Division Contracts Manager

Position Summary

The Division Contracts Manager is responsible for the leadership of the Contracts Management function for Braking Systems Division across the sites based in US and UK. Contracts Management team includes direct employees and may also include young career members such as Leadership Development Associates, Graduates and Apprentices on temporary placements.

Leads and manages combination of customer contracts with broad scope and complexity. Leads Contract Management within its team to develop and administer complex contracts and negotiations. Supports the division with strategic and tactical goals, policies, and procedures, and by ensuring contract and regulatory compliance. Manages and is accountable for the performance of customer contracts. Leads complex negotiations and ensures coordination within and across internal teams.

Provides knowledge of division systems, products, and services and understanding of division goals and strategies in developing contracts and proposals. Supports Division Contracts function by effectively implementing and following through on strategic initiatives. Participates on the Group Contracts Management Leadership Team to develop and implement strategies.

• Leads team in performing analysis, interpretation, investigation, and research of complex contractual information. Advises team, Senior Leadership and other functions on contract interpretation of contractual rights, benefits and obligations and in developing solutions and formal recommendations.

• Leads team in generating, drafting, reviewing and negotiating terms and conditions for all business matters relating to customer contracting.

• Evaluates the company s contractual risk in terms of cost exposure (e.g., compensation of damages/costs associated with performance); establishes review processes to mitigate risk during contract performance.

• Manages contractual change control process (e.g. in accordance with the program management change control procedures). Ensures an effective flow down of contract requirements.

• Maintains and coordinates contacts with domestic and foreign civilian and military representatives, as well as customers and government agency officials. Analyzes problem/opportunity areas, structures data-gathering and evaluation of internal processes, and coordinates responses.

• Responsible for identifying, assessing, validating, and managing customer claims and assertions and resolution of disputes.

• Owns the governance and administration of the Request for Approval ("RFA") policy and process within the division.

• Establishes direction for functional team and direct reports to deliver effective contract management within the division.

• Applies understanding of program financial reporting methods. Extracts value from contracts and opportunities to maximize the benefit of the business case.

• Leads customer dialogue related to all contractual topics including negotiation of contract terms and conditions, pricing and dispute resolution to achieve the best possible outcomes for the business.

• Develops and implements programs to increase cross-functional knowledge and awareness of contracting requirements and policies as required.

• Develops and implements procedures for effective document filing, retention and archiving in accordance with the corporate policy.

• Oversees and approves task planning for all contracts within the Division. Approves resource requirements and effort estimates with Line Manager.

• Reviews and approves Division s RFA packs related to new opportunities, contract scope changes and strategies for dispute resolution together with the Division General Manager and Controller within the Division s delegated authority limits.

• Approves agreed customer contract terms in line with the legal corporate policy.

• Owns the division s RFA process.

• Develops and mentors others. Champions professional certification and career development for the Division s contracts administration/management community.

• Provides training to the Contract Management function and other functional teams, as needed.

• Coordinates training and business meetings to facilitate the exchange of information on contract review.

• Coordinates flow-downs of contractual requirements with all functional departments.

• Utilizes legal resources and other subject matter experts to ensure all levels of risk are recognized and subsequently addressed.

• Bachelor degree in Law, Business Administration or a related discipline. Advanced Contracts Management certification required (e.g., NCMA; IACCM or equivalent) unless JD or MBA.

• Eight or more years of related experience, including 5 years in leadership and/or project lead role. Demonstrated leadership of multiple contracts of varying complexity and scope.

• Prior training and experience in leadership concepts and management principles.

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the contract management processes and all contract types.…