Contracts Manager

Job Summary:

The Contracts Manager is responsible for the effective review, negotiation, preparation, and execution of customer contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies, legal regulations, and industry standards. This role requires expert consulting and oversight, maintaining a robust contracts management system, resolving disputes, and coordinating with legal counsel to mitigate risks and protect the company's interests.

Essential Functions:

Contract Review and Negotiation:

* Analyze customer agreements to ensure alignment with company objectives, policies, and risk tolerance.

* Support negotiations with customers to secure favorable terms and conditions, addressing pricing, performance metrics, and compliance requirements.

* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and mitigate potential risks in agreements.

Contract Preparation and Execution:

* Draft, review, and finalize customer agreements, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and enforce ability.

* Coordinate with relevant departments to gather necessary inputs and approvals for contract execution.

* Ensure timely execution of agreements and maintain proper documentation.

Compliance and Oversight:

* Ensure all contracts comply with company policies, legal regulations, and industry standards.

* Provide expert consulting to internal teams on contract-related matters, including obligations, risks, and compliance requirements.

* Monitor customer performance against contractual obligations and address any deviations.

Contracts Management System:

* Maintain and update the contracts management system, ensuring accurate tracking of agreement statuses, key dates, and obligations.

* Generate reports on contract performance, compliance, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for management review.

* Implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of contract management.

Dispute Resolution:

* Address and resolve disputes arising from customer agreements, working closely with internal teams and customers to reach amicable solutions.

* Draft and negotiate settlement agreements, as necessary, in collaboration with legal counsel and other stakeholders.

Coordination with Legal Counsel:

* Collaborate with the legal department to ensure contracts are legally sound and protect the company's interests.

* Seek legal advice on complex contractual matters and escalate issues requiring higher-level review.

* Stay updated on changes in laws and regulations affecting customer agreements and incorporate them into contract practices.

Other Responsibilities:

* The focus of this position may be heavily weighted in one or more of the following areas, depending on the make-up of the contracts team and current business needs:
Commercial contracts, government contracts, and/or intellectual property

* May be required to perform duties if selected as Senior Intellectual Property Leader for some or all sites

* Perform additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor or management to support the site's export compliance program.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Experience:

Five years of relevant experience in contracts management, contract law, or procurement management, preferably within the Aerospace or Defense market

* Knowledge:
Demonstrated in-depth understanding of contract terms and risk management.

* Skill:
Proficient in conflict resolution and negotiations

* Ability:
Ability to effectively communicate (orally and in writing) with all levels of the organization and with customers

* Education/Certification:

BA/BS in Business Administration, Law or a related field

* US Persons/Citizens:
Due to the export-controlled nature of our products and data, US Person status is required. US Citizenship status is required at cleared sites where a security clearance may be required

Preferred Qualifications:

* MBA or JD

* Eight years of relevant experience

* Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or equivalent contracts management certificates

Working Conditions:

* Standard office environment at a manufacturing facility.

* Work requires substantial visual concentration on detail.

* Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment…