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Job Summary
Twenty-Six Defense is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead contract activities supporting its Aftermarket business area within the Electronic Systems (ES) division. The position will be based in Talladega, Alabama, and will report to the ES Senior Director of Contracts. This position will lead a team of approximately five to six contract professionals responsible for managing and negotiating a diverse portfolio of contracts with the U.S. Government, U.S. defense prime contractors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and internal customers through Direct Commercial Sales (DCS).
The Contracts Manager will provide leadership across the contract lifecycle, including proposal development, negotiations, contract execution, and closeout. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong business acumen, sound contractual judgment, and the ability to balance business objectives with contractual and financial risk. This role requires a collaborative, hands-on leader who can develop talent, resolve complex contractual matters, and work effectively with Program Management, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and other functional organizations to achieve business objectives.
Responsibilities and Tasks
- This position is a working manager role, providing day-to-day supervision for the contract administration team while also administering a limited number of Department of Defense and commercial contracts.
- Establish a high level of team participation and interaction to ensure quality and responsiveness are the highest priorities throughout every stage of the contract period of performance.
- Provide leadership to the contract administration team in pre-award and post-award contract administration functions.
- Guide the contracts team in contract risk analysis and provide feedback to the business units.
- Serve as a generally recognized authority in contract administration among individuals outside the Contracts organization.
- Demonstrate added value to business operations at the program level.
- Serve as the company representative to external customer contracts and procurement personnel.
- Lead the development and formalization of departmental processes and procedures.
- Lead and/or participate as part of a team in complex negotiations.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and government regulations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Authorities:
- Access product information as needed for cost, pricing, and contract negotiations.
- Discuss contract information within the company at all levels, as needed.
- Request critical financial information, as needed.
- Exercise other authorities as determined by the supervisor.
- Business Relationships:
- Company customers
- Company personnel
- Company personnel at other sites
- Company senior management
- Affiliated companies' Contracts and Program staff
- ESL Contracts, Program, and Finance staff
Skills & Abilities
- Advanced and effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver information concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Proven ability to write and edit business materials. A writing sample will be required.
- Advanced analytical skills and the ability to identify and evaluate business risks.
- Knowledge of and experience working with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal guidance.
- Financial understanding of rate structures and pricing strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex agreements.
- Ability to foster and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
- Experience with and understanding of international contracting, including compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Education, Experience, License, or Certification
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Degree in Business Administration, Contract Administration, Economics, or Law preferred.
- At least 10 years of functional experience applying the required skill set.
- Previous management experience preferred.
- At least 10 years of industry experience.
- Training Prerequisites (Within One Year of Taking the Position):
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD) training
- Safety training, as directed by the Safety Department
Travel/Physical Requirements
- Occasional travel is required, typically up to a few trips per quarter, depending on business needs.
This job description does not list all job duties. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
*For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.
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