotiation, execution, and administration of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. This role will partner closely with Business Development, Program Management, Finance, and Executive Leadership to ensure proposals are competitively priced, contracts are structured to minimize risk, and programs are executed in accordance with contractual obligations.

The ideal candidate has significant experience working directly on U.S. government contracts—either for a defense prime, a key supplier, or within the military acquisition community—and understands the full contract lifecycle from opportunity pursuit through contract closeout. This is a highly collaborative role requiring expertise in government contracting, pricing strategy, proposal development, contract negotiations, and compliance.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

● Lead the preparation, negotiation, execution, and administration of U.S. government contracts.

● Partner with Business Development during capture activities to evaluate acquisition strategies, contract vehicles, and solicitation requirements.

● Support proposal development by reviewing RFPs, identifying contractual risks, and developing compliant contract responses.

● Work closely with Program Managers to establish program scope, pricing assumptions, execution strategies, and contractual deliverables.

● Develop cost estimates and pricing strategies that align with customer requirements and company objectives.

● Review and negotiate contract terms and conditions with government customers and prime contractors.

● Identify contractual, financial, and execution risks while developing mitigation strategies.

● Support contract modifications, change requests, funding actions, and contract closeout activities.

● Coordinate with Finance to support invoicing, payment milestones, funding status, and contract financial performance.

● Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and internal company policies.

● Support internal and external audits, including DCAA and other government compliance reviews.

● Maintain contract documentation and provide guidance to internal stakeholders throughout the contract lifecycle.

● Serve as a trusted advisor to Program Management and Leadership on contractual obligations, risk, and compliance.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

● Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Contracts, Supply Chain, Legal Studies, or a related field.

● 5–10+ years of experience managing U.S. government contracts within the defense industry.

● Experience working directly with the U.S. Department of Defense as either a prime contractor or a major subcontractor.

● Strong knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and government contracting practices.

● Experience supporting the full contract lifecycle, including proposal development, contract negotiations, execution, modifications, and closeout.

● Experience developing pricing strategies, cost estimates, or contract pricing for government proposals.

● Experience supporting government audits, including DCAA or similar compliance reviews.

● Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

● Ability to effectively communicate with Business Development, Program Management, Finance, Legal, and executive leadership.

● Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

● U.S. Person status required due to export control regulations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

● Prior military experience, particularly within the U.S. Army or U.S. Navy acquisition or contracting community.

● Experience transitioning from military acquisition or government contracting into the defense industry.

● Background supporting major defense acquisition programs or complex DoD procurements.

● Experience with sole-source, competitive, OTA, IDIQ, and other government contract vehicles.

● Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM), program finance, and cost estimating.

● Experience supporting both commercial and government contracting environments.

● NCMA certifications (CPCM, CFCM, or equivalent) are a plus.

● Experience working in a high-growth defense technology company or startup environment.