Contract Manager

Contract ManagerThe Contract Manager oversees complex contract administration and management activities, ensuring that all agreements with customers, suppliers, partners, and internal stakeholders are negotiated, executed, and maintained in full compliance with company policies, government regulations, and industry standards. This role serves as a key liaison between sales, technical teams, and corporate functions such as Finance and Legal, providing strategic guidance on contract terms, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Depending on experience and leadership capability, the position may be scoped at a Contracts Manager or Senior Contracts Manager level, with increasing responsibility for high-value contracts, export compliance, and departmental leadership.Responsibilities:Negotiate contract terms and conditions with customers, vendors, suppliers, and partners, ensuring alignment with company policies and risk tolerance.Ensure full compliance with internal procedures for bid management and approval, acting as the conduit between sales, technical teams, Finance, and Legal.Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and practices related to contract administration across the organization.Identify key risk areas in contract terms supplied by other parties and generate creative, practical solutions that protect the company’s interests.Assist Contracts Administrators with complex negotiations during bid, award, and project execution phases, providing guidance on acceptable terms and conditions.Oversee major RFPs and RFQs in accordance with established company procedures and governance requirements.Manage hands-on contract documentation control from pre-award negotiations through contract close-out, including order entry and record-keeping tasks.Review contracts for acceptance of proposed or negotiated price, schedule, and other terms and conditions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.Support company compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations and related export control requirements.Oversee the drafting, review, and administration of advanced and standard non-disclosure agreements for suppliers and customers.Lead intellectual property and patent administration activities associated with contracts, ensuring appropriate protection of company IP.Interpret contract conditions and terms, including fiscal and legal implications, and serve as a lead advisor to Senior department management on significant procedures and regulations.Develop alternative solutions to difficult contractual issues as they arise during negotiations and execution.Analyze problems from multiple perspectives to present all sides of contractual topics and issues to stakeholders.Oversee instructions and requirements for all contractual deliverable items to ensure timely and accurate submission.Monitor and oversee contract performance against delivery schedules and other terms and conditions, driving corrective actions when needed.Represent the Contracts function at higher-level program and company meetings, and drive contractual action items to completion.Oversee the preparation and delivery of monthly and quarterly contract reports for internal stakeholders.Review and oversee contract modifications for accuracy, completeness, and proper documentation.Oversee the review of invoices to ensure they comply with contractual terms and conditions.Manage contractual instruments such as Master Supply Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding, drafting and negotiating the most complex agreements.Manage and be responsible for other Contracts Administrators and/or Government Property employees, providing leadership, coaching, and performance oversight.Directly advise Senior department management on department activities, priorities, risks, and opportunities.Assist with the implementation of instructions and directives from corporate functions that affect the department, ensuring consistent application.Apply for and track export permits required for the shipment of products and data, ensuring timely approvals and compliance.Prepare annual and quarterly export compliance and company registration reports for Canadian and U.S. authorities.Empower team members to take ownership of their responsibilities and act decisively within defined decision rights.Establish clear decision rights at appropriate levels in the organization to enable effective and efficient contract management.Participate in discussions, contribute to decision-making, and fully support agreed decisions once made.Proactively seek opportunities to collaborate across different business units and with external partners to improve contractual outcomes.Share information transparently, engage with colleagues, and build trust by relying on others to fulfill their roles.Demonstrate a performance-driven mindset, taking responsibility for meeting and exceeding commitments, valuing innovation, and seeking inspiration from external best practices.Essential Skills:Minimum of 8+ years of DFAR/FAR-based contracts administration or management experience.Extensive experience with U.S. Government contracts, including FAR and DFAR requirements.Strong leadership presence and personality, with the ability to confidently present to executives and contracting officers.Proven change management experience within a contracts or commercial function.Hands-on experience with product-based contracts, pricing, proposals, and contract administration.Ability to successfully manage multiple project deadlines while producing high-quality results within organizational standards and policies.Strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and handle competing demands effectively.Excellent administrative and organizational skills, ensuring accurate documentation and record keeping.High attention to detail and strong critical thinking skills, capable of solving the department’s most complex contract administration problems.Ability to meet very tight deadlines and perform well under significant pressure.Bachelors degree with at least five (5) years of U.S. Government contract administration experience, OR a bachelors degree with at least three (3) years of U.S. Government contract administration experience and two (2) years of managing more than two (2) department employees, OR an advanced degree with two (2) years of U.S. Government contract administration experience.Ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex contractual issues clearly to diverse stakeholders.Demonstrated ability to understand problems from various points of view and present balanced perspectives.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Experience assisting with ITAR/EAR compliance and export control requirements.Background in intellectual property and patent administration related to contracts.Experience overseeing non-disclosure agreements and other contractual instruments such as Master Supply Agreements and MOUs.Prior responsibility for managing Contracts Administrators and/or Government Property employees.Experience preparing annual and quarterly export compliance and company registration reports for Canadian and U.S. jurisdictions.CFCM certification, which may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.Advanced degree in a relevant field, with years required to complete more than one advanced degree substitutable for equivalent years of experience.Demonstrated ability to empower others, establish clear decision rights, and foster a collaborative, high-trust environment.Track record of proactively seeking cross-business collaboration opportunities and engaging with partners to improve contractual outcomes.Commitment to performance, ownership, and innovation, with a focus on meeting and exceeding organizational commitments.Work Environment:This role is primarily remote, offering flexibility in work location while maintaining strong collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders. The Contract Manager will be required to travel to the client site in Chantilly as needed for meetings, negotiations, and program reviews. Work involves frequent interaction with sales, technical, Finance, and Legal teams, as well as government and commercial customers. The environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, regulatory compliance, and professional communication. Dress expectations when visiting the client site align with standard professional business attire appropriate for executive and customer-facing meetings.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chantilly, VA.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $67.30/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and