Contracts Director

Director of Contracts

Direct Hire Opportunity | Columbia, Maryland

Salary Range: $139,242 - $190,000

Take your contracts leadership expertise to the next level with a high-impact role supporting complex government, commercial, and international programs. We are seeking an experienced Director of Contracts to lead contract strategy, compliance, negotiations, and operational excellence for a dynamic organization.

The Director of Contracts provides executive-level leadership for the Contracts Department, guiding contract administration activities, developing organizational policies, and partnering with senior leadership to support business objectives. This hands-on leadership role oversees a team of contracts professionals while providing expertise on complex U.S. Government, defense, commercial, and international agreements.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop Contracts Department personnel, processes, policies, and objectives.
• Oversee contract negotiations, preparation, modifications, extensions, and compliance activities.
• Provide guidance on contractual rights, obligations, risks, and execution strategies.
• Support proposals, pricing analysis, audits, certifications, and government contracting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, DCMA, DCAA, data rights, and export control requirements.
• Manage various contract types, including FFP, CPFF, CPIF, CPAF, CR, and T&M.
• Partner with program management, legal, subcontract, security, and executive leadership teams.
• Maintain contract file integrity, reporting tools, and traceability for compliance reviews.
• Hire, mentor, and evaluate contracts team members while managing departmental priorities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Contracts Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years of contract management experience supporting government, commercial, and international contracts.
• 5+ years of contract leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of defense contracting, FMS processes, GSA OASIS, and government compliance standards.

Benefits:

Benefits vary by client and are confirmed at the time of offer. Example offerings may include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance options
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off to support work-life balance