Associate Director Procurement Contracts

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium's unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.

At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed.

Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves.

We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.

If you have extensive experience in procurement contracting, complex commercial negotiations, and leading high-performing contract teams, then you will be excited about the Associate Director, Contracts role  the Associate Director, you'll be responsible for overseeing Iridium's procurement contracting function, driving vendor strategy, ensuring legal compliance, and shaping Iridium's end-to-end contracting processes.

In this role, you will set direction for enterprise procurement contracting, lead a team responsible for a wide range of contract types, and serve as the key partner to Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, Program Management, and Engineering. You will thrive in this position if you are a strategic thinker who excels in fast-moving environments, operates with high autonomy, and enjoys developing both people and processes.

• Foster and develop a highly effective team of contract managers responsible for supporting procurement contracting activities across the organization.
• Mentor and train your team by evaluating performance, identifying growth opportunities, and providing coaching to strengthen contracting capabilities.
• Lead full-lifecycle procurement contracting, including reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and administering complex contract types such as manufacturing, IP licensing, SaaS, services, consulting, and SOW/TO agreements.
• Independently manage Iridium's commercial contracting strategy, ensuring compliance, consistency, and adherence to contract risk-management procedures.
• Demonstrate expertise in procurement contracting, providing authoritative guidance to team members and stakeholders on commercial, legal, export, indemnification, and liability considerations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Engineering to negotiate business and legal terms, clarify SOW specifications, ensure timely deliverables, and support enterprise initiatives.
• Uncover contract risks, inconsistencies, and ambiguities by asking strategic questions and proactively identifying solutions.
• Ensure internal contract templates, executed agreements, and contract records are accurate, compliant, and maintained according to corporate policies and applicable regulations.
• Logically analyze multiple sources of information to respond to complex and high-impact contracting matters affecting company operations.
• Provide timely updates, recommendations, and reporting to senior leadership on contracting activities, vendor risks, and negotiation outcomes.
• Perform other duties and special projects as required.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Legal Studies, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• 12+ years of relevant experience in procurement contracting, supply-chain contracting, or commercial contract management.
• Previous management experience required.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey contract terms, risks, and recommendations to a wide range of audiences.
• Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team, modeling commitment to goals and expectations.
• Ability to form strong relationships and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
• Confident presenter who can articulate positions, negotiate effectively, and adjust communication style to various stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker who continuously looks for improved and efficient contracting approaches.
• Possesses creativity, resourcefulness, and…