Senior Contract Manager

Senior Contracts Manager (Military Programs)GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military customers. We bring deep engineering and operational expertise to help customers execute critical missions, with a clear focus on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost and an unwavering commitment to integrity.The Military Contracts team is a trusted, proactive business partner to GE Aerospace product lines. Contracts is often the "face of GE" to U.S. Government acquisition customers and airframer procurement organizations, supporting programs across the full lifecycle from proposal strategy through development, production, and sustainment. The team provides expertise in regulatory compliance, negotiation strategy, contract terms, risk identification/mitigation, scope management, and customer relationships, enabling business deals that meet both GE and customer expectations.The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for managing assigned contracts and providing contracting solutions that support department and business goals. This role supports U.S. Government contracting activity (prime or subcontract) across a range of contract types, including complex development efforts, within both Firm Fixed Price and Cost Reimbursement environments as defined by the FAR and DFARS.This position requires strong independent judgment and experience to execute in areas where scope may be less defined, while influencing both short- and long-term business outcomes through sound contracting strategy, disciplined execution, and risk-based decision making.Key ResponsibilitiesEnd-to-End Contract Lifecycle Ownership: Manage responsibilities from solicitation receipt through contract formation, administration, and close-out. Ensure disciplined execution and documentation throughout the lifecycle.Business & Contracting Strategy: Partner with leadership to shape business and contracting strategy and drive flawless execution of contract formation, administration, and close-out activities.Risk Management & Compliance: Assess solicitations and contractual terms to identify business, performance, and compliance risks; develop and drive mitigation strategies. Remain steadfast in supporting compliance programs without compromise.Proposal Support & Deal Shaping: Support proposal development through compliant, competitive deal strategies. Help shape win strategies while maintaining clear alignment to contracting requirements and program objectives.Negotiation Leadership & Coaching: Develop negotiation strategies and provide guidance to team members preparing for discussions with DoD customers, higher-tier contractors, and other agencies. Lead and/or support negotiations on complex terms, scope, and risk.Cross-Functional Partnership: Educate internal stakeholders on contract requirements, rights, obligations, and risk posture. Collaborate closely with Legal Counsel and cross-functional partners to align contract execution plans with business objectives.Continuous Improvement: Leverage lean mindset, digital tools, and rigorous contracting practices to improve efficiency, quality of execution, and internal/external customer satisfaction.Independent Execution & Customer Support: Operate with confidence and autonomy, balancing internal customer needs with contractual and regulatory requirements. Support both internal and external customers with timely, accurate contracting guidance.Travel: Travel as required based on program/customer needs.Required QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.Experience: At least 7 years of experience in government, commercial, or international contract formation and execution.Regulatory & Contracting Expertise: Solid domain expertise in commercial terms and conditions and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), with emphasis on FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items) and FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation), as well as the DoD FAR Supplement (DFARS).Contract Types: Proficiency managing multiple contract types, including complex development efforts, across Firm Fixed Price and Cost Reimbursement contract structures.Additional InformationLocations: Grand Rapids, MI & Cincinnati, OH preferred. Remote to be considered.Desired Characteristics: Extensive knowledge of contract formation and regulations; ability to anticipate, identify, and resolve complex contractual issues. Strong cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with internal and external customers. High-energy team player with the ability to manage multiple projects/assignments under tight deadlines. Embraces new ways of thinking and practices that increase efficiency and effectiveness. Proactively removes obstacles for the team and learns from setbacks. Communicates and demonstrates a shared sense of purpose.