Manager of Contracts

Overview Join our dynamic team as a Manager of Contracts, where you will lead the strategic management and oversight of all contractual agreements across our organization. This pivotal role involves ensuring compliance with legal standards, optimizing contract negotiations, and f

Manager of Contracts Oxford, CT Industry:

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Salary:

$130,000 - $150,000 DOE Overview We are seeking an experienced Manager of Contracts to join a leading Aerospace & Defense manufacturing organization in Oxford, CT. This position will be responsible for overseeing the administration, negotiation, execution, and compliance management of customer contracts across multiple business units. The ideal candidate must have extensive experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry, with a strong understanding of commercial agreements, defense contracting requirements, customer terms & conditions, and risk management in a highly engineered manufacturing environment. Candidates without Aerospace & Defense contracts experience will not be considered. Key Responsibilities Lead the review, negotiation, drafting, and administration of customer contracts, LTAs, NDAs, purchase agreements, and contract amendments. Analyze customer terms and conditions to identify contractual, financial, operational, and legal risks. Partner with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Program Management, and Legal teams to ensure contractual alignment and compliance. Support Aerospace & Defense programs involving OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, military, and government-related customers. Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense contractual requirements, industry standards, and customer-specific regulations. Participate in customer negotiations related to pricing, delivery schedules, warranties, liabilities, and commercial terms. Support bid and proposal reviews to ensure contractual obligations are addressed prior to quotation submission. Monitor contract milestones, renewals, performance metrics, and change orders. Maintain organized contract documentation and approval processes. Assist with internal and external audits related to contracts and regulatory compliance. Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to contract management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional communication. Provide guidance and training to internal teams regarding contractual obligations and compliance requirements. Support senior leadership with strategic business initiatives and high-value customer agreements. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Legal Studies, or related field required. 5-10+ years of experience in Contract Management, Commercial Operations, Program Management, or Business Development within Aerospace & Defense manufacturing. Strong experience negotiating commercial agreements and customer terms & conditions. Solid understanding of aerospace manufacturing environments and engineered product contracts. Experience supporting OEM and Tier 1 aerospace customers strongly preferred. Familiarity with FAR/DFARS, defense contracting requirements, and aerospace quality systems preferred. Strong analytical, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally at all organizational levels. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Preferred Skills Knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace quality standards. Experience supporting military, defense, and government-related contracts. Strong business and financial acumen. Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority. Highly detail-oriented with strong documentation and compliance management skills. Work Environment Office-based role within a manufacturing environment. Frequent interaction with production, engineering, and customer-facing teams. Occasional travel to customer sites, supplier locations, and company facilities may be required.

Compensation & Benefits Competitive Salary:

$130,000 - $150,000 DOE Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 401(k) with Company Match Paid Time Off & Holidays Life & Disability Insurance Professional Development Opportunities ostering strong vendor relationships to support our business objectives. As a key player in our legal and procurement functions, you will drive efficiency, mitigate risks, and contribute to the growth and success of our enterprise through expert contract management and business development initiatives. Duties Develop, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts including procurement agreements, vendor contracts, and service level agreements to secure favorable terms aligned with organizational goals. Manage the entire contract lifecycle using advanced document management systems such as Salesforce, DocuSign, ERP platforms like PeopleSoft, and other tools to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations including Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), UCC law (Uniform Commercial Code), and other relevant legal standards. Oversee contractor management processes by evaluating vendor performance, conducting risk assessments, and implementing change management strategies to adapt to evolving business needs. Collaborate with legal teams to draft, review, and revise contractual documents with clarity on intellectual property law, legal drafting standards, and technical writing requirements. Maintain meticulous records of all contractual documents and correspondence to support audit readiness and records management best practices. Lead negotiations with vendors and internal stakeholders to optimize pricing strategies while safeguarding organizational interests. Support business development efforts by preparing proposals, strategic planning documents, and research reports that align with organizational growth initiatives. Qualifications Proven experience in procurement, contract negotiation, vendor management, and document review within a corporate or government setting. Strong knowledge of legal frameworks including FAR regulations, UCC law, intellectual property law, and federal acquisition processes. Demonstrated ability to manage complex contracts using systems such as Salesforce, DocuSign, ERP solutions like PeopleSoft or similar platforms. Excellent negotiation skills combined with strategic thinking to foster mutually beneficial vendor relationships. Proficiency in technical writing, proposal development, pricing strategies, and research methodologies. Experience in change management processes and contractor oversight is highly desirable. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, or related field; advanced certifications in contract management or procurement are a plus. Join us to leverage your expertise in contracts while making a tangible impact on our organization's growth trajectory! We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where your skills will thrive as you help shape our future success through innovative contract solutions.

Pay:

$130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year Application Question(s): Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Legal Studies, or related field required. 5-10+ years of experience in Contract Management, Commercial Operations, Program Management, or Business Development within Aerospace & Defense manufacturing. Experience supporting OEM and Tier 1 aerospace customers strongly preferred. Familiarity with FAR/DFARS, defense contracting requirements, and aerospace quality systems preferred.

Industry:

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Work Location:

In person