Senior Director, Contracts (Space and Directed Energy Group)

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

The Director of Contracts is responsible for managing and leading the contract management and oversight process of major Federal and commercial contracts with various agencies. This position has broad responsibility over contractual matters, while also supporting new business opportunities and growth incorporate strategies. Additional responsibilities include direct negotiations for large, complex, domestic and international contracts, as well as participating in strategic initiatives related to the federal procurement process in evaluating market conditions, pricing strategies, and partnering approaches.  The Director of Contracts must be a demonstrated leader serving the Federal, Commercial, and international markets with a proven track record in the administration and management of contracts. The position is expected to collaborate with the Business Area leaders to facilitate Key Performance Indicators.

Position Responsibilities

• Manages Contracts functions (Drafting, Evaluation, Negotiation and Execution) such as: 
• Non-Disclosure Agreements, Sales / Purchasing Agreements, Sub-contracts, Consulting Agreements, Licensing Agreements, Master Agreements, review of customer proposed terms and conditions 
• Distribution Agreements (i.e.; resellers, agents, joint marketing etc.)
• Commercial and Public (Federal, State and Local Municipalities) Contracting
• Build and mentor the AV Contracts Team to elevate their skills in performing highly efficient and accurate contracting management processes.
• Participate in the business development process by providing expertise in contract knowledge, bid evaluation, proposal, and contract negotiation processes.
• Actively participates in preparation and assists in negotiation of proposals as appropriate.
• Structure and negotiate commercial arrangements, such as sales contracts, supply arrangements, operation agreements, 
• Develop and negotiate joint venture agreements.
• Formulate contractual terms and negotiate and administer contracts in accordance with company policies and procedures, applicable laws and customer requirements which may include:
• Bid strategy
• Proposal reviews
• Special project authorizations
• Teaming agreements 
• Facilitate teaming arrangements as both a prime and subcontractor
• Analyze and review existing contracts and corporate practices to ensure the maximum value under a given contract is being achieved.
• Provide interpretation of contract terms and conditions, and business risks  to management:
• Recommend modifications in contract contents to management where necessary.
• Collaborates with Senior Management Team to coordinate DCAA, DCMA and other Federal Agency audits.
• Participates in Senior Management Team meetings and other company meetings as required.
• Ensures the company's vision, mission and core values are embraced by everyone within area of responsibility by emphasizing the importance of our core values and how they interrelate the company vision and are integrated into program and project execution.
• Act as the focal point for communication with legal, finance and business team disciplines for resolution of contract issues and disputes. 
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree (Business Administration, Finance, or related field) is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 15 years of directly relevant experience
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Current expertise in Federal and International regulations, and relevant legal concepts
• Significant experience in directly related International and DoD/Federal prime government contract administration/management.
• Entrepreneurial focus and ability to thrive and excel in a dynamic and technically focused environment.
• Demonstrated business acumen with experience in developing innovative solutions and a successful record of problem solving.
• Capability to contribute to strategic planning at all levels.
• Ability to interact effectively with company management, business area leads, functional counterparts and contract team members in a professional manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation).
• Demonstrated capability working successfully in a collaborative environment that inspires confidence in co-workers and customers.
• Experience in training and mentoring, and building highly effective teams
• NCMA or other professional level certification(s) and/or related contracts coursework preferred.
• Availability for domestic and international travel as required.
• Qualified to have access to data and technology that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires access to data and technology that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants cannot be hired until they are qualified to have such access.
• Presently hold or capable of obtaining a U.S. Security Clearance (Top Secret).

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
• Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
   

Clearance Level

 

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$135,355 - $192,150

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters