Applied Technology Solutions, Inc. (ATS) is seeking a Contracts Manager to lead contract management activities supporting an external customer organization and its operating companies. This role offers the opportunity to shape consistent contracting practices, manage complex agreements, and support business growth across a multi-company environment.
The Contracts Manager will oversee contract review, negotiation, administration, compliance, and risk management while partnering with Business Development, Program Management, Finance, Operations, and other functional teams. The successful candidate will combine strong negotiation skills, sound business judgment, and knowledge of government contracting requirements to ensure contractual commitments align with business objectives, customer expectations, and applicable regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the full contract lifecycle, including review, negotiation, execution, administration, modifications, and closeout of customer and supplier agreements.
- Review and negotiate contract terms and conditions, identify commercial and operational risks, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Ensure contractual compliance with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and customer flow-down requirements.
- Partner with Business Development and Program Management on proposals, new business opportunities, customer negotiations, and contract execution.
- Support the resolution of contractual disputes, scope changes, claims, and other customer or supplier contract matters.
- Collaborate with Finance, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure contractual requirements are understood and effectively managed.
- Support the development and implementation of standardized contract management processes, templates, documentation, and approval procedures across the customer organization and its operating companies.
- Provide contractual guidance to operating company leadership and coordinate with legal counsel on complex matters, as appropriate.
- Identify opportunities to improve contract administration, reduce risk, and support organizational growth and integration initiatives.
- Maintain organized contract documentation and communicate contractual obligations, risks, and required actions to appropriate stakeholders.
- Travel regularly to customer sites in Louisiana, California, and other locations as business needs require.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Significant experience in contract management, contract administration, or negotiation within aerospace, defense, government contracting, or a related industry.
- Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and applicable government contracting requirements.
- Experience reviewing and negotiating complex commercial and customer agreements.
- Strong understanding of contractual risk management, compliance, and business operations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, written and verbal communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities across different business units in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to meet the position's regular business travel requirements.
