Contracts Manager

Location:

Overland Park, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

• Lead the negotiation, drafting, review, and management of complex contracts, including government contracts, commercial contracts, subcontracts, NDAs, MOUs, and licensing agreements.
• Provide advice on contract terms, compliance with AMS, FAR, DFARS, and other relevant federal acquisition regulations and aviation-specific regulations.
• Work closely with the bids and proposals cycle, including drafting and negotiation of terms and conditions to ensure protection of company interests and the preservation of project profitability.
• Monitor and advise on external customer and internal corporate compliance issues, audits, and investigations.

• Advise on regulatory compliance matters related to external customer requirements and internal corporate requirements.
• Collaborate closely with business units, program management, finance, trade compliance, risk management, and external counsel to support contract execution and contract management.
• Participate in the preparation of bids and proposals packages following internal processes, from bid-no-bid decision to contract implementation and management.
• Manage contract lifecycle processes, including amendments, renewals, claims, dispute resolution, and contract closeout.
• Monitor and advise on external customer and internal corporate compliance issues, audits, and investigations.
• Support internal training and development on contract best practices and regulatory updates.
• Stay current with legal developments and trends impacting government contracting and aviation industry regulations.
• Represent the company in negotiations, meetings, and potential disputes with customers and contractors.
• Develop and implement contract management policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.

• NCMA Certification or Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in government contracting, preferably in the aerospace or aviation industry.
• Strong knowledge of US Government contracting regulations including AMS, FAR, DFARS, and relevant aviation regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with or on contracts involving the FAA, DoD, or other government aviation agencies.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex government contracts and managing associated risks.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across various departments and with external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with strong organization and problem-solving abilities.
• Prior experience supporting audits, compliance reviews, and dispute resolution processes is highly desirable.
• Security clearance or eligibility preferred.

• Proven experience as a contract manager with strong USG contracting experience.
• Ability to work in an internationally matrixed business environment.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of USG contract law / regulations and related best legal practices.
• Work independently and in a team setting across multiple disciplines, in each case with the ability to identify and resolve legal issues quickly and effectively.
• Develop and maintain effective client relationships.
• Develop and maintain exceptional negotiations and written and verbal communications skills.
• Exercise sound business judgment.
• Knowledge of Practical Law, Word, PowerPoint, and general legal research techniques.

Schedule:

9/80 work schedule on 1st Shift.

Travel:
Approximately 10-15% annual business travel, both domestic and international.

Say HI and learn more about working at Thales . This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation…