Senior Contracts Manager; Aerospace in Meridian

Job Description SUMMARY

The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of complex government and commercial contracts, supervising junior contracts personnel, serving as a subject matter expert on contract administration and compliance matters, and cross-market collaboration within the Contracts function. Reporting to the Director of Contracts, this role provides experienced review and negotiation support for assigned agreements, ensures regulatory and contractual compliance across the assigned market segment, and identifies and escalates material risk items in accordance with the relevant Delegation of Authority policy.

The Senior Contracts Manager operates with a high degree of independence and plays a key role in developing their team, building/implementing effective processes and ensuring compliance with contracting standards.

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• 401k
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program

• Deep working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, government contract administration, and commercial contracting principles
• Strong negotiation skills and sound business judgment with ability to structure favorable business arrangements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex contractual issues into clear guidance for non-contracts stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage a complex workload independently while supervising others
• High integrity with strong instincts for identifying and escalating legal and compliance risk
• Collaborative leadership style with a genuine commitment to team development and mentorship
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with ERP and CLM systems
• NCMA CPCM, CFCM, or equivalent professional certification

• Manage a portfolio of government prime contracts, and commercial agreements from capture through closeout
• Build/Manage relationships with Prime Contracts counterparts
• Work with cross functional teams including Finance, Business Development and Program Management to develop effective new business capture strategies
• Assist in the development, implementation and improvement of company-wide Contract policy
• Draft and negotiate routine contractual documents using approved templates and playbooks; identify/escalate non-standard or high-risk terms to the Director of Contracts
• Review and approve minor deviations from approved playbooks within defined authority limits; document all approved deviations in the CLM system with rationale
• Process and coordinate contract modifications, amendments, task orders, and funding adjustments; ensure appropriate approvals are obtained prior to execution
• Monitor contract performance obligations, deliverables, funding levels, and milestones; proactively communicate risks to Program Management
• Assist subcontract/procurement teams with negotiation of terms as needed
• Develop program-specific flow-down terms applicable to prime contract requirements
• Lead or support proposal contract reviews for assigned pursuits, including identification of contractual risks and preparation of certifications
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, TINA, ITAR, and other applicable regulatory requirements across assigned market segment
• Conduct periodic contract performance and administrative compliance reviews for assigned market segment
• Identify and elevate high-risk indemnification, IP (including patents), liability, data privacy, or export control issues
• Supervise assigned Contract Administrators; provide day-to-day guidance, task assignment, and quality review of work product
• Provide training and mentorship to junior contracts personnel on procedures, compliance requirements, and Company standards
• Maintain accurate and complete contract records in the CLM and ERP systems; generate metrics and management reports
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or demonstrated successful work experience meeting minimum years; advanced degree a plus
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in contracts administration and management preferably in the Aerospace and Defense industry
• Substantial experience with government prime contracts and subcontracts, including FAR/DFARS compliance, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act (formerly TINA), and ITAR requirements
• Experience with Other Transactions, Undefinitized Contract Actions, Cost contracts, and other standard…